Head of Data Science and Engineering

Summary

Salary: Competitive Salary & Benefits
Grade: 4
Reporting Line: Data & Analytics Director
Contract Type: Permanent
Location: London
Closing Date: 27th June 2025

What to expect

As a Head of Data Science & Engineering as a senior member of the Data & Analytics team you will join us on our journey and undertake a valuable role responsible for the development and delivery of functional strategies, role always modelling the Post Office behaviours and demonstrating a Postmaster first mindset.

The job title will be responsible for leading the development, deployment, and optimisation of data science models and engineering pipelines to drive business transformation. Reporting to the Data & Analytics Director, this role provides strategic and technical leadership to a team of data scientists and data engineers, to facilitate high-quality and actionable insights by ensuring that data is available and reliable.

The role will also oversee workflow prioritisation, quality assurance, and the implementation of best practices in data science and engineering to enhance decision-making across the organisation. Additionally, the Head of Data Science & Engineering will play a key role in fostering innovation, ensuring data compliance, and aligning analytics initiatives with business goals. They will drive a culture of inclusion, continuous improvement, and high performance in the teams they lead, delivering and driving decision-making across the Business, Customers and Partners.

What we can do for you

Now, more than ever, we understand that attracting the right talent is pivotal in driving the positive change needed throughout our organisation. Beyond a competitive salary, we offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 27.5 days annual leave that increases with tenure
• Up to 18% on target bonus opportunity
• Car allowance
• Generous pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Income protection after 12 months service
• Full support from our employee assistance programme and access to our employee benefits platform
• Ever-evolving learning and development opportunities

Our commitment to embracing diversity extends beyond just words. We actively foster an inclusive workplace that values the unique perspectives and contributions from all colleagues. We hold the belief that Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion are not just vital but fundamental to our success and growth. Our priority lies in shaping a business that mirrors the diverse communities we reach, truly making Post Office 'Everybody's Business'. As an equal opportunity employer, we value and celebrate the differences among our people, ensuring that our practices reflect our dedication to inclusivity and equal representation for all.

What you'll need to succeed

• Degree in Data Science or Computer Science and/or professional qualifications preferred
• Demonstrable experience leading large teams: collaborating with senior leaders, to shape and deliver functional strategy to achieve business objectives.
• Substantial experience convening multiple stakeholders and through successful relationships, leading key cross-functional projects to drive results across the organisation.
• Experience in leading and driving change aligned to functional and business strategies.
• Proven experience leading data science and data engineering teams in a complex organisation.
• Strong expertise in machine learning, statistical modelling, and AI-driven solutions.
• Extensive experience in building scalable data pipelines, ETL processes, and cloud-based architectures.
• Hands-on experience with MLOps, DevOps, and continuous integration/deployment (CI/CD) practices.
• Experience ensuring data privacy, security, and compliance in AI applications.
• Strong record of stakeholder engagement, translating technical concepts into business value.
• Demonstrated ability to balance technical leadership with strategic vision.
• Strong experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for data and AI services.
• Empowering senior manager who can speak with knowledge, authority, and confidence in their subject matter, guiding their team toward success.
• An expert advisor with ability to apply advanced knowledge of Data & Analytics specialism as well as broad knowledge of related areas.
• An understanding of data privacy laws, governance, risk, and budget management
• Advanced influencing and communication skills; using a range of techniques to deliver messages effectively make an impact and drive a successful outcome.
• Ability to maintain strong and influential relationships with senior stakeholders and leaders to build support for business plans.
• Strong commercial business acumen and ability to make data-driven business decisions.
• Demonstrates a strong commitment to upholding the values and principles of Post Office.
• A track record of actively promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion within all areas of responsibility and in particularly in Data & Analytics function.
• Expert proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Advanced knowledge of data engineering tools (e.g., Airflow, Kafka, Snowflake, Databricks).
• Proficiency in machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Ability to implement robust data governance and AI model explainability frameworks.
• Commitment to ethical AI practices and responsible data usage.

About us

Post Office is an integral part of every community, upheld by the dedication and service of our postmasters. In a world that's constantly evolving, we recognise the importance of adapting and growing. As we navigate the shifting landscapes of a digital age, our commitment to evolving is stronger than ever; without losing the essence of personal touch that defines us. Our journey forward is one of reflection, learning, and positive change.

Whilst there is much work to be done, we're looking for people ready to think differently in tackling the challenges ahead - people who possess resilience and a deep sense of responsibility towards our postmasters and the communities they serve. This mission drives us, ensuring that we remain focused on our purpose and strategic intent. If you're inspired by the prospect of making a meaningful difference and contributing to a future where Post Office can stand as a model of renewed progress and integrity, we want to hear from you. Join us on our journey in making Post Office a business that belongs to and serves everyone, shaping a new future legacy.
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