Lead Data Scientist

About UsOur leading Airline client’s dedicated AI team, focused on developing cutting-edge AI tools that drive innovation across the aviation industry. They aremitted to leveraging AI to enhance operational efficiency, sustainability, and customer and employee experience.Contract – 6 months (high potential to extend further)Location – London – Waterside (UB7 0GB)Hybrid – 2 to 3 days onsitePay – Flexible daily rate (inside IR35)Role Overview We are seeking a highly experienced Lead Data Scientist to lead our client’s London-based Data Science team in the development and delivery of advanced AI tools designed to transform a range of domains across business. The successful candidate will possess a proven track record of leading high-performing Data Science teams, building and deploying AI solutions into production, delivering tangible impact within amercial setting.This strategic leadership position requires strong technical expertise, consultancy experience, and the ability to operate in a client-facing, advisory capacity. Working closely with the Principal Data Scientist and your counterpart in Barcelona, you will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of Data Science output, influencing business oues and delivering measurable value across the group. The role reports directly to the Principal Data Scientist and will involve frequent international travel to engage with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment of AI initiatives with business objectives.Key Responsibilities:

Lead and manage the Data Science team in London, driving the conception, development, and deployment of robust AI solutions tailored to business needs. Act as the primary authority for AI work in London, accountable for the quality, impact and relevance of all Data Science deliverables at the location. Collaborate closely with the Principal Data Scientist and the Lead Data Scientist in Barcelona to ensure consistent standards and alignment of AI initiatives across both sites. Engage with key business stakeholders and cross-functional teams, translatingplex technical concepts into actionable business insights and ensuring solutions are understood and endorsed. Travelling as required for in-person engagement with key stakeholders in order to justify andmunicate model selection, deployment strategies and the rationale behind technical decisions, fostering transparency and trust. Mentor and develop team members, promoting innovation, continuous learning, and professional growth within the London Data Science team. Maintain rigorous quality assurance andernance protocols for all AI projects, ensuringpliance with ethical and regulatory standards. Stay abreast of emerging AI methodologies and technologies, proactively integrating best practices to enhance thepetitiveness and effectiveness of our AI solutions.

Qualifications: PhD or master’s degree in data science,puter Science, Statistics, or a closely related discipline.Minimum 7 years' experience in data science and artificial intelligence, with a proven record of leading high-impact AI projects and teams.Strong consultancy experience, demonstrating an ability to engage, influence, and build relationships with stakeholders at all organisational levels.Expertise in establishing and maintaining rigorous quality assurance frameworks for Data Science initiatives.Exceptionalmunication skills, with the ability to distilplex technical concepts for non-technical audiences.Proven ability to inspire and lead cross-functional teams, driving collaboration and translating technical insights into business value.Experience in AIernance, ethical frameworks, and regulatorypliance.Skills: Advanced proficiency in data science techniques, including machine learning, optimisation, simulation, deep learning, and generative AI.Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building abilities.Ability to translate technical outputs into clear, business-aligned insights.Why Join Us: Impact: Play a pivotal role in transforming the aviation industry through AI.Growth: Opportunities for professional development and career advancement.Innovation: Work with cutting-edge technologies and a dynamic team of experts.