Principal Data Scientist

Are you an experienced Principal Data Scientist ready to deliver cutting edge AI and machine learning solutions with real world impact? Join the RAC’s AI Squad and help shape the future of our roadside assistance and contact centre operations. 

This influential role blends deep technical expertise with strategic leadership, helping deliver measurable improvements in how we support millions of customers. As a Principal Data Scientist, you’ll lead high value AI/ML initiatives, working closely with the AI Squad Product Manager, that drive operational efficiency and smarter decision making across the RAC through the advanced use of large language models.

If you're excited by impactful AI, largescale operational challenges and the opportunity to shape the RAC’s next generation of intelligent systems, we’d love you to apply and become part of the team. 

The role is working hybrid hours working from either our Walsall or Bristol office 

What You’ll Be Doing 

Designing and deploying predictive and prescriptive models for operational use cases such as breakdown triage, workforce optimisation, and dynamic routing.  Leading AI projects focused on delivering efficiencies across our operations to improve cost, productivity, and customer experience.  Researching and implementing emerging AI technologies — including integrating large language models (LLMs) into frontline and back office workflows.  Ensuring strong data governance, robust pipelines, and effective model lifecycle management.  Translating operational challenges into AI/ML solutions with measurable business impact.  Defining and tracking KPIs such as model accuracy, NPS, cost per job, and productivity metrics.  Coaching and developing junior data scientists and analysts within the Innovation Squad. 

What You’ll Bring 

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who are passionate about impactful, responsible AI. 

Skills & Experience 

Proven experience leading AI/ML projects, ideally focused on operational or resource optimisation outcomes.  Strong technical expertise in Python, SQL, and Snowflake.  Experience developing forecasting, timeseries, optimisation, and NLP models.  Cloud experience across AWS, Azure, or GCP.  Solid understanding of MLOps, model monitoring, and scalable deployment.  Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to nontechnical teams.  Experience delivering innovative solutions across sectors or disciplines. 

Qualifications 

Advanced degree in Data Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, or a related field. 

As a Principal Data Scientist at RAC, you’ll get benefits that go the extra mile 

Earnings That Motivate –enjoy a competitive salary plus automatic enrolment in our ‘Owning It Together’ Colleague Share Scheme - a unique opportunity to share in RAC’s future success and be rewarded for the exceptional work you deliver.  Tools to Drive Your Future –get started with a free RAC Ultimate Complete Breakdown Service from day one, plus access to a car salary sacrifice scheme (including electric vehicle options) after 12 months, delivering serious tax savings.  Time Off That Matters –enjoy 25 days annual leave, plus bank holidays. We also support work-life balance with paid family leave, flexible schedules, and practical resources to help navigate personal commitments.  Financial Security & Perks –pension scheme with up to 6.5% matched contributions alongside life assurance cover up to 4x salary (10x optional with flex benefits), designed to support you long-term.  Wellbeing That Works for You –our 24/7 confidential support service is available to you and household members aged 16+, offering reassurance whenever you need it.  Extras That Make a Difference -access Orange Savings, our exclusive discount portal with deals across top retailers, holidays, tools, tech and more. After passing probation, you’ll automatically join our Colleague Share Scheme, giving you a stake in our collective success. 

Why RAC? 

For more than 128 years, we’ve been keeping drivers moving, and today we’re trusted by over 15 million members. We’re also trusted by our people, with a 4.5-star rating showing that RAC is a place where support, ambition, and opportunity go hand in hand. 

We welcome people from every background, value every voice, and back your growth every step of the way. At the RAC, you can bring your full self to work and we’ll be with you every step of the way to help you grow and develop your career. 

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