Senior Data Scientist

Senior Data Scientist at Marks and Spencer. Lead the design, development, and evaluation of end-to-end machine learning systems to drive business impact across the retail value chain. Apply advanced statistical modelling, machine learning, and optimisation techniques to solve complex, high-value problems while shaping a high-impact data science capability that underpins M&S’s digital transformation.

Due to high interest, this role may close earlier than advertised. We recommend applying as soon as possible.

• Problem Solving: Apply statistical, machine learning, and optimisation methods to address ambiguous, high-impact business problems across the retail value chain (e.g., inventory optimisation, demand forecasting, clustering, pricing)
• ML System Design & Productionisation: Lead the design, development, testing, evaluation, and monitoring of predictive models in a production environment
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with Data Engineers, MLOps, Product Managers, and business partners to align data science initiatives with the organisation’s commercial strategy and priorities
• Technical Leadership: Drive the adoption of best practices in coding standards (e.g., code reviews, testing, documentation), exploratory analysis, model development, evaluation, and monitoring
• Partner Management: Collaborate closely with business partners to align on project scope, prioritisation, and manage expectations regarding technical constraints, trade-offs, and delivery timelines

• Technical: Strong hands-on experience and expertise in Python data science; experience with distributed computing frameworks like Apache Spark (PySpark) or similar is preferred
• Data Science/ML: Strong experience in exploratory data analysis, machine learning algorithms, statistical inference, and experimental design, with desirable experience in optimisation techniques (e.g., linear/non-linear programming, or heuristics)
• Ownership: Proven track record of successfully leading and shipping end-to-end data science products with a measurable business value in a production environment
• Communication: Strong ability to communicate complex technical concepts and findings into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences
• Software Engineering: Good understanding of software engineering fundamentals, including version control, modular design, testing, and CI/CD, applied to the delivery of clean, scalable, and maintainable code

Being a part of M&S is about bringing the magic to our customers. We are an inclusive, dynamic, evolving business built on doing the right thing and delivering exceptional quality, value, service to customers, whenever, wherever and however they want to shop with us.

• After probation, 20% colleague discount across all M&S products and many third-party brands for you and a member of your household
• Competitive holiday entitlement with the potential to buy extra holiday days
• Discretionary bonus schemes based on how you achieve your personal objectives and our performance as a business
• A generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme and Life Assurance
• A tailored induction and a wide range of training programmes to develop your skills
• Amazing perks and discounts via the M&S Choices portal to maximise wellbeing
• Industry-leading parental, adoption and neonatal policies
• Wellbeing support including 24/7 Virtual GP and PAM Assist
• A charity volunteer day to support a cause you’re passionate about

Everyone’s welcome. We are committed to building diverse and representative teams. If you need support or reasonable adjustments during recruitment, please let us know when applying.

• Mid-Senior level

• Full-time

• Science, Information Technology, and Engineering

• IT Services and IT Consulting and Software Development