Data Scientist

About the role

At Tesco, our Data Science team focuses on modelling complex business problems and deploying data products at scale. Our work spans across multiple areas including physical stores, online, supply chain, marketing and Clubcard, where we encourage rotation amongst our Data Scientists so they can gain expertise in different subjects. 

We work on several domains and problem types: online, pricing, security, fulfilment, distribution, property, IoT and computer vision are just some. Our team members spend 10% of their week on learning and personal development. Multiple academic collaborations enrich the team expertise; knowledge-sharing events are regular. Furthermore, we have got a great work-life balance, team days and relaxed but engaging culture.

You will be responsible for

This is a hands-on position where you will need to leverage your analytical mindset to find solutions to complex problems. As either a Data Scientist or Senior Data Scientist, you will need to understand difficult business problems and prototype solutions with minimal support. Apply, modify and design algorithms and mathematical models to solve business problems on top of big data architectures (Hadoop, Spark) is a core component of the role. Our data scientists will need to be able to validate, document and present the modelling process and performances, as well as communicate complex solutions in a clear, understandable way to non-experts. Data Scientists are also responsible for promoting data science across Tesco and promote Tesco across the external Data Science community. Finally, as a Data Scientist or Senior Data Scientist, you will be expected to drive innovation and take ownership of aspects of the project development, help the Data Science Managers and the Product Managers manage the relationships with the business stakeholders and mentor/supervise junior members of the team and/or interns.

You will need

We are looking for ambitious individuals with a mix of statistics, programming and machine learning skills. The role requires that you have an extensive background in machine learning and data mining. A track record in modifying and designing advanced algorithms and applying them to large data sets is essential. Some project and stakeholder management experience is preferred.

An ideal candidate will have a scientific mentality with the ability to ask the right questions, as well as answer them. A strong numerical higher degree in a mathematical, scientific, engineering or computer science discipline is preferable, as well as a solid understanding of mathematics and statistical principles.

Experience in one or more of the following fields is required: predictive modelling, operational research, deep learning, time series modelling and recommender systems.

Finally, strong programming skills are essential (Python is preferred) as well as familiarity with SWE best practices (such as version control, unit testing, CI/CD) and big data & cloud technologies (PySpark is preferred).

About us

Our vision here at Tesco is to become every customer's favourite way to shop, whether they are at home, out shopping, on the move, anywhere in the world.

In order to enable our vision, we strive to simplify operations for our Colleagues, Partners & Vendors to enable efficient trade.

Everything is underpinned by our continuous drive for the best tools and technology to deliver our vision. We’re driving innovation and transforming our Technology to become the world’s leading retailer.

We need people who share our ambition to deliver for our stakeholders. Passionate and confident people willing to take the initiative and drive us forwards. In return, we offer excitement, a great team, an excellent benefits package, and significant career development opportunities.

Joining us means playing a part in defining; building and launching an ambitious roadmap of digital products that could affect the lives of millions of people over the years to come.