Head of Data Science

Role Overview

• Reporting directly to the VP of Data, you will lead the function that embeds intelligence at the heart of how we grow.
• You will define and drive Data Science’s contribution to core commercial outcomes; from conversion and pricing performance to acquisition efficiency and experimentation velocity.
• Your work will shape where we invest in Machine Learning and AI, and ensure those investments translate into measurable advantage.
• You will partner with Product and Commercial leadership to identify the highest-leverage opportunities for machine learning, and lead their delivery end-to-end.
• You will ensure our systems are production-grade, scalable and embedded within our engineering standards; transforming intelligence from isolated projects into durable capability.
• And you will build a high-performing Data Science organisation with visible leadership depth, clear progression and develop a strong reputation for Data Science at loveholidays within the industry.
• Define and evolve our Data Science strategy in line with company priorities.
• Partner with Platform and Commercial leaders to identify where intelligence can unlock step-change improvements.
• Bring a clear point of view on AI investment, ML investment, experimentation evolution and long-term capability.
• Lead the development and productionisation of ML systems across search, pricing, recommendation, marketing optimisation and elsewhere.
• Drive measurable value through direct delivery and by scaling ML capability across the organisation.
• Ensure our experimentation and modelling approaches are rigorous, scalable and commercially grounded.
• Translate complex technical work into clear business insight, action and outcomes.
• Attract, develop and retain exceptional Data Scientists.
• Create an environment where embedded Data Scientists operate as proactive partners within platform teams.
• Establish clear standards for technical excellence and engineering maturity.
• Represent Data Science in senior forums with clarity and conviction.
• Influence cross-functional decisions through evidence, credibility and strategic thinking.

Requirements

• Proven experience leading a high impact data science function in a digital product or marketplace environment.
• Strong commercial instinct; you understand how models connect to revenue, margin and customer experience.
• Track record of building and scaling high-performing Data Science teams.
• Deep expertise in applied machine learning in production systems, including performance, scalability and reliability (e.g. DORA metrics).
• Strong Python background and comfort working across modern engineering ecosystems (our systems are written in TypeScript, Java, Golang, Rust, Python and others).
• Confident operating at senior leadership level and influencing across functions.
• Desirable: Google Cloud Platform including BigQuery & AI Platform.
• Desirable: Bayesian statistics.
• Desirable: Agent based simulation and reinforcement learning.

Tech Stack

• BigQuery
• Cloud
• Google Cloud Platform
• Java
• Python
• Rust
• TypeScript
• Go

Benefits

• Company pension contributions at 5%.
• Individualised training budget for you to learn on the job and level yourself up.
• Discounted holidays for you, your family and friends.
• 25 days of holidays per annum (plus 8 public holidays) increases by 1 day for every second year of service, up to a maximum 30 days per annum.
• Ability to buy and sell annual leave.
• Cycle to work scheme, season ticket loan and eye care vouchers.