Head of Data Science, TalkTalk
Advanced Analytics & Artificial Intelligence
Offers performance-related bonus opportunities
3-5 days a week in office (Circle Square, Manchester)
Broadband, mobile & TV provider
Be an early applicant
Broadband, mobile & TV provider
501-1000 employees
Be an early applicant
Offers performance-related bonus opportunities
3-5 days a week in office (Circle Square, Manchester)
501-1000 employees
Company mission
To bring simple, affordable, reliable and fair connectivity to everyone.
Role
Who you are
- Deep knowledge of data science, advanced analytics and AI, including GenAI and Agentic AI
- Strong understanding of the mathematics, statistics and scientific principles underpinning modern AI and analytics techniques
- Experience applying ethical, regulatory and governance frameworks
- Proven experience in scaling, deploying and monitoring models in production, using MLOps best practices
- Strong Python programming capability
- Ability to define and execute data science and AI strategy, simplifying complexity and aligning outputs to business value
- A proven record of leading, mentoring and upskilling data science teams
- Demonstrated success in delivering projects end‑to‑end, from concept through live production
- Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence across multiple organisational levels
- Strong prioritisation and delivery skills, operating at pace with a clear focus on outcomes
- A tenacious, resilient mindset with a “can‑do” attitude and drive to make things happen
What the job involves
- This position is offered on a 12‑month FTC basis
- Lead the delivery of AI‑driven value at scale - This newly created role exists to meet growing business demand for value delivered through data science, advanced analytics and AI
- As Head of Data Science, Advanced Analytics & AI, you will provide both technical leadership and strategic direction, ensuring data products are aligned to business priorities and deliver tangible, measurable impact
- You’ll lead multidisciplinary teams, collaborate closely with senior stakeholders across the organisation, and take ownership of turning complex data capabilities - including GenAI and Agentic AI - into production‑ready solutions that solve real business problems
- The Head of Data Science, Advanced Analytics and AI will be responsible and accountable for:
- Identifying, prioritising and delivering data products aligned to business needs
- Working collaboratively with stakeholders across multiple business functions
- Translating complex analysis and insights into clear messaging for stakeholders with varying levels of technical knowledge
- Ensuring full compliance with data governance, regulatory and legal requirements
- Providing day‑to‑day leadership of data science and analytics teams
- Managing relationships with third‑party vendors and partners
- Setting technical direction and providing strategic guidance across data initiatives
- Leading by example through mentorship, coaching and upskilling of team members
- Embedding best practices and fostering a collaborative, inclusive, high‑performance culture
- Taking accountability for projects from inception through to production
Our take
TalkTalk is a connectivity provider serving 4 million customers. Originally founded as a subsidiary of Carphone Warehouse, it was demerged as a standalone company in 2010. TalkTalk boasts a number of firsts in the industry; including launching free calls between its customers, providing a whole-home filtering service, and bringing WiFi 6 router technology to the UK.
In hopes of optimising the experience of its broadband customers, TalkTalk has partnered with DZS, which is a leader in access and optical edge infrastructure and cloud software solutions. TalkTalk will leverage the market-leading technologies of DZS, including DZS CloudCheck and Expresse Cloud EDGE, towards reducing call escalations, minimising equipment replacements and shortening call handling times.
In 2022, TalkTalk acquired rival SSE from Ovo Energy, in order to bolster its customer portfolio. Rumours of its own acquisition by Virgin Media O2 followed that same year, though the deal did not come to fruition. The company also agreed a partnership with Telecom Acquisitions, the manager of a number of broadband ISP brands and products, which includes TalkTalk securing the controlling stake in the company.
Freddie
Company Specialist at Welcome to the Jungle
Insights
5% employee growth in 12 months
Company
Company benefits
- Company pension scheme
- Private medical insurance
- Income protection and life assurance
- We all lead different lives and like to work differently, so whether it's working from home or starting and finishing your day later, we’ll give you the flexibility you need to do your best work
- We offer all of our people free TalkTalk Fibre, TV and Phone (you’ll be helping us make them what they are, so it’s only fair that you get to enjoy them)
- We run lots of wellbeing initiatives throughout the year to support your financial, physical, mental and lifestyle wellbeing
- We offer 18 weeks’ fully paid maternity leave and 4 weeks’ fully paid paternity leave when the big day arrives. The same applies for adoptive leave too. And, if you’re a grandparent, we’ll also give you a day off to spend time with your new grandchild
- You’ll get the chance to join one of our employee networks, such as Talk Pride, Women in Tech, Wellbeing or Neurodiversity communities. From arranging events like monthly coffee mornings to providing support, our communities are there for you
- We want to recognise the people that go above and beyond, and display our company values — we do that in a number of ways, from a simple thank you, to experience days
- Plus, you’ll have your birthday off, fully paid, every single year!
Company HQ
Salford, UK
Leadership
James Smith
(CEO)Previously CEO at PXC, CFO at Capricorn Energy, Director at Rothschild & Co and was the Vice President of Merrill Lynch International.
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