Senior Data Scientist - Operational Research (Routing)

Company mission

In the future, almost everything we consume will simply materialise on our doorsteps – what we call “e-commerce” today will simply be “commerce” tomorrow. But if we continue on today’s trajectory, the growth of e-commerce risks damaging the environment, alienating our communities, and straining the bottom-line for small businesses.

Relay is an e-commerce-native logistics network. We are built from the ground up for environmental, social, and economic sustainability. By building from the ground up we are able to entirely rethink both the middle and last mile enabling us to reduce the number of miles driven to deliver each parcel, lower carbon emissions, and lower costs, all while channelling funds to community members.

At the same time, we’re fixing the last broken aspect of e-commerce for consumers: delivery. As shoppers, we should have complete control over when and how we receive our purchases, and we should be able to return unwanted items as easily as we ordered them. That’s why whenever you buy from a merchant powered by Relay, you’ll be able to reschedule your delivery at any time. And if you don’t like what you ordered, at the tap of a button we’ll send someone to pick it up.

To orchestrate this complex ballet, Relay relies on a wide range of technologies, from advanced routing and planning to sophisticated user experiences that guide our team members on the ground. 

About the role

As a highly operational business, we rely on data science to guide how every parcel moves through our network — from when it enters the system to when it’s delivered at the doorstep.

We’re hiring a Senior Data Scientist to help us design, test, and improve the algorithms that power routing across Relay’s first, middle, and last mile. This role sits at the intersection of operations research and applied data science; it’s well-suited to someone who enjoys turning real-world routing challenges into scalable, production-ready solutions.

You’ll work directly in a cross-functional squad which includes Operations, Engineering, Data Analytics, and other Data Scientists, to improve how parcels are grouped, sequenced, and routed across the network. You’ll also play a key role in shaping our future routing strategy, helping us unlock efficiency, scale into new service areas, and adapt to new commercial requirements. 

It’s a hands-on, high-impact role with strong exposure to both technical architecture and network operations.

What you’ll do

• Design, prototype, and iterate on routing algorithms across first, middle, and last mile

• Build simulation and optimisation tools that help us test new strategies and operational flows

• Work directly with data analysts to benchmark routing performance and quantify gains from proposed improvements

• Collaborate with engineers and operations leads to embed models into planning and execution

• Translate operational and commercial constraints into tractable optimisation problems

• Work with MLEs and Staff Data Scientists to productionise models and build scalable optimisation pipelines

• Bring a scientific lens to operational design; measure rigorously, test thoughtfully
  

What we’re looking for

• 6+ years of experience in data science, with deep expertise in modelling, experimentation, and statistical analysis

• Strong foundations in operations research; experience with mixed integer programming, solvers, optimisation libraries, or related approaches 

• Deep experience with Python and SQL

• Well-developed analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proven ability to move from ambiguity to structure

• Effective communication skills — you can explain technical results clearly to non-technical audiences

• Comfortable working across functions and disciplines to drive impact

Nice to haves

• Experience working on routing, scheduling, or network optimisation problems 

• Experience in fast-scaling startups or operational teams

• Experience in logistics, mobility, marketplaces, or other operationally complex businesses

What we offer

• 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays).

• Equity package.

• Bupa Global: Business Premier Health Plan - Comprehensive global health insurance with direct access to specialists, dental care, mental health support and more.

• Contributory pension scheme.

• Hybrid working

• Free membership of the gym in our co-working space in London.

• Cycle-to-work scheme

• A culture of learning and growth, where you're encouraged to take ownership from day one.

• Plenty of team socials and events - from pottery painting to life-size Monopoly and escape rooms