Tech Lead - Data Science (f/m/d)

ZEAL Network SE is an international, listed group of companies that has been creating exciting and entertaining lottery experiences for over 20 years. In Germany, we are the largest provider of online lotteries through our brands, LOTTO24 and Tipp24. In Spain we work with the second largest national lottery, ONCE. Through ZEAL Ventures, we are involved in exciting e-commerce start-ups such as Omaze and DAYMADE. We have 270+ employees from various countries who act independently and think in a visionary way. Our corporate culture is characterized by team spirit, empowerment, and high ambition. Together we have a clear goal: to encourage people to dream.

As our Tech Lead – Data Science (f/m/d), you will shape and scale the way data science, machine learning and AI are used at ZEAL. You’ll define best practices, ensure methodological consistency across teams, and lead the delivery of scalable data science products that generate meaningful business value. You’ll act as a technical and strategic leader—guiding innovation, mentoring peers, and ensuring that models move from prototype to production successfully and responsibly.

• Define and evolve ML/AI standards and best practices, with a focus on model quality, monitoring, and drift management. 

• Oversee the entire data science product lifecycle - from ideation and experimentation to production deployment and adoption. 

• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and robustness in data science outputs across all teams and domains. 

• Collaborate with Team Leads, Program Managers, and the Data Leadership Council to shape our overall ML/AI strategy. 

• Drive innovation in Advanced Analytics (including AI) by evaluating emerging technologies and guiding model development. 

• Design and implement a scalable A/B testing framework, ensuring statistical rigor and automation. 

• Partner with Program Managers and business stakeholders to translate advanced analytics needs into actionable, production-ready solutions. 

• Mentor and develop data scientists via our Community of Practice and internal Data Science Guild. 

• Promote the use and adoption of data science tools (e.g., Jupyter, MLFlow) and practices across the organization. 

• Make architecture and technology decisions in alignment with other Tech Leads and platform owners. 

• Monitor post-deployment model performance and establish feedback loops to drive continuous improvement. 

• Report on gaps in model quality, standards adherence, or tooling issues to the Data Leadership Council. 

• Manage vendor relationships and ensure tooling is cost-effective and aligned with business needs. 

• 5+ years of experience in data science, with hands-on expertise in developing and deploying ML/AI models. 

• Experience leading data science projects end-to-end; from experimentation to production. 

• Strong knowledge of statistical testing and experiment design, with experience building A/B testing frameworks. 

• Experience mentoring and supporting the growth of data science teams. 

• Proficiency with key data science tooling (e.g., Jupyter, Python, MLFlow, Git, cloud-based ML services). 

• Experience working cross-functionally with product, engineering, and business teams to scale ML solutions. 

• Excellent communication skills and a collaborative mindset to align stakeholders on technical solutions. 

• Experience managing costs and ensuring the operational quality of ML/AI infrastructure. 

• Passion for applied ML/AI and a focus on delivering measurable business impact. 

• Experience working in a domain-aligned or matrix team setup, balancing central standards with domain-specific needs. 

• A state-of-the-art company culture of a modern and successful e-commerce company

• A highly competent, interdisciplinary team in which you can actively contribute with your knowledge and ideas

• A product organisation that supports your personal growth plus a yearly development budget of EUR 1,500,- for your development

• No micromanagement, but a lot of trust into your ability to deliver and perform

• Independent and innovative way of working and a believe real flexible work. You can take your unlimited vacation days spontaneously; we work in a hybrid model and provide you with technical home office equipment,

• Once a quarter a company event where we all get together and celebrate, as well as regular team events and small get-togethers

• Challenging tasks and lots of fun!

Sounds exciting? Great! We're looking forward to receiving your online application.