Senior / Lead Data Scientist

Company Description

At Neilson, we’re reimagining the future of data-driven insights with our pioneering division, DataWorks. As a cutting-edge division within the Neilson Group, DataWorks harnesses the latest advancements in machine learning, predictive analytics and AI to empower growth across diverse markets and deliver solutions in Business Intelligence, Analytics, Data Science, and Actuarial science. Our team, based in the UK and Australia, is at the forefront of digital transformation, using data to unlock powerful insights and drive competitive advantage on a global scale.

As part of a vibrant and forward-thinking environment, DataWorks combines the agility and innovation of a startup with the backing of a trusted, established provider. We develop sophisticated solutions with the latest in advanced machine learning, and large language models (LLMs).

Job Description

Job Description

We are looking for a Senior Data Scientist to join DataWorks, where you’ll be the technical lead for machine learning and predictive modelling projects. You will play a key role in developing end to end solutions and also own the implementation. This is a hands-on technical role where you’ll spend 80% of your time coding, building models and solving complex problems. While you’ll mentor junior team members and provide technical leadership, this is not a people management position although there is opportunity to do so in future as our small team grows.

Problems we’re working on include:

• Optimising marketing spend and mix for sustainable ROI
• Optimising call centre operations (prioritisation, demand) and driving performance with the right incentives
• Supporting marketing performance by analysing customer needs and effectiveness of creatives and other strategies

We have a hybrid working arrangement from our Sydney CBD offices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of data science models, responsible for designing and delivering technically complex Data Science initiatives that produce significant business value. Examples include churn prediction, forecasting on call centre performance and digital marketing demand, media mix models, clustering and segmentation, call centre activity simulation, speech to text and text analysis.
• Utilize advanced techniques in machine learning, deep learning, and causal inference to drive business insights and optimize performance.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (data engineers, business stakeholders, C Suite) to understand business needs and translate them into actionable data science solutions.
• Develop production-level code using Python, ensuring scalability and integration with cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure.
• Use SQL and ETL processes to manipulate and extract data from relational databases.
• Communicate findings and insights effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Provide mentorship to junior team members and contribute to the overall growth of the team.

Advanced Technical Skill:

• Expert-level knowledge of machine learning techniques (e.g. GBMs, clustering) across a variety of business problems and data sets and experience across the full life cycle of model development,  deployment and maintenance. Proficiency in SQL and at least one programming language (e.g., Python, R)
• Strong ability to align technical solutions with business strategy, and to communicate complex findings to senior stakeholders
• Experience in setting timelines, deliverables, and navigating resourcing challenges
• You will have demonstrated clear and thorough logical and analytical thinking, as well as problem-solving skills and high attention to detail.
• Experience with visualization tools like PowerBI is a plus.
• Experience working in a cloud (AWS / GCP / Azure) environment is a plus

Why Join Us:

• Work in a small dynamic and innovative team driving real business impact, with strong buy-in from C Suite.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in as a technical lead.
• Collaborative culture and cross-functional engagement with various teams and stakeholders. Autonomy in developing solutions and opportunity to drive high impact change in the business.

Qualifications

The Successful candidate:

• Significant, demonstrable hands-on experience (typically 5+ years) in data science or analytical roles.
• Strong candidates will demonstrate experience with building and deploying models that directly impact business metrics, and handling of real-world data quality issues.
• A Bachelor’s degree in statistics, mathematics, actuarial studies or similar quantitative area. While advanced degrees are welcome, we prioritise hands-on experience in business environments over academic qualifications.

Additional Information

Why Join Us:

• Work in a dynamic and innovative team driving real business impact.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development in a leadership role.
• Collaborative culture and cross-functional engagement with various teams and stakeholders.
• Competitive salary and benefits.