Senior Data Scientist

At Virgin Red, our progressive Data Science team has been collecting rich member data to understand wants, needs, and habits. We've already built impactful products, including a rewards recommender system and predictive models that enhance marketing efforts. As we grow and connect with our Virgin companies, we're looking to expand on the ways we use data to benefit our members and partners.  

In this Senior Data Scientist role, you'll play a key part in developing recommender systems and shaping the future of a dynamic offer platform. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to refine, enhance, and expand models and algorithms. 

Our Virgin Family 

Join the Virgin Group – a diverse collective driving change, enhancing customer experience, and having a blast. We're daring, disrupting industries from finance to space, united as part of the Virgin Family. 

Virgin Red rewards customers who live the Virgin lifestyle. Earn Virgin Points across our vast partner network, unlocking everyday rewards and exclusive experiences. As the Virgin network hub, we foster deeper customer understanding, opening doors for partners. Bold, distinctive, customer-centric – that's Virgin Red. 

Tell me more 

• Develop, maintain, and improve our recommender systems, dynamic offers, and machine learning models. 

• Develop an in-depth understanding of Virgin’s datasets, and act as a Subject Matter Expert. 

• Owns the technical development of their products and models, collaborating with Stakeholders, Product Managers and Lead Data Scientist on priorities, planning and delivery. 

• Communicates with stakeholders to show progress, demo or present work and resolve changes or issues. 

• Conducts research to develop proof of concepts and prototypes for new data products, utilising state-of-the-art algorithms, libraries, and frameworks. 

• Work with the Machine Learning Engineer to productionise algorithms/models and continually monitor and test quality. 

• Work closely with Analytics and the Data Platform teams, along with cross-functional squads, to ensure Data Science is represented throughout the organisation. 

• Champions a data-driven culture at Virgin Red by demonstrating best practices in A/B testing, supporting knowledge-sharing sessions and strategic analytical projects. 

• Ensures Data Science initiatives are customer-centric, advocating for customer needs while aligning solutions with partner goals and objectives. 

• Provides guidance and mentorship to junior team members, fostering a culture of continuous learning and experimentation. 

What you’ll need 

• An experienced Data Scientist with in depth coding experience in Python and SQL. 

• Passion for learning. Whether it’s testing out a new tool, reading up on the latest research or trying to understand why something works as it does, you are always reflecting on what can be improved. 

• Project experience working with large datasets and messy data. 

• Industry experience in developing recommender systems and/or dynamic offer-based solutions. 

• Examples of directing on Data Science projects and how you have worked with other teams across the business. 

• Experience deploying a model you have built into production. 

• Self motivated problem solver with a curious mind. 

• Ability to describe and compare Machine Learning algorithms, giving examples of where and how you have used them. 

The extra details 

Role type: 6-month contract 
Location: London (at least once per month) & your home space  
Salary: £88,000-93,0000 plus completion bonus - We're putting our salaries out there for everyone to see - no smoke and mirrors, just honest numbers. We'll offer a salary that matches your skills, always aiming for room to grow.
Working hours: Full time - We embrace flexible working. Let us know what hours empower you to be at your best both professionally and personally, we’ll try to find a perfect match for you and us. 

Benefits: Buckle up for an adventure with Virgin! Our benefits package isn't just a list - it's your ticket to an extraordinary career and life. Imagine unlimited leave for your globe-trotting dreams, a "Screw it, let's do it pot" to enjoy being you, and a learning budget to fuel your curiosity. We've got your back with top-notch health care, family support that goes the extra mile, and a pension plan to keep your future bright. From electric vehicles to flexible volunteering, we're not just offering a job - we're inviting you to join a community that celebrates your whole self.

Closing date: 13th February 2025

Some of the attributes that define a Virgin person just can’t be quantified in words. We pride ourselves on welcoming people from all walks of life, with all sorts of skill sets. Most recently, we successfully campaigned to add ‘Dyslexic Thinking’ as a skill on LinkedIn. Any uniqueness is a strength and will be considered an asset to our workforce. If there is something you would like us to consider, to tailor the hiring process to the way you work best, please don’t hesitate to let us know. 

Ready to turn your career into the ultimate adventure? Virgin's got the map, the compass, and the crew. Your great adventure awaits!