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Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Head of Data Science - **Company:** Arqiva - **Location:** Crawley, UK - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** £72,339.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Data Infrastructure, Monitoring of Systems, Machine Learning, Working Model 2D, Large Language Models, Snowflake, Generative AI, Machine Learning Operations, Virtual Agents, Databricks - **Published:** July 15, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.adzuna.co.uk/jobs/details/5801180111 ## About the Role * Proven experience leading and developing data science teams, creating an environment where people can learn, grow and deliver value. * A track record of delivering AI and machine learning solutions that have achieved measurable business outcomes, not just technical proofs of concept. * Deep hands-on expertise across machine learning, advanced analytics and modern data platforms (e.g. Databricks, Snowflake), with the ability to contribute directly when needed. * Practical experience taking models from experimentation to production, with a strong understanding of what works, what doesn't, and the trade-offs involved in delivering AI at scale. * Experience operationalising models using robust engineering, MLOps and model governance practices. * Strong knowledge of emerging AI technologies, including large language models, generative AI and agentic AI, combined with the judgement to separate genuine opportunities from hype. * The ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, helping teams solve complex problems and overcome technical obstacles. * Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at executive level and translate technical complexity into clear business outcomes and action. ## Description We're entering a new era where AI is no longer experimental - it's operational, embedded, and transformative. From large-scale machine learning to generative AI and intelligent automation, data science is now central to how we innovate, compete, and deliver value. As Head of Data Science, you will define and lead our data science vision - translating cutting-edge AI capabilities into real-world business impact. You'll shape how advanced analytics, ML, and emerging AI technologies are applied across the organisation, ensuring we move beyond pilots into scaled, production-grade AI solutions. This is a rare opportunity to lead a talented and ambitious team while directly influencing strategic outcomes - turning data into decisions, and models into measurable value., We operate a hybrid working model. This role will require a flexible approach to attending one of our offices, with an expectation of being on-site approximately 1-2 days per week, depending on business needs, meetings and key stakeholder engagement., * Define and lead a forward-looking data science and AI strategy aligned to business priorities * Partner with senior stakeholders to translate ambition into clear, investable roadmaps * Identify where emerging AI capabilities - such as generative AI, foundation models, and intelligent agents - can unlock competitive advantage Deliver measurable business impact * Lead the development of advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI solutions that solve complex business problems * Ensure solutions are production-ready, scalable, and embedded into business workflows * Oversee the full lifecycle - from problem shaping through to deployment and value realisation * Drive adoption of modern practices such as MLOps, model monitoring, and responsible AI governance Develop and lead a high-performing team * Develop, mentor, and inspire a team of data scientists and ML engineers * Foster a culture of experimentation, continuous learning, and applied innovation * Set a high-performance bar - focused on outcomes, impact, and measurable value Champion AI across the organisation * Act as a trusted advisor and translator between technical and business audiences * Promote best practice in data ethics, AI governance, and model transparency * Stay at the forefront of industry developments - bringing in new tools, platforms, and ways of working ## Related Videos - [Data: The Deciding Factor in AI Success](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100310-data-the-deciding-factor-in-ai-success) - [Cutting LLM Costs Without Cutting Quality: How to Beat Proprietary LLMs with Fine-Tuned Open Source](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100151-cutting-llm-costs-without-cutting-quality-how-to-beat-proprietary-llms-with-fine-tuned-open-source) - [How Cisco embraced a DevOps culture within its network engineering team](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/99-how-cisco-embraced-a-devops-culture-within-its-network-engineering-team) - [Your imaginations is (no longer) the limit: how Generative AI empowers people to be creative](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/741-your-imaginations-is-no-longer-the-limit-how-generative-ai-empowers-people-to-be-creative) - [Blueprints for Success: Steering a Global Data & AI Architecture](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1577-blueprints-for-success-steering-a-global-data-ai-architecture) - [Developer Experience, Platform Engineering and AI powered Apps](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/990-developer-experience-platform-engineering-and-ai-powered-apps) ## Related Articles - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [Graph and AI Trends 2026: Why Is AI Running but Not Yet Delivering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/680-graph-and-ai-trends-2026-why-is-ai-running-but-not-yet-delivering) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [MLOps – What’s the deal behind it?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/125-mlops-what-s-the-deal-behind-it) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts)