Lead Data Scientist - Operational Research & Optimisation

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Lead Data Scientist with a strong background in Operational Research, Optimisation and Decision Science to join a major FTSE 100 organisation on an initial 18-month contract. This role will play a critical part in delivering advanced optimisation and mathematical modelling capabilities that drive strategic and operational decision-making across the business.

About the Opportunity

Our client is undertaking a significant transformation of its analytical and decision-support capabilities. As part of this journey, they are investing heavily in advanced optimisation, operational research and data-driven decision-making to enhance business performance at scale.

This position offers the opportunity to work on complex, enterprise-wide challenges while influencing senior stakeholders and shaping the future direction of Operational Research within the organisation.

Why Join?

• Lead high-profile optimisation and decision science initiatives
• Influence strategic planning and enterprise-wide decision-making
• Work alongside senior stakeholders across a large-scale organisation
• Join a major transformation programme with significant visibility and impact, * Lead Operational Research and optimisation initiatives across multiple business functions
• Design and deliver advanced mathematical and optimisation models to support strategic decision-making
• Develop solutions focused on planning, scheduling, resource allocation and operational efficiency
• Partner with senior stakeholders to identify opportunities for data-driven business improvementTranslate complex business problems into scalable optimisation frameworks
• Provide technical leadership across Data Science, Analytics and Operational Research teams
• Promote best practice in optimisation, mathematical modelling and decision science
• Ensure analytical solutions are production-ready, scalable and embedded within business operations

• Strong Operational Research and optimisation experience within complex environments
• Expertise in mathematical modelling and decision science techniques
• Experience with Linear Programming (LP), Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) and Constraint Programming
• Proven delivery of optimisation solutions that generate measurable business value
• Advanced Python development skills
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience leading complex analytical programmes or technical teams
• Heuristic and Metaheuristic Optimisation
• Simulation Modelling and Scenario Planning
• Network, Supply Chain or Resource Optimisation environments
• Experience within transport, logistics, retail, utilities, manufacturing, aviation, infrastructure or engineering sectors
• Exposure to cloud-based analytics platforms
• IR35 Status: Inside IR35