Data Science Manager

MandM is evolving how we leverage data, combining predictive modelling with advanced business intelligence to drive company-wide decision-making. Within our Finance and Data department, we are looking for a Data Science Manager who will serve as the crucial bridge between strategic vision and technical execution across our data disciplines., You will define the roadmap, manage team resources, and provide direct technical support to your senior reports, ensuring the successful delivery of high-impact predictive models and reporting solutions. You will be an essential part of a collaborative leadership team, empowering your Senior Data Scientist and Senior Data Analyst while working closely with senior stakeholders-including the Finance Director-to deliver measurable business impact., You will guide the overarching direction of both data science and analytics, ensuring alignment with business goals through a well-defined and dynamic roadmap. Operating as a hands-on technical leader, you will empower your team to build robust machine learning models and scale impactful reporting processes. While focusing on strategic planning and resource allocation, you will actively participate in technical work-utilising end-to-end platforms like Dataiku to optimise workflows, standardise processes across both workstreams, and maximise the team's total commercial impact.

Role key responsibilities:

Strategic Direction & Roadmap

• Define, build, and own the combined data science and analytics roadmap, ensuring projects align with broader company objectives and drive measurable value.
• Oversee workload and project allocation across the two streams, regularly reporting on team resources and tracking project velocity.
• Continuously evaluate new technologies, advanced analytics techniques, and industry trends to keep our capabilities at the cutting edge

Dual-Workstream Leadership & Technical Support

• Directly manage, mentor, and provide strategic guidance to the Senior Data Scientist and Senior Data Analyst, ensuring best practices in predictive modelling and BI.
• Actively participate in the technical work, providing direct support in developing machine learning models, building complex analytical pipelines, and structuring advanced reporting frameworks.
• Balance strategic, long-term planning with hands-on technical delivery, remaining flexible to adapt to changing business demands

Platform Optimisation & Governance

• Champion and manage the team's core toolset, utilising end-to-end data science platforms (such as Dataiku) to streamline model development and accelerate deployment.
• Establish and enforce strict best practices for data workflows, including version control, MLOps, data quality assurance, and data security.
• Manage all person-identifiable data with due care and diligence, ensuring compliance with data protection policies and lawful, transparent processing.

Stakeholder Collaboration & Storytelling

• Act as the primary bridge between the data team and the wider business, translating complex technical concepts into actionable strategies for non-technical senior leadership.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional partners and attend internal/external meetings to represent the department with credibility and professionalism

• Core Leadership Experience: Proven track record in a strategic leadership role, guiding multiple technical workstreams, managing team capacity, and defining overarching data roadmaps.
• Dual-Discipline Background: A strong practical background across both data science and advanced analytics, with demonstrated success in deploying predictive models and generating actionable business insights.
• Technical Toolkit: Strong programming skills in Python and/or R, combined with advanced SQL and the ability to query large-scale datasets and support statistical modelling.
• Platform Proficiency: Experience utilising end-to-end data science and machine learning platforms to scale operations (hands-on experience with Dataiku or similar platforms is highly advantageous).
• Communication & Translation: Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills, with a proven ability to translate complex model outputs into clear, strategic takeaways for senior executives.
• Operational Excellence: Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and project management skills, with a focus on resource allocation and continuous improvement.

Competitive Salary: Your talent deserves recognition

Giving Back: 2 days paid volunteering to support a cause you care about

Career Growth: Opportunity to grow

Staff Discounts: Stay stylish with our exclusive discounts.

Company Pension: Secure your financial future.

️ Generous Holiday Allowance: Enjoy 5 weeks of well-deserved breaks. You even have the option to buy an extra week

Birthday Delight: Take your special day off to celebrate YOU

Free Parking

Health & Wellbeing programme; we'll look after you

MandM is one of the biggest employers in Herefordshire and one of Europe's leading online, off-price retailers, selling branded Fashion, Sport & Outdoor products for Men, Women and Children. We offer our customers fantastic value by partnering with companies who we have built long term relationships with, enabling us to offer our customers big household names and up-and-coming brands, giving fantastic value all year round. We are located in the heart of Hereford City Centre in our brand new, state of the art office. The modern, stylish workspace was designed to encourage collaborative working, teamwork and creativity - everything that MandM is all about. As our business continues to grow we are recruiting for a talented Data Science Manager to join our growing team. Why not come be a part of our journey to success and take advantage of all MandM can offer you! More than a role, * Be part of an evolving Finance Data department where you can directly own the combined data science and analytics roadmap. * Enjoy high visibility and direct collaboration with executive leadership, including reporting directly to the Finance Director. * Lead and shape a talented, dual-discipline team while remaining hands-on with cutting-edge machine learning and predictive modelling. * Work in a lean, collaborative environment where entrepreneurial thinking is encouraged.