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Senior Manager – Principal Data Scientist (Analytics)

location_onCrawley
Permanent
Competitive
01-12-2024
Salary: Competitive
Hours: Full Time
Location: Hybrid working -The VHQ Crawley 3x days on site and 2 days from wfh
Contract: Permanent 
Closing Date: 1st December 2024

Are you ready to be the driving force behind data analytics at Virgin Atlantic? As the Senior Manager - Principal Data Scientist (Analytics), you will serve as the leading statistician and technical authority in advanced analytics, specializing in Causal ML, Traditional ML, and ensuring statistical rigor across all initiatives. You will develop and oversee a strategic roadmap that aligns data analytics and statistical projects with business objectives, driving significant value through a diverse portfolio of high-impact projects.

In this role, you will lead the design and execution of advanced analytics projects, turning data from internal and external sources into actionable insights and developing predictive models that inform key business decisions. As the central expert in statistical analysis, you will provide technical guidance to stakeholders, collaborate closely with the Senior Manager - Principal Data Scientist (ML), and mentor the Operational Research and Data Science Manager and the broader data science team.

You will continuously explore and implement innovative statistical methodologies and tools, fostering a culture of experimentation, learning, and excellence within the team. Your ability to communicate complex analytical concepts in a clear and impactful way will ensure that insights are accessible and actionable for non-technical stakeholders, helping to drive strategic decisions across the organization.

If you are passionate about leading in the field of advanced analytics and ready to make a transformative impact at Virgin Atlantic, this is your opportunity to guide our analytics strategy and elevate the role of data in shaping the future of travel.


  • Communicate complex ML concepts and results to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
  • Serve as the thought leader and technical delivery leader in Data Science and Machine Learning, specializing in Traditional ML, Causal ML, and Generative AI.
  • Set and optimize standards for ML model development, curation, maintenance, and provisioning with engineering and platform teams.
  • Develop and oversee the strategic roadmap for ML and AI initiatives, ensuring alignment with business goals.
  • Lead the integration of ML models with business users and applications, facilitating seamless interactions.
  • Implement best practices for ML model lifecycle management, including experimentation, versioning, and efficacy testing.
  • Continuously assess new ML methodologies and technologies for business feasibility, driving innovation.
  • Provide coaching, technical guidance, and support to both the Data Science team and senior leadership.

  • Extensive experience in data science and machine learning, within senior leadership role overseeing ML projects and teams. 
  • Advanced degree (Master's or PhD) in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience. 
  • Deep expertise in Traditional (Predictive) ML and Causal ML, with a strong track record of developing, deploying, and maintaining high-performance ML models. 
  • Strong understanding of the fundamentals of Foundation & Frontier Models, familiarity with the practicalities and architectures of Generative AI and a deep curiosity of the field. 
  • Proficiency in ML model lifecycle management, including experimentation, versioning, efficacy testing, and production with experience in ML and AI Ops processes. 
  • Strong knowledge of cloud technologies and tools, particularly in environments such as Azure, AWS, and Databricks. 
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to convey complex ML concepts to non-technical stakeholders and work effectively with cross-functional teams. 

At Virgin Atlantic, our leaders empower teams to thrive through collaboration, innovation, and excellence. Explore our Leadership Recipe and discover the 20 core ingredients that define what it means to lead with us, driving our mission to be the most loved travel company and achieve sustainable profit. Want to learn more? Click here
Our customers come from all walks of life and so do our colleagues. That’s why we’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from all backgrounds. At Virgin Atlantic, we believe everyone can take on the world - no matter your age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs. We celebrate difference and everything that makes our colleagues unique by upholding an inclusive environment in which we can all thrive. So that everyone at Virgin Atlantic can be themselves and know they belong.

To make your journey with us accessible and individual to you, we encourage you to let us know if you’d like a little extra help with your application, or if you have any individual requirements at any stage along your recruitment journey. We are here to support you, so please reach out to our team, ([email protected]) feeling confident that we’ve got your individual considerations covered.