Data Science Manager

This position is offered on a 12‑month FTC basis.

Join us as we embark on an exciting new chapter in our brand-new office at Circle Square, Manchester.

Build products. Deliver real business value - As demand for data science products continues to grow across TalkTalk, our teams are expanding to meet the opportunity. We’re looking for a hands‑on Data Science Manager / Lead Data Scientist - who will lead the development and delivery of high-impact data science products, building and scaling Python models in Databricks to solve complex business challenges.

You’ll play a key role in shaping how data science is delivered across TalkTalk, driving projects from concept through to production and ensuring best practices are embedded throughout the data science lifecycle.

Reporting into the Head of Data Science, Advanced Analytics & AI, you’ll combine deep technical expertise with strong stakeholder engagement skills, helping the business unlock value through advanced analytics, AI and machine learning solutions.

The Role - You'll:

• Support the Head of Data Science, Advanced Analytics & AI in delivering the department’s strategic objectives
• Apply deep expertise in statistics, mathematics, data science and AI techniques, including GenAI, to solve complex business problems
• Lead the end to end development of data science products from POC to production, using agile, iterative and “fail fast, learn fast” approaches
• Design, build and deploy robust, scalable machine learning solutions using MLOps best practices
• Ensure all solutions comply with organisational, regulatory and legal requirements relating to data and AI
• Provide technical guidance and coaching to colleagues, helping to grow data science capability across the wider team
• Champion experimentation, innovation and data-driven decision making throughout the organisation
• Help establish data science as a trusted partner delivering measurable commercial value

What You’ll Bring

Technical & Analytical Expertise

• Proven experience as a Data Science and AI expert, delivering tangible business value through data‑driven solutions
• Educated to MSc, PhD or equivalent apprenticeship level in physics, mathematics, statistics, data science, AI or computer science
• Strong programming capability in Python and SQL
• Hands‑on experience with modern data platforms and tooling including Databricks, MLFlow, Git and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience deploying and maintaining machine learning models within production environments
• Strong problem-solving ability with experience managing multiple complex projects and priorities
• Ability to translate business challenges into scalable analytical solutions
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to communicate complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Experience leading data science initiatives and influencing decisions across multiple teams
• Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, digitally transforming organisation, focused on outcomes and delivery
• A collaborative team player with a tenacious, resilient, can‑do mindset
• Passionate about sharing knowledge and elevating data science capability within a team environment
• Experience within the Telecommunications sector is a bonus, but not essential

Data is at the heart of every great decision we make, and this is an opportunity to shape how data science creates value across TalkTalk. If you're passionate about turning complex data into impactful products, bringing innovative ideas to life, and helping drive the next chapter of growth through AI and advanced analytics, we'd love to hear your story. Bring your expertise, ambition and authentic self, and let's build something brilliant together.

Be Yourself. Make an Impact. Join Us.

As a recognised Top 50 Inclusive Employer in the UK, we believe that diversity fuels innovation and success. We’re committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities and customers we serve. At TalkTalk, inclusion is part of our DNA – we’re all 100% human, and we’ve created a culture where you can truly be yourself.

We’re not your traditional 9-5. We’re a dynamic, flexible workplace, and we’re excited to hear how you like to work. Whether you thrive in collaboration, focus better at home, or prefer a bit of both – let’s make it work.

What We Offer

• Flexible hybrid working – with a minimum of 50% office presence to support teamwork and connection
• Collaborative office spaces designed for creative thinking and innovation
• Generous holiday package – 25 days annual leave, 3 wellbeing days, and your birthday off (plus the option to buy up to 10 more days!)
• Private healthcare for all employees
• Competitive pension scheme and performance-related bonus opportunities
• Free broadband for all employees
• Life event gifts – celebrating milestones like marriages and births
• Inclusive employee networks – open to all, supporting peer connection and thought-provoking conversations
• Salary sacrifice scheme – save on dental, gym, and more
• Big retail and leisure discounts
• 3 paid volunteering days a year – because making a difference matters to us too