Data Scientist X5

Senior Product Data Scientist (Contract) Contract: 6-month initial contract (extension likely) Location: Hybrid - London Rate: Excellent contract rates IR35 Status: Inside IR35 Overview We're supporting a FTSE 100, enterprise‑scale organisation undergoing a long‑term transformation across data, analytics, and decision intelligence. As part of this programme, we're looking for a Principal/Senior Data Scientist to lead high‑impact data science products that directly influence operational performance and strategic decision‑making. This is a senior, hands‑on role focused on real‑world outcomes, not proof‑of‑concept work. You'll operate at the intersection of data science, engineering, and the business, shaping how advanced analytics is embedded across a complex organisation. What You'll Be Doing • Leading the end‑to‑end delivery of data science and machine learning products, from problem framing through to production and optimisation • Tackling ambiguous, high‑value business problems, translating them into structured analytical solutions • Providing technical leadership across predictive modelling, optimisation, and decision‑support use cases • Ensuring data science solutions are production‑ready, scalable, and embedded into operational processes • Working closely with senior stakeholders to translate analytical outputs into clear, actionable decisions • Driving best practice across model governance, ethics, engineering standards, and Agile delivery • Influencing roadmaps and priorities, balancing pace with long‑term value What We're Looking For • Proven experience at Principal or Lead Data Scientist level • Strong grounding in data science, machine learning, and applied analytics in production environments • Ability to structure complex, ill‑defined problems and drive them to delivery • Confidence communicating with and influencing senior, non‑technical stakeholders • Experience delivering industrialised data or ML products • A pragmatic, outcome‑focused mindset with a strong sense of ownership • Coming from a consulting background (BCG, McKinsey, ect) Experience in complex operational or asset‑heavy environments (e.g. transport, logistics, infrastructure) is beneficial but not essential.