Head of Analytics & Data Science

Optima Partners is a forward-thinking professional services firm on an exciting growth trajectory. As we expand from 50 to 200 employees over the next two years, we are strengthening our team and are now looking for a skilled and experienced Head of Analytics & Data Science to lead and guide a team of data science professionals in the data space to help our clients deliver on their chosen business priorities.

As Head of Analytics and Data Science, you will play a leading role in driving the analytics & data science agenda in the Advanced Data Practice. Your primary role will be to develop and grow a team of data analysts and data scientists as they deliver across a varied portfolio of client-facing projects. You will support business development leads in creating and converting new opportunities, as the technical authority on the application of data science in use cases across all our sectors.

You will use your knowledge and practical experience to develop a best practice operating model to assure robust and commercially viable machine learning solutions are deployed and adopted with clients. You will line-manage members of the Decision Sciences and Machine Learning team, setting their goals, helping their personal development, and enhancing overall colleague satisfaction.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and experienced data science practitioner looking to progress their career in a leadership role, to drive forward an ambitious data science agenda. In return, you will benefit from our Advanced Data Practice's continuous learning and development, helping us all to stay at the forefront of a fast-paced data-driven world.

• Line Management: Managing 8-10 team data scientists and analysts (via 2-3 lead/managers), looking after their performance, PDP, and career growth.
• Client delivery: Delivery assurance on client projects, principally in the role of a technical oversight or technical expert.
• Business and Commercial Development: Support the Director of DSML and Director of Solutions in maturing BD opportunities.
• Financial Discipline: Support the DSML director in having an accurate view of the team's key financial metrics.

You will work with the delivery team and client engagement managers to set standard ways of working and templated approaches to different types of engagements.

You will be a natural communicator, able to articulate business problems/requirements to data scientists and engineers within delivery teams and data science/engineering solutions and concepts to business stakeholders.

• A highly motivated, enthused, and energised attitude.
• A solution-finding mindset that seeks solutions rather than spots obstacles.
• Passion to foster a One-Team mentality, through driving and promoting a dynamic team activity agenda.
• A passion to nurture and grow talent in the Advanced Data Practice.

• Min 2.1 degree in a scientific/mathematical discipline (STEM).
• Preferably a MSc/other postgraduate degree in a quantitative discipline.
• A postgraduate degree (MSc/PhD) in a quantitative discipline.
• Desired: professional qualification or membership of a data science-related body.

• Ability to abstract complex business problems into data, model, and decisioning ecosystems.
• Advanced knowledge of Statistics and ML techniques.
• Proficient in a range of programming languages (Python and/or R preferable, SQL, C#, Java).
• Solid grasp of popular and emerging technology stack for building and orchestrating ML solutions.
• A strong grasp of profit-loss dynamics and value drivers in a range of commercial settings.

• Ability to spot commercial opportunities for data science use cases in existing and new client conversations.
• Excellent people skills, with ability to engage confidently with senior/C-suite leadership within clients.
• Strong coaching and mentoring skills.
• Excellent written and presentation skills.

Optima Partners is an advanced data and business consultancy headquartered in Edinburgh, UK. We are a practitioner-led organisation that collaborates with top consumer brands to drive transformation and foster customer-centricity through our expertise in customer strategy, innovative design, and advanced data science and engineering.

We help our clients get closer to their customers, to truly understand them, and deliver exactly the right products, engagement, and experiences across all channels and interactions.