Data Director - Logistics & Fulfilment

Ocado
United Kingdom
6 days ago
Seniority
Director
Posted
13 Apr 2026 (6 days ago)

Director of Data - Logistics & Fulfilment | London & Hatfield | Hybrid

“This is a two-day onsite opportunity, split between our Tech Hub in Old Street and our HQ in Hatfield.”

About us: Ocado Technology is putting the world's retailers online using the cloud, robotics, AI, and IoT. We develop the innovative software and systems that power Ocado.com, the world's largest online-only grocery retailer, as well as the global "Ocado Smart Platform". We champion a value-led culture of Trust, Autonomy, Craftsmanship, Collaboration, and Learn Fast to help our teams work at their very best.

About the role:

This is a strategic leadership position sitting at the intersection of complex maths and physical reality. You will lead a high-impact cluster of four teams covering a broad spectrum of interesting and challenging areas including Logistics optimisation (algorithms for routing optimisation), applied ML (for continuously improving our drive/drop time estimates), forecasting and modelling.

Our data teams within Logistics research and build the algorithms that optimise decisions for the world’s most advanced warehouses and delivery networks.

You’ll be responsible for the strategy and delivery of data science, ML, and operations research across both Logistics and Fulfillment (CFCs). We need a leader who can take us from "great research" to "production-scale impact," energising the team to push boundaries rather than settling for the status quo.

What the role involves:

  • Fostering a tight working relationship between data science and engineering to move ML models into production at scale.
  • Overseeing the long-term vision for our 4-team data science group, ensuring research depth translates into operational value.
  • Supporting and developing our data science crafts while helping the wider organisation understand where the biggest opportunities live.
  • Working with Data Engineering and Analytics to embed a strategy that captures the right metrics for better product decisions.
  • Line managing Data Team Leaders and representing the data function within the Logistics and Fulfillment Senior Leadership Teams.

What we're looking for:

  • In-depth knowledge of ML, and how to deploy models in production at scale (MLOps).
  • A proactive problem solver comfortable with the ambiguity of physical hardware and complex logistics
  • A strong communicator adept at data storytelling, capable of managing complex stakeholder relationships by listening as much as influencing.
  • The ability to use data to help product management prioritize feature development and measure improvements post-release.
  • A leader who creates happy, high-performing teams through coaching, 1:1s, and a commitment to knowledge sharing.

What do I get in return:

  • Hybrid working pattern (2 days in the office)
  • Wellbeing support through Apps such as Unmind and an Employee Assistance Programme
  • 25 days annual leave, rising to 27 days after 5 years service (plus optional holiday purchase)
  • Pension scheme(various options available including employer contribution matching up to 7%)
  • Private Medical Insurance
  • 22 weeks paid maternity leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave (once relevant service requirements complete)
  • Train Ticket loan (interest-free)
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Share options
  • Leadership bonuses
  • Opportunity to participate in Share save and Buy as You Earn share schemes
  • 15% discount on Ocado.com and free delivery for all employees
  • Income Protection(can be up to 50% of salary for 3 years) and Life Assurance(3 x annual salary)

#LI-JT1

#LI-OT

#LI-HYBRID

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Director: Forensic Technology/Data Analytics/FinCrime/Regulatory

Brimstone-Recruitment City Of Dublin, Ireland

Customer Director (Maritime)

Faculty London, United Kingdom
Hybrid

Associate Director, AI & Advanced Analytics

CSL Maidenhead, Berkshire

Senior Data Scientist

Bip Solutions Glasgow, Alba / Scotland, G2 1AL, United Kingdom

Director, AI Engineering

Faculty London, United Kingdom
Hybrid

Principal Data Scientist

Faculty London, United Kingdom
Hybrid

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Where to Advertise Machine Learning Jobs in the UK (2026 Guide)

Advertising machine learning jobs in the UK requires a different approach to most technical hiring. The candidate pool is small, highly specialised and in demand across AI labs, financial services, healthcare, autonomous systems and consumer technology simultaneously. Machine learning engineers and researchers move between roles through professional networks, conference communities and specialist platforms — not general job boards where ML roles compete with unrelated software engineering positions for the same audience. This guide, published by MachineLearningJobs.co.uk, covers where to advertise machine learning roles in the UK in 2026, how the main platforms compare, what employers should expect to pay, and what the data says about hiring across different role types.

New Machine Learning Employers to Watch in 2026: UK and Global Companies Driving ML Innovation

Machine learning (ML) has transitioned from a specialised field into a core business capability. In 2026, organisations across healthcare, finance, robotics, autonomous systems, natural language processing, and analytics are expanding their machine learning teams to build scalable intelligent products and services. For professionals exploring opportunities on www.MachineLearningJobs.co.uk , understanding the companies that are scaling, winning investment, or securing high‑impact contracts is crucial. This article highlights the new and high‑growth machine learning employers to watch in 2026, focusing on UK innovators, international firms with significant UK presence, and global platforms investing in machine learning talent locally.

How Many Machine Learning Tools Do You Need to Know to Get a Machine Learning Job?

Machine learning is one of the most exciting and rapidly growing areas of tech. But for job seekers it can also feel like a maze of tools, frameworks and platforms. One job advert wants TensorFlow and Keras. Another mentions PyTorch, scikit-learn and Spark. A third lists Mlflow, Docker, Kubernetes and more. With so many names out there, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you must learn everything just to be competitive. Here’s the honest truth most machine learning hiring managers won’t say out loud: 👉 They don’t hire you because you know every tool. They hire you because you can solve real problems with the tools you know. Tools are important — no doubt — but context, judgement and outcomes matter far more. So how many machine learning tools do you actually need to know to get a job? For most job seekers, the real number is far smaller than you think — and more logically grouped. This guide breaks down exactly what employers expect, which tools are core, which are role-specific, and how to structure your learning for real career results.