Lead Data Scientist

Are you an experienced Lead Data Scientist looking to shape AI strategy, mentor a high-performing team, and work on cutting-edge LLM and generative AI projects? Our client, a growing data & AI consultancy, is hiring a technical leader to drive innovation and deliver high-impact solutions for customers across multiple industries. This role includes leading a team of four and acting as deputy for the Engineering Manager when required. ? Why This Role Stands Out Work with advanced machine learning, generative AI, LLMs, and modern analytics technologies. Lead and develop a talented data science team. Blend hands-on technical delivery with strategic influence. Hybrid working, excellent benefits, and strong investment in your professional growth. Key Responsibilities Lead and mentor a team of 4 data scientists, supporting skills' development, career growth and project delivery. Deliver end-to-end data science and AI solutions across multiple client projects. Build and deploy machine learning models, including LLM-powered and generative AI applications. Run client workshops, gather requirements and translate business challenges into data-driven solutions. Review code, set best practices and drive high standards in model development and engineering. Contribute to technical roadmaps and product innovation. Act as stand-in for the Engineering Manager, supporting delivery governance and technical leadership. Skills & Experience Needed Strong commercial experience in data science, machine learning and AI. Hands-on experience with LLMs, generative AI, NLP, or advanced modelling techniques. Proficiency in Python, SQL and modern data science libraries (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, HuggingFace). Experience mentoring or managing data scientists. Confident working in Agile environments with Git/version control. Strong communication skills, especially with non-technical customers. Desirable (SEO-Optimised) Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). Docker/Kubernetes & modern MLOps tooling. Experience across NLP, tabular modelling or computer vision. Exposure to LangChain, vector databases or AI-augmented development workflows. Benefits 35 days leave, including public holidays. Optional additional unpaid leave. Hybrid and flexible working. Pension + private health insurance. Funding for training, learning resources and conferences. Regular knowledge-sharing sessions and team events. How to ApplySubmit your CV through Hays or contact your Hays consultant for more details. Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be Skills: Python AI LLM Data Scientist Benefits: Competitive