Data Science Manager

Job Title: Data Science Manager

Location: Kingston Upon Thames

About Unilever

With billion people in over 190 countries using our products every day, Unilever is a business that makes a real impact on the world. Work on brands that are loved and improve the lives of our consumers and the communities around us. We are driven by our purpose: to Brighten Everyday Life, and it is our belief that doing business the right way drives superior performance. At the heart of what we do is our people – we believe that when our people work with purpose, we will create a better business and a better world. 

Are you passionate about using data to drive evidence-based decision making? Can you work with sizeable datasets and manipulate them in a logical way to elicit insights with clarity? 

We are looking for a senior data scientist that thinks in a clear and organised manner to help us tackle challenging business problems with data and a mathematical approach. The right candidate would be able to work under time-pressure, generating accurate and complex analysis. The role holder would have an ability to explain complicated concepts to a lay-person and think creatively about problem-solving. 

Overview

The Unilever People Analytics team is a pioneering group of statisticians, data scientists and visualisation experts that utilise advanced statistical techniques to analyse our HR, financial and marketing data.

The role encompasses discovering and rationalising historical patterns in large data sets, developing predictive models, creating automated data solutions and researching machine learning techniques that are proprietary to Unilever. It also involves working to enhance the team’s infrastructure by introducing new tools and technologies in collaboration with our IT and Data Foundation partners.

What we are looking for

We are seeking a candidate that can work with speed and accuracy, looking to apply their problem- solving, mathematical and programming skills to business questions through a people-lens. The successful candidate would be able to demonstrate a thirst for learning and a passion for using data to generate insights. There will be frequent and varied opportunities to develop your business acumen and present complex analysis to senior business leaders. Projects are very varied and require a combination of technical skills as well as an understanding of the business context. Mentoring team members in the application of analytical techniques will be a core requirement.

An understanding of Generative AI techniques (including Retrieval-Augmented Generation) and experience of building solutions with Generative AI would be an advantage.

A mature attitude to developing relationships with multiple stakeholders, and tenacity to drive projects forward to tight deadlines and the ability to solve problems on your own will be the key to your success in this role.

At least three years working in a similar capacity would be advantageous to your application although no prior HR experience is needed. Success will be defined through application of your analytical techniques.

Technical Skills and Qualifications

A 2:1 or above from a recognised university in a quantitative subject. A demonstrable passion for machine learning / data science or statistics is crucial.

A comprehensive understanding of most of the following would be expected: Generalised Linear Models, CART, Random Forests, Clustering, Principal Components Analysis and Network Theory. Experience of Neural Networks would be a plus, but not essential.

Knowledge of Python would be essential as well as good working knowledge of SQL.

What We Offer

Not only do we offer a competitive salary and pension scheme, we also offer an annual bonus, free gym, a discounted staff shop and shares. You’ll have the opportunity to work directly with our renowned and exciting brands in a flexible and hybrid working environment.

Whilst the role is advertised on a full-time basis, we would be happy to discuss possible flexible working options and what this may look like for you. We are a key advocate of wellbeing and offer a variety of support for our people including hubs, programmes and development opportunities. We strive to achieve a family-friendly and inclusive workplace and to, above all, create possibilities for all. 

Diversity at Unilever is about inclusion, embracing differences, creating possibilities and growing together for better business performance. We embrace diversity in our workforce. This means giving full and fair consideration to all applicants and continuing development of all employees regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, and pregnancy and maternity. We are also more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process to enable you to be present your best self. To find out more, click here: Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Recruitment Fraud

Cyber criminals advertise fake job adverts with prestigious employers as a way of stealing information or even defrauding individuals out of money. In the most sophisticated cases, they will set up fake websites, which have a similar address to companies like Unilever. They even conduct fake telephone interviews and then offer candidates a role with the proviso they pay a fee for background checks or to cover work visa costs. These types of attacks are becoming more common as more people are looking for employment in the economic climate. 

How is Unilever tackling this?

Many of Unilever’s recruitment sites publish a warning to candidates about recruitment fraud. The Cyber Security team also proactively scan for signs of people setting up fake Unilever sites and act to close them down. 

What can I do?

If you become aware of potential recruitment fraud, spot fake Unilever recruitment adverts or fake LinkedIn profiles, report them via Una Live Chat. 

Unilever does not accept responsibility or liability for any candidates who are financially impacted by recruitment fraud. Your vigilance is key!