Lead Data Scientist (7203)

Cromwell Tools Export
Leicester
2 days ago
Create job alert

No matter where you are in your career – or where you want to be – we’re here to create a great place to work where you can grow, perform and love what you do. At Cromwell, we’re all individuals, with unique backgrounds and personalities. But we have one thing in common: delivering exceptional service for our customers. And we do this through our purpose of Keeping Industry Working.


As the Lead Data Scientist at Cromwell, you will occupy a pivotal leadership position, turning complex data landscapes into competitive advantages. Reporting directly to the Chief Digital Officer, you will oversee a high‑performing squad of three Data Scientists and a Data Engineer.


Your mission is to move beyond experimentation and deliver production‑grade automation and AI solutions. Whether it is revolutionizing how we merchandise products or optimizing the physical movement of goods in our warehouses, you will be the bridge between cutting‑edge algorithmic theory and tangible commercial ROI.


Key Responsibilities

  • Team Leadership: Direct and mentor a team of 4 (Data Scientists & Data Engineer), fostering a culture of technical excellence and "fail-fast" innovation.
  • Strategic Automation: Lead the development of traditional ML models and modern AI tooling to automate Merchandising & Content workflows and enhance Warehouse Efficiency.
  • Project Management: Own the data science roadmap. You will manage project lifecycles from ideation and scoping to deployment, ensuring deadlines and "target-driven" KPIs are met.
  • Cross‑Functional Integration: Partner closely with the Digital Development team and a dedicated MLOps Engineer to ensure models are scalable, monitored, and integrated into the core business infrastructure.
  • Executive Communication: Translate complex technical outcomes into commercial insights for stakeholders at all levels, including the Executive Board.
  • Continuous Improvement: Constantly interrogate existing processes to find "marginal gains" in model accuracy and operational throughput.

What are we looking for?
The Profile

  • Inquisitive Problem Solver: You don’t just build models; you seek to understand the underlying business problem and find the most efficient route to a solution.
  • Self‑Starter: You thrive with high levels of autonomy and are comfortable setting the pace for your team.
  • Pragmatic Leader: You balance the desire for "perfect" science with the "commercial" need for delivery and speed‑to‑market.

Experience & Technical Skills

  • Proven Track Record: Significant experience in Data Science roles, with a clear history of moving models into a production environment.
  • Technical Breadth: Expert proficiency in Python/R, SQL, and traditional ML (Regression, Clustering, NLP) alongside modern Generative AI/LLM applications.
  • Commercial Acumen: Demonstrated ability to link data science projects to P&L improvements (e.g., reducing warehouse overheads or increasing digital conversion).
  • Architectural Understanding: Familiarity with the end‑to‑end data pipeline, working alongside MLOps to ensure robust CI/CD for ML.

What’s in it for you?

  • Competitive annual leave allowance with annual purchase scheme
  • Group Personal Pension
  • Company Funded Healthcare Cash Plan
  • Company bonus
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Commitment to employee development plans
  • 24/7 Wellbeing and Employee Support

Other benefits include: Company Sick Pay, Company Maternity & Paternity Pay, Discount Benefits Platform and Discounted Cromwell Products.


About Cromwell

Cromwell has been around for over 50 years, supplying an unrivaled choice of cutting tools, power tools, hand tools and safety equipment into all industries, professions and trades. We offer next day delivery or collection from our nationwide branch network, supported by an overnight UK logistics operation. Our team of over 1500 people are proud to be keeping industry working. We’re all individuals, yet we’re very much one united team. We treat everyone fairly – regardless of gender, sexual orientation, background, age or disability – and give everyone opportunities for new and varied experiences. Inclusion means not just accepting people for who they are, but showing respect and making adjustments to help people and remove all barriers; it’s about creating a culture where everyone is respected, empowered and able to realise their full potential.


Cromwell is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of their race, gender, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. We are also committed to offering applicants from the armed forces community (current and past) an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.


Location: Leicester (Head Office)
65 Chartwell Drive, Wigston, Leics, UK, LE18 2FS
Working Hours per week: 38
Contract Type: Permanent - Full Time


Apply Now at or contact recruiter Rich Hemmings at .


#J-18808-Ljbffr

Related Jobs

View all jobs

Lead Data Scientist

Lead Data Scientist

Lead Data Scientist - Deep Learning Practitioner

Lead Data Scientist - Deep Learning Practitioner

Lead Data Scientist - Deep Learning Practitioner

Lead Data Scientist - Deep Learning Practitioner

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.

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.

What Hiring Managers Look for First in Machine Learning Job Applications (UK Guide)

Whether you’re applying for machine learning engineer, applied scientist, research scientist, ML Ops or data scientist roles, hiring managers scan applications quickly — often making decisions before they’ve read beyond the top third of your CV. In the competitive UK market, it’s not enough to list skills. You must send clear signals of relevance, delivery, impact, reasoning and readiness for production — and do it within the first few lines of your CV or portfolio. This guide walks you through exactly what hiring managers look for first in machine learning applications, how they evaluate CVs and portfolios, and what you can do to improve your chances of getting shortlisted at every stage — from your CV and LinkedIn profile to your cover letter and project portfolio.

MLOps Jobs in the UK: The Complete Career Guide for Machine Learning Professionals

Machine learning has moved from experimentation to production at scale. As a result, MLOps jobs have become some of the most in-demand and best-paid roles in the UK tech market. For job seekers with experience in machine learning, data science, software engineering or cloud infrastructure, MLOps represents a powerful career pivot or progression. This guide is designed to help you understand what MLOps roles involve, which skills employers are hiring for, how to transition into MLOps, salary expectations in the UK, and how to land your next role using specialist platforms like MachineLearningJobs.co.uk.