Lead Data Scientist

About the role:

As our Lead Data Scientist, you will play a hands-on role in analysing data, developing models, and delivering insights that drive key retail and cruise line decisions. At the same time, you will help set the direction for our new Data Science function and grow into a leadership role as the team expands.

You will work closely with our BI, Commercial, and Cruise Line Partner teams to turn Harding’s rich datasets into practical, actionable solutions in areas such as sales forecasting, inventory optimisation, customer behaviour, and promotional effectiveness.

In addition, you will be expected to explore and apply emerging AI technologies from machine learning automation, to natural language and image analysis to bring innovative approaches to retail insight and operational efficiency.

Based in Avonmouth on a hybrid working basis – 2/3 days per week

Compensation – competitive salary, bonus scheme, pension, 4 x life assurance, healthcare cash plan, 26 days annual leave(plus the opportunity to buy an additional 5 days)

What you will be doing:

Build, validate, and deploy advanced statistical, machine learning, and AI-driven models that address retail and cruise industry challenges (e.g., demand forecasting across ships, personalised promotions, dynamic pricing, customer segmentation). Explore opportunities to leverage AI techniques (e.g., recommendation systems, NLP, computer vision, generative AI) to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. Translate raw data into actionable insights on sales, promotions, margin, customer lifetime value, and store performance across a diverse fleet. Partner with senior stakeholders within Harding and external cruise line partners to align analytics and AI initiatives with strategic priorities. Provide insights that support tailored retail strategies for different cruise lines, enhancing both passenger experience and commercial performance. Work closely with the BI team to ensure access to high-quality data and effective pipelines. Present findings to Harding’s senior leaders and cruise line executives, turning complex analysis into clear recommendations. Act as the founding member of the Data Science function, with the opportunity to grow into a leadership role and mentor junior hires as the team expands.

About you:

Proven experience as a Data Scientist or Senior Data Scientist, ideally in retail, travel, or consumer-focused industries. Proficiency in Python (or R), SQL, and applied machine learning techniques. Awareness of AI tools and approaches (e.g., recommender systems, natural language processing, computer vision, or generative AI) and how they can be applied to business challenges. Strong grasp of retail and commercial metrics — sales, margin, promotions, stock, and customer analytics. Experience in building forecasting, optimisation, or segmentation models. Excellent communication skills — able to explain technical outputs in clear business terms to both internal stakeholders and external partners. Self-starter attitude with the ability to set priorities and work independently. Exposure to Azure cloud-based platforms Familiarity with data visualisation tools (Power BI, Tableau, etc.) Experience mentoring junior analysts or scientists Experience working with external partners or clients, particularly in a commercial retail or travel context would be ideal Must have an existing right of eligibility to work in the UK

Key Attributes – trust, collaboration, respect, passion, drive, resilience

About us:

Harding+ is the only 100% dedicated cruise retailer, proudly partnering with 12 cruise line operators globally, across more than 80+ cruise ships either in operation or under contract. Our mission is simple: make every cruise better. We operate over 300 retail shops across 80+ ships, covering 17,000m² of retail space and handling 6.6 million transactions annually.

Our team includes over 1,300 onboard team members and more than 270 landside employees, we stay at the forefront of retailing and consistently provide outstanding customer service, culminating in winning the Cruise Retailer of the Year award for 2022 and 2023. 

Harding+ is an equal opportunities employer. We believe passionately that employing a diverse workforce is central to our success. We make recruiting decisions based on your experience and skills. We value your passion to discover, invent, simplify, and build. Protecting your privacy and the security of your data is a longstanding top priority for Harding+. 

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