Principal Data Scientist - Optimisation

Principal Data Scientist - Optimisation

Luton/Hybrid

When it comes to innovation and achievement there are few organisations with a better track record. Join us and you’ll be able to play a big part in the success of our highly successful, fast-paced business that opens up Europe so people can exercise their get-up-and-go. With over 320 aircraft flying over 1000 routes to more than 30 countries, we’re the UK’s largest airline, the second largest in Europe and the eighth largest in the world. Flying over 90 million passengers a year, we employ over 14,000 people. Its big-scale stuff and we’re still growing.

JOB PURPOSE

The Principal Data Scientist role is pivotal in transforming the company into a data-driven organization, responsible for supporting the implementation of the vision for the company's data science capabilities and ensuring the alignment of data-related projects with easyJet’s overall objectives.

This role is focused specifically on operational use cases – such as network planning, crew optimisation, maintenance, and disruption management – and the data science solutions delivered are expected to drive efficiency, resilience and cost-effectiveness in operational performance.

Responsibilities include managing and supporting data science resources, providing leadership employing Agile methodologies to deliver data science developments, and actively participating in hiring to build a robust data science team.

The role may involve expertise in either machine learning (e.g., predictive modelling, classification, anomaly detection) or mathematical optimisation (e.g., scheduling, resource allocation, route optimisation). Candidates with a strong background in one area and interest in the other are encouraged to apply.

The role demands leading the development and deployment of data science solutions, managing the entire project lifecycle, and collaborating with the Centre of Enablement (COE) to implement training and best practices.

JOB ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Manage data science resource allocation within the team, ensuring optimal use of personnel and tools to meet project demands.
• Provide technical support and guidance to data science team members, assisting in troubleshooting and resolving complex issues.
• Apply Agile methodologies and a hypothesis-driven approach as required.
• Take a lead role in hiring and building a high-performing team of Data Scientists.
• Contribute to the recruitment and development of data talent across ITD&C and broader business functions.
• Guide and mentor colleagues to support their growth and development.
• Collaborate with the Data Management team to improve data quality and increase trust in analytical outputs.
• Lead the development and deployment of data science solutions for a specific business area, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Lead the end-to-end delivery of data science projects, from gathering and shaping requirements to liaising with key stakeholders to identify and deliver appropriate solutions that meet project objectives.
• Provide direction on tools and capabilities to optimise team performance and enhance overall efficiency, ensuring maximum productivity.
• Own and define key performance indicators (KPIs) and diagnostics to measure performance against business goals, ensuring precise data-driven decision making.
• Collaborate with the Centre of Excellence (COE) to implement training and best practice capabilities effectively and sustainably, enhancing skills across the team.

KEY SKILLS REQUIRED

• Experience in coaching, training, or mentoring groups and individuals in both technical and developmental capacities.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex analytical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience developing training materials in academic or business settings, particularly around data literacy (strongly preferred).
• Commercial experience in Data and Analytics.
• Proficiency in SQL (any variation).
• Experience using Python to extract, manipulate, and summarize data from large databases.
• Proven expertise in managing teams that develop and deploy complex descriptive and predictive algorithms.
• Working knowledge of statistical techniques (e.g., time series analysis, multivariate analysis, forecasting) and/or mathematical optimisation methods (e.g., linear programming, constraint programming, heuristic approaches).
• Experience working in cross-functional teams and projects.
• Proven ability to deliver presentations to senior audiences, with the flexibility to adapt communication style as needed.
• Demonstrates ownership, responsiveness, and commitment to both individual and team responsibilities.
• Experienced in using a wide range of coaching and mentoring skills to support peers and individuals across the broader business.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Prior experience working in Airline/Aviation

What you’ll get in return

• Competitive base salary
• Up to 30% bonus
• 25 days holiday
• BAYE, SAYE & Performance share schemes
• 7% pension
• Life Insurance
• Work Away Scheme
• Flexible benefits package
• Excellent staff travel benefits

About easyJet

At easyJet our aim is to make low-cost travel easy – connecting people to what they value using Europe’s best airline network, great value fares, and friendly service.

It takes a real team effort to carry over 90 million passengers a year across 35 countries. Whether you’re working as part of our front-line operations or in our corporate functions, you’ll find people that are positive, inclusive, ready to take on a challenge, and that have your back. We call that our ‘Orange Spirit’, and we hope you’ll share that too.

Apply

Complete your application on our careers site.

We encourage individuality, empower our people to seize the initiative, and never stop learning. We see people first and foremost for their performance and potential and we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. As such we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates.