Lead Data Scientist

Blend (previously Forth Point) is an award-winning pure play data consultancy who help people do data right through project delivery across strategy and consulting, data science and BI, and data engineering. As a trusted Data & AI partner we co-create value with clients across a wide variety of industries. Our company has made the Inc. 5000 list of Fastest Growing Companies and currently have offices in Edinburgh, the Netherlands, the US, Uruguay and India.  

By combining our teams’ expert technical knowledge with a practical approach to value creation, we deliver outcomes that make a real change for our clients. From using computer vision to remotely monitor crops to implementing a BI dashboard to help swimmers win more medals – nothing we do is designed to be left on the shelf. 

Life as a Data Science Lead at Blend

We are looking for someone who is ready for the next step in their career and is excited by the idea of solving problems and designing solutions using cutting edge tools.  However, they also need to be aware of the practicalities of making a difference in the real world – whilst we love innovative advanced solutions, we also believe that sometimes a simple solution can have the most impact.   

Our Data Science Lead is someone who feels the most comfortable around messy data, solving problems and answering questions.  We place a high value on the ability to communicate and translate complex analytical thinking into non-technical and commercially oriented concepts, and experience working on difficult projects and/or with demanding stakeholders is always appreciated. 

Working within the Data Science & BI team and reporting to the VP of Data Science whilst working closely with the Data Engineering team, this role will be responsible for driving high delivery standards and innovation in the company. Typically, this involves using data analytics and machine learning to conduct in-depth analysis which uncovers actionable insights and then reporting the findings back to stakeholders in a clear and relevant manner.  

The Data Science team is growing, managing junior analysts and data scientists and leading project teams will also form a large part of your role. 

What can you expect from the role? 

• Preparing and presenting compelling analysis findings to clients and senior stakeholders 

• Use a variety of analytical tools and methods to deliver regular reports and deep dive strategic analytics 

• Own multiple, projects end-to-end and manage the process and team of analysts, escalating blockers when required. 

• Contributing to proposal submissions and business development initiatives under the direction of the Leadership team 

• Designing data science solutions end to end with appropriate time estimations and resourcing  

• Supporting the development of the data science team within Forth Point  

• Support in the road-mapping of analytical projects and consultancy  

What you need to have to be successful?  

• Experience in designing data science solutions from concept through to evaluation with the ability to propose different approaches, pros and cons 

• Experience in leading and delivering multiple projects end-to-end, managing the data science solution and the team of analysts in a non-academic setting  

• Experienced in predictive modelling (supervised and unsupervised) and more complex techniques such as NLP, Computer vision or optimization using R, Python or similar 

• Presenting analytical results to clients and experienced in stakeholder management  

• Experience in managing teams helping shape the team by highlighting development opportunities  

Nice to have 

• Ability to work and process large amounts of data/experience working with cloud environments  

• Experience and working knowledge of relevant sectors (e.g. manufacturing, energy, public sector, automotive and utilities industries) is desired but not essential 

• Ability to be flexible with approaches, techniques and technology 

• Experience in data science consultancy and requirements gathering 

• Experience with proposal submissions and business development initiatives under the direction of the Leadership team 

• Ability to develop project plans including milestones, dates, owners, risks and contingency plans  

• Experienced in collaborating with cross-functional teams for product development and deployment, ensuring seamless integration of data science solutions into business processes  

• Experience in architecting and deploying GenAI solutions, leveraging expertise in AI frameworks and model optimization to build powerful, business-focused applications 

Your chance to have an impact and grow with us 

• Join a group of marketing, sales and data science experts that love to push boundaries, challenge each other to get the best possible results and have fun while doing that. 

• Nothing set in stone yet, plenty of room for new initiatives and ideas. 

• Enjoy an excellent base salary and benefits package.  

• With a DNA that matches, we will jointly be able to drive both your and our clients’ successes. 

A diverse workforce is a strong workforce  

To deliver growth at Blend and for our clients, we have a responsibility and unique opportunity to positively impact the workforce. Diversity has played a critical role in our history, our growth, and continues to have a profound impact on our success. We are determined to have equality in the workplace, within our team and as an extension of our clients’ team. 

This is not the work of the moment, this requires continued learning and purposeful actions. We are investing resources to understand and improve the sourcing, selection and retention of the talent we hire. 

*No agencies please.