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Data Scientist
Hybrid in Northampton·Full-time·Added 2 days ago (last checked 10 Nov)
272 open roles
Our summary
- Work mode
- Hybrid, Northampton
- Contract
- Permanent, full-time hours
- Experience
- 2+ years
Skills
Nice to have
Requirements
What we're looking for
Bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline (Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related STEM field).
2+ years of hands-on experience developing and deploying machine learning or statistical models within a commercial environment.
Advanced proficiency in Python (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn) and advanced SQL.
Solid understanding of core ML algorithms (e.g. XGBoost, LightGBM, linear/logistic regression, clustering, time-series forecasting).
Practical familiarity with software engineering best practice, including Git, code reviews and reproducible workflows.
Awareness of modern applied AI concepts (embeddings, vector search, prompt engineering, and open-source models).
Commercial mindset with the ability to connect technical metrics (RMSE, AUC, latency) to tangible business outcomes (margin, conversion, stock holding).
Excellent communication skills, with confidence explaining technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
Nice to have
Master's degree or higher in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Advanced Analytics.
Practical experience within the Google Cloud Platform ecosystem (Vertex AI, BigQuery, BigQuery ML, Cloud Run).
Experience working with MLOps frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, MLflow, and model drift monitoring.
Background in retail merchanting, trade distribution, supply chain logistics or e-commerce.
Experience fine-tuning or integrating LLMs and generative AI frameworks in production.
Google Cloud certifications.
Pay & benefits
What you'll get
Company/ Performance related bonus
Save-as-you-earn & Buy-as-you-earn schemes
Contributory pension scheme
Life Insurance
Private Medical Insurance
Colleague discount across a variety of Group businesses including with special discounts across our Trade Merchants - 20% off at Toolstation
The role
Travis Perkins plc is now hiring for an innovative, commercially minded Data Scientist to join our central Data Office within Group Technology.
Reporting directly to the Data Science Lead, you will design, build and deploy production-ready machine learning models and practical AI solutions. Working closely with commercial and operational teams, you'll turn complex data into intelligent decision-making tools directly influencing how we drive revenue, optimise margins and sharpen operational efficiency across our market-leading brands.
If you are a passionate data practitioner who thrives on turning complex operational challenges into scalable data science products, we would love to hear from you!
What you'll do
As a Data Scientist at Travis Perkins plc, you will have ownership of the full model lifecycle, from exploratory analysis and feature engineering to prototyping proofs of concept (POCs) and deploying automated production pipelines.
End-to-End Machine Learning: Designing, developing and deploying predictive and prescriptive models (e.g. demand forecasting, dynamic pricing, recommendation engines, and customer churn models).
Applied AI & LLM Workflows: Developing modern AI capabilities, such as semantic search, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and generative AI workflows to augment business decision making.
Stakeholder Translation: Collaborating with colleagues across merchant branches, commercial and supply chain functions to translate operational challenges into actionable data science deliverables.
Production MLOps: Partnering with Data Engineering and Platform teams to transition prototype models into automated, scalable production pipelines using CI/CD, containerisation and cloud infrastructure.
Feature Engineering & Data Assets: Designing resilient, reusable feature stores and data assets from raw enterprise data, ensuring high data integrity, reliability, and reproducibility.
Data Storytelling & Visualisation: Synthesising complex technical outputs into intuitive visualisations, dashboards, and clear narratives for executive and operational leaders to drive adoption.
Governance & AI Ethics: Ensuring all deployed models comply with data governance standards, GDPR, and AI ethical frameworks (including bias mitigation, transparency, and hallucination safeguards).
Working Pattern
Hybrid Working: This role operates on a hybrid model, requiring attendance at our Northampton Head Office 1-2 days per week.
We'd Particularly Like to See
What's in it for you!
Ready to Shape the Future of Data & AI with Us?
If you are an ambitious Data Scientist looking to build impactful machine learning solutions in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, submit your application today!
Hiring process
Apply
Application Review
Virtual Interview
With a member of our recruitment team or the Hiring Manager · Phone call
A phone or video interview with a member of the recruitment team or the Hiring Manager about experience and skills needed for the job.
Face to Face Interview
With the Hiring Manager and possibly other members of the team you could be joining · In person
An in-person interview with the Hiring Manager and possibly other team members, looking for examples of skills and experience.
Further Meetings
With a senior manager · In person · Not every role
For some roles, another interview with a senior manager, a location visit, or a presentation or ability test.
Offer · Phone call
- Offers are conditional on right-to-work proof and, where applicable, background checks.
- The contract of employment is usually sent within 5 working days of accepting the offer.
About Travis Perkins
Travis Perkins plc is the UK's largest distributor of building materials to trade customers, supplying the construction industry with the materials and tools it needs for building projects. The group employs over 17,000 colleagues and operates around 1,500 locations nationwide through five leading businesses, each number #1 or #2 in their markets.
Its businesses include the Travis Perkins general merchant, Toolstation, and specialists in the civils market (Keyline), heating and ventilation (BSS) and drylining and insulation (CCF). The group describes its ambition as being the leading partner to the construction industry and pursues an ESG approach it calls Building for Better.
- Industry
- Builders merchants
- Employees
- 17,000
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