About this role
Data Scientist - Operational Research – Hybrid Working
This role is posted within the Marketing job family for internal system reasons, but the position itself sits in our central Data Science Hub (Data & Analytics). You’ll work on cross‑functional, high‑impact data science projects across areas including pricing, digital, supply chain and commercial—not marketing delivery.
What you’ll do:
We’re looking for a data science specialist with a particular interest in working on operations research problems. You’ll be working on one of the largest datasets in retail, delivering huge business impact, as part of a team that builds, deploys, and maintains cutting-edge data-products that drive competitive edge.
Stakeholder management
- Using non-technical language, tell engaging stories that influence business stakeholders
- Develop and maintain relationships with key internal customers and product owners
- Identify, scope and size data science and operations research opportunities across the Business
Technical delivery
- Understand and document relevant business processes and driving performance metrics
- Research, design and build decision models and algorithms
- Define data requirements, gather and validate data
- Work closely with engineering (DecisionOps) teams to align on robust production architectures that enable long-term support and iteration
- Design tests that quantify the computational and business performance in both digital and physical domains
Coaching and Mentoring
- Take a leading role in the development and delivery of team upskilling
- Share Operations Research expertise across the Data Science community
- Contribute to our vibrant Data and Analytics community of over 800 colleagues
What we’re looking for:
Academic profile
We typically look for candidates with a Master’s or PhD in a relevant quantitative field (e.g., maths or operational research). However, strong applicants with equivalent industry experience or a related scientific/engineering degree are also encouraged to apply.
Essential Criteria
- Passion for driving business impact through the application of Operational Research methods
- Excellent business acumen, commercial awareness, and judgement
- Ability to translate real-life problems into mathematical models - linear, non-linear, stochastic, etc.
- Broad knowledge across a range of mathematical optimisation and simulation techniques, as well as exact and heuristic solution methods
- Previous experience working with mathematical modelling libraries/platforms and solvers
Preferred experience
- Practical experience applying operational research techniques to deliver measurable business value or a strong publication record, with significant relevance to industry applications
- Experience with Agile team management methodologies (preferably Kanban)
- Familiarity with software engineering best practices including version control, CI/CD, testing
- Basic proficiency with SQL and Python
LI-JH1
Disclaimer - If we receive a high number of applications for this role, the it maybe closed earlier than stated.
Other facts
About Sainsbury's
Over 150 years old and still going strong, we’re the UK’s second-biggest retailer. Every day, the nation shops with us because they know they’ll get affordable, good food and excellent service.
We focus on great value and convenient shopping across our family of brands, from Argos, Nectar and Habitat to Sainsbury’s Bank, Smart Charge and Tu.
What’s next for Sainsbury’s?
We've put food back at the heart of our business and we’re taking Sainsbury’s to the next level. We’re investing in technology and people and we’re thinking bigger about how we attract and connect with our customers, while doing everything we can to create a more resilient UK food system.
What you'll do
- You will work on high-impact data science projects across various areas, including pricing and supply chain. Your role involves stakeholder management, technical delivery, and coaching within the Data Science community.
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