Data Science Manager - Advanced Analytics & AI

This position is offered on a 12‑month FTC basis.

Join us as we embark on an exciting new chapter in our brand-new office at Circle Square, Manchester.

Lead teams. Build products. Deliver real business value - As demand for data science products continues to grow across TalkTalk, our teams are expanding to meet the opportunity.

This newly created hands‑on Data Science Manager role will lead a high‑performing team and deliver data science products that drive measurable business impact.

Reporting into the Head of Data Science, Advanced Analytics & AI, you'll combine strong technical expertise with people leadership - guiding teams from proof of concept through to production , embedding best practice, and ensuring our data science capability continues to scale.

The Role - You will:

Support the Head of Data Science, Advanced Analytics & AI in delivering the department’s strategic mandate

Apply deep expertise in statistics, mathematics, data science and AI techniques , including GenAI , to solve complex business problems

Lead the development of data science products from POC to production , using agile, iterative and “fail fast, learn fast” approaches

Deploy robust, scalable data products into production using MLOps best practices

Ensure all solutions adhere to organisational, regulatory and legal data and AI requirements

Mentor, manage and continuously upskill junior data scientists and analysts

Create energy, momentum and pride within the team, positioning data science as an internal consultancy delivering world‑class outcomes

Collaborate closely with multi‑disciplinary teams across the business to ensure alignment and impact

What You’ll Bring

Technical & Analytical Expertise

Proven experience as a Data Science and AI expert , delivering tangible business value through data‑driven solutions

Educated to MSc, PhD or equivalent apprenticeship level in physics, mathematics, statistics, data science, AI or computer science

Strong programming capability in Python and SQL

Hands‑on experience with modern data tooling and platforms, including GIT, CI/CD pipelines, MLFlow and Databricks

Strong problem‑solving ability with experience managing complex, varied workloads

Leadership & Communication

Prior experience managing, motivating and upskilling junior team members

Strong communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain the “why do we care?” to stakeholders with varying technical knowledge

Comfortable working in a fast‑paced, digitally transforming organisation , focused on outcomes and delivery

A collaborative team player with a tenacious, resilient, can‑do mindset

Desirable

Experience within the Telecommunications sector is a bonus, but not essential

Data is at the heart of every great decision we make, and this is your opportunity to lead that journey. If you're ready to inspire a team, unlock new insights, and help drive the next chapter of growth at TalkTalk, we'd love to hear your story. Bring your expertise, your ambition, and your authentic self, and let's build something brilliant together.

Be Yourself. Make an Impact. Join Us.

As a recognised Top 50 Inclusive Employer in the UK, we believe that diversity fuels innovation and success. We’re committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities and customers we serve. At TalkTalk, inclusion is part of our DNA – we’re all 100% human, and we’ve created a culture where you can truly be yourself.

We’re not your traditional 9-5. We’re a dynamic, flexible workplace, and we’re excited to hear how you like to work. Whether you thrive in collaboration, focus better at home, or prefer a bit of both – let’s make it work.

What We Offer

Flexible hybrid working – with a minimum of 50% office presence to support teamwork and connection

Collaborative office spaces designed for creative thinking and innovation

Generous holiday package – 25 days annual leave, 3 wellbeing days, and your birthday off (plus the option to buy up to 10 more days!)

Private healthcare for all employees

Competitive pension scheme and performance-related bonus opportunities

Free broadband for all employees

Life event gifts – celebrating milestones like marriages and births

Inclusive employee networks – open to all, supporting peer connection and thought-provoking conversations

Salary sacrifice scheme – save on dental, gym, and more

Big retail and leisure discounts

3 paid volunteering days a year – because making a difference matters to us too