Optima Partners
Associate Consultant - Data Scientist
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Core Data Scientist
We are looking for a Core Data Scientist to apply ML, statistical modelling, and experimentation to solve complex business problems and drive measurable outcomes across our client base. You will work hands-on with large datasets, developing and deploying models, running tests, and translating data into clear, actionable insights.
The role focuses on building scalable data science solutions, validating performance through experimentation, and partnering with stakeholders to ensure analytical outputs deliver real business impact.
About Us
Optima Partners is a fast-growing professional services firm helping leading organisations transform customer engagement at the intersection of marketing, technology, and data. We work with major brands including Lloyds Banking Group, NatWest, Nationwide, Aviva, Virgin Media O2, BT, Centrica, and GSK. As we scale from 80 to 200 people, we’re growing our Advanced Data team.
We are collaborative, curious, and focused on delivering practical insight that helps organisations make better decisions and grow sustainably. You will join a practitioner-led business with a strong data science community, working alongside people who are passionate about applying analytical thinking to real-world business challenges.
About the Role
As a Core Data Scientist, you will be a technical specialist who develops and implements ML models that deliver meaningful value for our clients. You will work closely with stakeholders to:
- Understand business challenges
- Translate requirements into analytical solutions
- Turn complex outputs into clear, actionable insights
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This is a great opportunity for a passionate data scientist to:
- Build their career across multiple commercial sectors
- Contribute to multi-disciplinary project teams
- Play an active role in a growing data science practice
What You Will Be Doing
- Developing and implementing machine learning and statistical models to solve practical business problems
- Working with stakeholders to:
- Understand objectives
- Shape analytical approaches
- Communicate findings effectively
- Translating technical outputs into clear, transparent, and actionable recommendations to support decision-making
- Exploring data, testing hypotheses, and identifying opportunities to create customer and commercial value
- Collaborating with teams across data science, engineering, strategy, and design to deliver high-quality outcomes
- Keeping up to date with emerging data science techniques, including the practical applications of Large Language Models
What We Would Like You To Have
- A strong academic background in mathematics, statistics, science, engineering, or another numerate discipline
- Minimum 2:1 degree in a STEM subject, with a postgraduate qualification in a quantitative field considered beneficial
- Good knowledge of statistics, including:
- Experimental design
- Uncertainty quantification
- Predictive modelling
- Experience with:
- Supervised and unsupervised machine learning techniques, ideally in a commercial environment
- Proficiency in Python and/or R, with the ability to:
- Quickly learn new tools and approaches
- Operationalise data science solutions
- Ability to:
- Communicate complex analysis clearly to technical and non-technical audiences
- Inquisitive mindset, strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to work:
- Independently
- As part of a small team
- Awareness of commercial value drivers, such as:
- Revenue
- Cost
- Profitability
- Customer behaviour (advantageous)
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Why Join Us
At Optima, you will:
- Work on varied, meaningful projects for well-known organisations
- Continuously develop your technical expertise
- Be part of a supportive data science community with a culture of:
- Continuous learning
- Knowledge sharing
- Collaboration
- Apply your skills across different sectors
- Learn from experienced practitioners
- Build a career path with opportunities for development and progression
What’s On Offer
- Competitive salary + bonus (up to 15%)
- 37 days holiday (including Christmas shutdown)
- Private medical insurance
- Life & income protection
- Pension scheme
- 1,000+ employee perks
- Dedicated support for learning, training, and certification
If you’re ready to build your career in a practitioner-led consultancy where data science is applied to meaningful, real-world problems, we’d love to hear from you!
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