Xpertise Recruitment
Lead Data Scientist - Operational Research & Optimisation
Get notified of more jobs like this · No spam, ever
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Lead Data Scientist - Operational Research & Optimisation (Contract)
Operational Research | Optimisation | Decision Science | Mathematical Modelling | Python | Gurobi | OR-Tools
Location
London (Hybrid)
Working Pattern
Hybrid
Salary
Excellent Day Rate
Benefits
Long-term FTSE 100 transformation programme, high-impact leadership role
About the Opportunity
Our client is undertaking a significant transformation of its analytical and decision-support capabilities. As part of this journey, they are investing heavily in advanced optimisation, operational research and data-driven decision-making to enhance business performance at scale.
This position offers the opportunity to work on complex, enterprise-wide challenges while influencing senior stakeholders and shaping the future direction of Operational Research within the organisation.
Why Join?
- Lead high-profile optimisation and decision science initiatives
- Influence strategic planning and enterprise-wide decision-making
- Work alongside senior stakeholders across a large-scale organisation
- Join a major transformation programme with significant visibility and impact
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Operational Research and optimisation initiatives across multiple business functions
- Design and deliver advanced mathematical and optimisation models to support strategic decision-making
- Develop solutions focused on planning, scheduling, resource allocation and operational efficiency
- Partner with senior stakeholders to identify opportunities for data-driven business improvement
- Translate complex business problems into scalable optimisation frameworks
- Provide technical leadership across Data Science, Analytics and Operational Research teams
- Promote best practice in optimisation, mathematical modelling and decision science
- Ensure analytical solutions are production-ready, scalable and embedded within business operations
Requirements
- Strong Operational Research and optimisation experience within complex environments
- Expertise in mathematical modelling and decision science techniques
- Experience with Linear Programming (LP), Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) and Constraint Programming
- Proven delivery of optimisation solutions that generate measurable business value
- Advanced Python development skills
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience leading complex analytical programmes or technical teams
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Desirable Experience
- Gurobi, OR-Tools, Pyomo or CPLEX
- Heuristic and Metaheuristic Optimisation
- Simulation Modelling and Scenario Planning
- Network, Supply Chain or Resource Optimisation environments
- Experience within transport, logistics, retail, utilities, manufacturing, aviation, infrastructure or engineering sectors
- Exposure to cloud-based analytics platforms
Key Details
- Contract Length: Initial 18-Month Contract
- Location: London Hybrid (European candidates considered)
- Rate: Excellent Day Rate
- IR35 Status: Inside IR35
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. Our client is an equal opportunities employer.
At Xpertise, we keep things human.
Your application will always be reviewed by a real person.
We do not rely on AI or automated screening tools. Every candidate receives fair, considered attention from our team.
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location