Autotrader
Senior Data Scientist

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Senior Data Scientist
About Us
You’ve probably heard of Autotrader, but do you know what we’re all about?
We’re the most trusted, most visited automotive marketplace in the UK. A heritage brand and a tech innovator. We bring together vehicle buyers and sellers to give them real choices. Cars may be what we’re best known for, but we’re also the place for pretty much everything else on wheels—from e-bikes to caravans.
In the automotive world, change is constant—so we take our job of untangling the complex car-buying journey very seriously.
At our core, we’re all about people. We go our own way while embracing diversity and celebrating our differences. We dedicate ourselves to the idea that we work better together.
Autotrader is a beautiful, surprising, and vibrant place to work. We might not be for everyone—but we could be perfect for you.
About the Job
We are seeking a Senior Data Scientist who will play a crucial role in driving Autotrader’s transformation into a data science-driven organisation.
The Role
As a Senior Data Scientist, you will:
- Set the direction of Data Science at Autotrader.
- Join a cross-functional collaborative squad focused on a set of products or services.
- Spot opportunities for Data Science and work with key leaders to prioritise, resource, and shape projects.
- Orchestrate these initiatives, collaborating with Data Analysts, Scientists, and Software Engineers to deliver optimal solutions.
- Place a strong focus on ML-centric data products, leveraging expertise in ML frameworks and workflows.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt 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.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
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.
Current Projects:
- Creating personalised suggestions to increase buyer engagement.
- Enhancing our search system to improve customer buying experiences and seller visibility.
- Building AI tools for tasks like crafting listings and optimising ads.
- Studying how competition impacts seller performance on our platform.
- Upgrading our customer data platform for more targeted marketing strategies.
As a Senior Member of our Analytics Community: You’ll work closely with Data Analysts to foster a culture of shared insights, continuous learning, and mutual support through:
- Showcases and feedback sessions
- Mentorship programs
- Skill-based workshops
Our investment in a Data Platform ensures our Data Scientists work with cutting-edge tools, including: Python, Databricks, Spark, MLflow, Airflow, Google Cloud Platform, dbt, and BigQuery.
What We’re Looking For
We’re recruiting a curious data scientist who can transform our business through data-driven solutions. In your application, demonstrate:
- A track record of delivering commercial data science solutions.
- Experience in productionising ML processes, including deployment and monitoring strategies.
- A deep understanding of ML frameworks, algorithms, and statistical methods.
- Expertise in Python and SQL.
- Ability to orchestrate cross-functional data science projects and confidently lead teams of peers.
- Drive to engage stakeholders both technical and non-technical while influencing team roadmaps.
- Enthusiasm for coaching Data Analysts and Scientists.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
During the recruitment process, you’ll answer two short questions to align your skills with our core values.
Benefits
We’re offering a £50,000–£70,000 salary, plus annual share awards (10% of your salary in vesting shares—held for three years).
Wellbeing & Support:
- 28 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and half-day closures for Christmas and New Year’s Eve).
- Pension scheme (7% employer contribution + 5% employee-matched).
- Comprehensive private medical insurance.
- Enhanced family leave, fertility support, gender dysphoria resources, menopause & period care plans.
- 24/7 online GP & dentist access.
- Hybrid working (Connected Working): Minimum 3 days in the office, with dedicated remote-first periods for summer and winter.
And so much more!
Explore our Engineering Blog to see data science in action at Autotrader. [Learn more]( Link removed as per instruction).
See you soon?
“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