Data Scientist

Job Description

At Tesco, our Data Science team builds scalable solutions to complex business challenges across stores, online, supply chain, marketing and Clubcard. We apply advanced machine learning, generative AI, and large language models (LLMs) to personalise customer experiences, optimise operations and drive innovation. We work across several business domains, including customer experience, online, fulfilment, distribution, commodities, store operations and technology. Team members rotate across domains to broaden their expertise and impact.

We foster a culture of continuous learning, dedicating 10% of the working week to personal development. Our team benefits from academic partnerships, regular knowledge-sharing events and a collaborative, inclusive environment that values work-life balance and professional growth.

As a Data Scientist at Tesco, you will develop and deploy machine learning and generative AI solutions that directly impact how we serve our customers and run our business. You will be responsible for designing and implementing robust models, experimenting with new approaches, and translating business problems into data science solutions. This includes building prototypes, evaluating model performance both statistically and in terms of business impact, and scaling models into production. You will collaborate closely with Machine Learning Engineers and Software Engineers to ensure solutions are efficient, maintainable, and aligned with Tesco’s technology standards. You will also play a key role in communicating complex ideas clearly to non-technical stakeholders, contributing to internal knowledge sharing and representing Tesco in the external data science community. Staying current with developments in GenAI and LLMs will be essential, as you will help to evaluate and integrate emerging techniques into our data products.
A curious and driven individual is sought, with a strong foundation in machine learning, statistics, and programming. Comfort in designing and implementing models using Python, as well as working with large-scale data in distributed computing environments, is essential. Hands-on experience with generative AI, large language models, and deep learning frameworks is considered advantageous.The role involves translating business problems into data science solutions and communicating findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. A scientific mindset, critical thinking, and the ability to ask insightful questions are key. Proactivity in learning new methods, staying current with industry developments, and contributing to a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration are highly valued.A higher degree in a quantitative discipline—such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or Physics—is preferred, although equivalent commercial experience will also be considered. Strong coding practices, including version control and testing, are expected. You might know us as a supermarket, technology company or even for our award-winning mobile network. Truth is, we’re all of those things, and much more. Our colleagues work with one goal in mind, helping to make every day a little better for our customers, colleagues and communities all over the world. No two customers are the same, neither are our colleagues. At Tesco, we champion a balance that lets you thrive both in and out of work. Spend 60% of your week collaborating with colleagues at our office locations or local sites and the rest remotely. Whether you're just kicking off your career, juggling passions, or navigating big life events, we're here to support you. We always welcome a conversation about flexible working, so talk to us throughout your application about how we can support. We're proud to be an accredited Disability Confident Leader, where everyone’s welcome. That’s why we commit to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need support with your application, click here for more information. And if you're interested in joining our team but don't tick every box, don't let that hold you back from applying.