Senior Data Scientist

Key Skills

Algorithms, Apache Airflow, Big Data Technology, Data Analysis, Data Analytics, Data Biuld Tool - dbt, Data Modeling, Data science techniques, Data Warehousing, Databricks, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Looker, Machine learning techniques, Python Programming, R Programming, SQL, Statistics

Job Description

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional Senior Data Scientist who will play a crucial role in driving Auto Trader's transformation into a data science-driven organisation.

At Auto Trader, we have developed a cutting-edge cloud data platform that empowers decision-making across various aspects of our business. Through the application of machine learning, we assist millions of car buyers in finding their ideal vehicles while helping thousands of automotive retailers optimise their business. Our ultimate objective is to ensure that every process, product, and strategic decision is informed by data and enriched by analytical thinking.

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will have the opportunity to collaborate closely with cross-functional teams comprising data engineers, product leads, and developers. By working in these dynamic teams, which bring together diverse skill sets and personalities, you will contribute to the development of market-leading digital products and services driven by valuable insights.

You will be collaboratively and jointly responsible for delivering key objectives, shaping the roadmap, and aligning with the broader business strategy. Leveraging your expertise, you will identify opportunities to enhance our products through the application of data science and effectively influence roadmap decisions. Additionally, you will lead projects focused on building machine learning workflows and provide guidance to other analysts and scientists as they undertake their own data science initiatives.

At Auto Trader, our Data Scientists have the unique opportunity to impact various areas of our organisation. Current projects include personalizing recommendations to boost buyer engagement, enhancing our search algorithm to improve the buyer experience and create equal opportunities for sellers, analysing how competition affects sellers on our marketplace, and leveraging our in-house customer data platform for marketing purposes. 

As part of our broader analytical community, Data Scientists collaborate closely with Data Analysts and Digital Analysts. Together, we foster a culture of shared insights, continuous learning, and mutual support through regular showcases, feedback sessions, and mentorship programs.

Joining us means working with a wide range of cutting-edge technologies on our data platform, including Python for data science, Databricks and GCP for big data analytics, dbt, airflow, and BigQuery for data modeling and warehousing. You will also have the opportunity to leverage Looker for data exploration and business intelligence.

Take the next step in your career by joining Auto Trader, where you can make a meaningful impact while pushing the boundaries of data science and analytics

If you are interested in learning more about how we use Data Science at Auto Trader, here are some interesting posts on our engineering blog:

Scoring adverts quickly but fairly

Quantifying how similar vehicles are to each other

Real-time personalisation of search results

Life Cycle of Our Package Uplift Model

What we're looking for

• Track record of delivering data science solutions in a commercial business
• Experience productionising machine learning workflows. Knowledgeable in deployment and monitoring strategies.
• Deep understanding of ML frameworks, algorithms and statistical methods
• Expertise with Python and SQL
• Experience orchestrating data science projects in cross-functional teams and comfortable leading other data scientists
• Enthusiasm for engaging with stakeholders both technical and non-technical to identify opportunities for Data Science and the ability to influence roadmaps
• Passion for coaching Data Analysts and Data Scientists

Benefits and more

We're offering a salary between £50,000 and £70,000 dependent on experience, and a flexible benefits package to support your health and well-being. You'll have 28 days holiday per year, and that's in addition to bank holidays and half day closures on Christmas and New Year's Eve. Our Aviva pension scheme offers between 5% to 7% employer contributions depending on the percentage you choose to contribute, and we provide Bupa healthcare cover for all of our employees.

Our employee assistance programme, enhanced parental leave and share-save options and are just some of the other benefits on offer should you decide to join us.

Career development is something that we're passionate about at Auto Trader, and we all develop and learn things differently. Whether you attend an external conference, utilise a LinkedIn Learning license or choose one of our in-house masterclasses, there's something for everyone.

Our hybrid working model, Connected Working, combines office with home working. We've split it into fixed and flexible days to help you get the best out of the working week. Everybody has two fixed office days with their team, so you will know that the rest of your team will be in on those days.

There is an expectation that everyone is, on average, in more than out; therefore, on top of your two fixed days, we should see you in the office on other flexible days. You can choose these flexible days in the office depending on your work, home and team commitments.