Data Scientist – AI / Predictive Modelling / Optimisation

12‑Month Contract (Long‑Term Programme)
Hybrid (UK) 2 days per week (West London) 
FTSE 100 Organisation
Rate: Competitive (Inside IR35)

Overview

A FTSE 100 organisation is looking for a Data Scientist to join a major transformation programme focused on deploying AI, predictive modelling and optimisation techniques into complex operational environments. This is a long‑term role (initial 12‑month contract) with significant visibility and real business impact.

You will work across the full model lifecycle — from exploration and design through to production deployment and continuous improvement — building solutions that are used across multiple business units.

Key Responsibilities

• Build predictive, prescriptive and optimisation models to improve operational performance
• Perform exploratory data analysis and feature engineering on large datasets
• Work closely with Data Engineering teams to ensure data quality and pipeline readiness
• Deploy models into production and establish monitoring, retraining and performance processes
• Communicate insights and recommendations to technical and non‑technical stakeholders
• Develop scalable modelling approaches that can be reused across different business areas
• Improve accuracy, reliability and productivity through iterative model enhancement

Skills & Experience

• Strong competence in Python (pandas, numpy, scikit‑learn; TensorFlow/PyTorch desirable)
• Experience with predictive modelling, optimisation or simulation techniques
• Proven experience deploying machine learning models into production
• Strong statistical and analytical skills
• Ability to explain complex model outputs to business and operational teams
• Experience working in large‑scale or regulated environments (desirable)
• Strong problem‑solving skills and an applied, delivery‑focused mindset