Data Science Manager

BAT is evolving at pace into a global multi-category business. Our purpose is to create A Better Tomorrow™ by Building a Smokeless World.
To achieve our ambition, we are looking for colleagues who are ready to join us on this journey! Tomorrow can’t wait, let’s shape it together!

This role plays a pivotal role in leading the Data Science team to enable data‑ and data-driven storytelling across BAT. The role oversees the activation, operations, and delivery of advanced analytics solutions, partnering closely with cross‑functional teams under D&A and collaborators across markets and global functions to drive business value and efficiency.

As the team’s subject matter expert, the Data Science Manager leads the development of statistical and machine learning models, designs robust analytical frameworks, and translates data into actionable insights. The role is accountable for the end‑to‑end lifecycle of analytical solutions - from business understanding and data discovery to modelling, validation, automation, and deployment - working collaboratively with Solution Managers, Business Analysts, BI Developers, and Data Engineers.

Reports To: APMEA North Head of D&A

Reporting Level: Manages 1 persons internally and 2 contractors

Geographic Scope: Global

Your key responsibilities will include:

Leadership & Team management

• Lead the data science team under agile environment and drive a solution-oriented, collaborative team culture and ensuring timely, quality delivery.
• Coach, mentor, and develop the team to continuously elevate technical depth and business insight.

Quality Advanced Analytics & Modeling Product Delivery

• Ensure full quality and sustainability of every data science product and solutions developed by APMEA D&A team.
• Develop and evaluate predictive, prescriptive, and causal models (segmentation, churn propensity, uplift modelling, forecasting, clustering etc.)
• Perform data exploration, feature engineering, hypothesis testing to support business questions.
• Ensure E2E model lifecycle execution: problem framing → data exploration → modeling → validation → deployment.
• Contribute to high level engagement and collaborate with Business Analyst to perform feasibility study, delivering POC and provide consultation and recommendation to stakeholders.
• Ensure models in production remain stable, monitored, and continuously improved.
• Effectively manage multiple concurrent project and requirement timelines in fast paced business environment.
• Provide SME-level guidance on modelling techniques and standard processes for other indirectly involved projects.

Data & Feature Engineering

• Extraction and manipulation of raw datasets from Data Warehouse (Fabric) and other sources using T-SQL and Python.
• Work with Data Engineers to optimize datasets and pipelines needed for modeling.
• Ensure analytical assets meet reproducibility, auditability, and integrity standards.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Drive collaborator alignment, manage expectations, and ensure analytical recommendations influence commercial and operational decision-making.
• Collaborate with Solution Managers and/or business stakeholders to understand the demand.
• Work with BI Developers to visualize model outcomes and analytical insights.
• Collaborate with Business Analysts to translate business requirements into analytical frameworks.
• Support PoCs, feasibility studies, and consultative engagements.

Analytics Quality, Documentation & Governance

• Develop clear modelling documentation and maintain version control of scripts.
• Ensure data quality, variable definitions, and modelling logic adhere to internal standards.
• Conduct validation checks on data integrity and analytical accuracy.
• Support responsible AI practices including explainability and fairness.
• Build data governance checkpoints and contribute in optimizing operating model.

Continuous Learning & Process Improvement

• Stay updated on new modelling techniques, analytics tools, and data science frameworks.
• Suggest improvements to data flows, modelling processes, or analytical tooling.
• Contribute to team learning sessions and collaborative knowledge sharing.
• Define and maintain internal processes and quality standards documentation to ensure process controls and audits are up to date and aligned to BAT standards

What are we looking for?

• Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science or similar.
• At least 7+ years hands-on data science or analytics experience with proven record of increase business value with deliverables.
• Minimum 3+ years team management experience.
• Experience of leading a Data Science team and coordinating Data Engineer work would be a strong plus.
• Proven record on performing complex data manipulation using SQL/Python.
• Proven record of hands-on analysis/model changed a business decision or created measurable value.
• Experienced in model deployment. Have built and deployed at least 2+ ML/statistical models that were used in production or decision-making.
• Experience working in Azure environments, or similar cloud platforms.
• Experience with MLOps components such as CI/CD pipelines, model monitoring, and automated retraining is preferred.
• Strong capability in scoping, effort estimation, sprint planning, and prioritizing Data Science backlog.
• Ability to convert complex analytical findings into simple, compelling storylines tailored for business stakeholders and senior leaders.
• Experience in FMCG, retail, consumer insights, supply chain, marketing analytics, or commercial performance analytics is an advantage.

What we offer you?

• We offer a market leading annual performance bonus (subject to eligibility)
• Our range of benefits varies by country and includes diverse health plans, initiatives for work-life balance, transportation support, and a flexible holiday plan with additional incentives
• Your journey with us isn't limited by boundaries; it's propelled by your aspirations. Join us at BAT and become a part of an environment that thrives on internal advancement, where your career progression isn't just a statement – it's a reality we're eager to build together. Seize the opportunity and own your development; your next chapter starts here.
• You'll have access to online learning platforms and personalized growth programs to nurture your leadership skills
• We prioritise continuous improvement within a transformative environment, preparing for ongoing changes

WHY JOIN BAT?
We’re one of the few companies named as a Global Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute – certified in offering excellent employee conditions.

Collaboration, inclusion and partnership underpin everything we do here at BAT. We are looking forward to enabling every individual to thrive, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, marital or civil partnership status, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, skills, experience, education, socio-economic and professional background, veteran status, perspectives and thinking styles. We know that embracing talent from all backgrounds is what makes us stronger and best prepared to meet our business goals.

We see the career breaks as opportunities not obstacles. Through The Global Returners program, we support professionals looking to restart their careers after an extended absence from the workforce (e.g. time out caring for family, parental leave, national service, sabbatical and/or starting an own venture).

Come bring your difference and see what is possible for you at BAT. Learn more about our culture and our award winning employee experience here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or accommodations to help you perform at your best during the recruitment process, you are encouraged to notify us. We are fully committed to support you by making appropriate arrangements for you to demonstrate your full potential.