Data Scientist

About the role

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.

What is in it for you

We’re all about the little helps. That’s why we make sure our Tesco colleague benefits package takes care of you - both in and out of work. Click Here to find out more!

• Annual bonus scheme of up to 20% of base salary.
• Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays).
• Private medical insurance.
• 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (12 months service required at the qualifying date) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, we also offer 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave.
• Free 24/7 virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family, free access to a range of experts to support your mental wellbeing.

The above information is a shortened summary, refer to our policies for full details

You will be responsible for

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.

You will need

We are looking for a curious and driven individual with a strong foundation in machine learning, statistics, and programming. You will be comfortable designing and implementing models using Python and working with large-scale data in distributed computing environments. Hands-on experience with generative AI, LLMs, and deep learning frameworks is valued.

You will translate business problems into data science solutions and communicate your findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences. A scientific mindset, critical thinking, and the ability to ask the right questions are essential. You will be proactive in learning new methods, staying up to date with the latest developments, and contributing to a culture of knowledge sharing and collaboration.

A higher degree in a quantitative discipline-such as Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, or Physics-is preferred, though equivalent experience in a commercial setting is also valued. Strong coding practices, including version control and testing are expected.

About us

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.

When you join us in this role, you'll be employed by Tesco Stores Limited, the Tesco legal entity responsible for your employment.