About Matalan From humble beginnings to disruptive innovations in the retail industry, find out about how Matalan is ever-evolving here. We know as a team, we are stronger together – we champion equality for all and make lasting connections that go beyond work. We thrive off our inclusive culture, encouraging our colleagues to bring their true selves to work and contributing to collective creativity, open-mindedness and growth. We want give every candidate the opportunity to perform at their best throughout the application and interview process and then ultimately in their role. If you require any adjustments during our recruitment process, please don’t hesitate to let us know. In the event that a high volume of suitable applications are received, the post may close prior to the specified closing date. Please apply as soon as possible if interested. Head of Data Science & Analytics This is an exceptional new opportunity for a proven and talented Head of Data Science & Analytics to join a truly engaged senior leadership team who are enabling the modernisation of Matalan. A critical component of the success of the individual will be: building a data community and strengthening our data governance, processes and culture. The successful candidate will be the driving force of using consistent data sets, methodology with strong governance and influencing all stakeholders to drive data decisions that result in positive action. Develop and directly lead the Data Science team, Data and Analytics team supporting B&M, Trading and Customer as well as other functions. Supporting the ongoing analytical requirements from the business as well as define prioritisation of activity to support ongoing strategic initiatives Support and make recommendations on key tooling decisions to support the data science and analytical community taking full budgetary accountability Lead the identification of opportunities where advanced analytics can add value and facilitate the process of prioritizing these opportunities Actively champion the adoption of data science solutions across the business and promote cost effective scaling Partner with our People team to attract, retain and grow the very best in analytical talent Build a high calibre hub and spoke data team to deliver the analytics agenda and support the business in leveraging analytics to create value supporting the wider business resources Create the lead the ‘hub’ element of the operating model to support existing analysts across the business with clear tooling and data sets to support Generate energy, pride and momentum in the team and raise the businesses ability to use data to drive decisions at pace. Define a common standard for the creation of new analytical tools/products and ensure effective adoption of these tools by providing training to end users Lead a cultural change so that leveraging data and analytics becomes the norm Provide thought leadership to ensure Matalan can apply timely, leading edge thinking and technology to realise competitive advantage through analytics Define a common data science operating model across the business Define alongside technology a system architectural roadmap to support the data analytics and data science functions within the hub and spoke model Define and rollout a data governance strategy to ensure that data is managed effectively and aligns to the businesses goals. About You Extremely strong stakeholder engagement and management at the most senior level Ability to break down complex opportunities and present a simple sequence of decisions Collaborate with other disciplines in bringing together executable plans with an ability to work across the business with multiple stakeholders Motivated by delivering results in a fast-paced omni retailer and turnaround organisation with the ability to lead and create change in a challenging environment Sound judgement and resilience with an ability to operate independently and objectively Proven ability to apply advanced analytics techniques and statistical modelling to create commercial value and positive outcomes for the customer Act as a change agent: evidence of having effectively advocated and then led the senior leadership team through positive impact analytic-driven strategies. Commerciality: you should have the commercial acumen to use data to see what’s on the horizon and advise the CEO and stakeholders on data-driven customer opportunities, operational efficiencies or commercial benefits when they present themselves. Experience in using programming languages (Python, R, MATLAB, Scala, SAS etc.) for statistical and machine learning analyses and cloud analytics (AWS, GCP, Azure) Proven experience to see and know “what good looks like” when it comes to people, tools and practices within data science. A strong analytical background within data, with proven senior data, reporting or analytics experience leading teams both directly and in a matrix style, dealing with a large complex data landscape. Excellent emotional intelligence with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills An enthusiastic, energetic and creative individual Benefits In addition to competitive salaries, we also offer the below core benefits: 20% staff discount, which increases with length of service Thrive Recognition Scheme Wellbeing support provided by the Retail Trust Life Assurance Retail Rewards platform offering discounts for other retailers Pension Scheme Access to a wide range of career development Additional benefits may apply depending on your role and area of the business