Lead Data Scientist

BRAND: Saatchi & Saatchi
Job Function: Data Sciences
Location: London, United Kingdom
Experience Level: Management
Workplace Type: Hybrid

Company description

We are Saatchi & Saatchi - a full service, integrated communications network, with 114 offices in 67 countries, with our headquarters in London. Saatchi & Saatchi is part of the Publicis Groupe, the world's third-largest communications group.

Saatchi & Saatchi launched in 1970, with the philosophy that "Nothing is Impossible" - a statement that crowns the top of our London building and is fundamental to our spirit. We approach things with the audacity of chutzpah. Chutzpah defines our culture at Saatchi & Saatchi. It's the quality of audacity. Because if you are going to attempt impossible things you have to have the audacity to believe you can achieve them.

It helped us build an agency we are really proud of and does things differently - which means an industry leading diversity approach, that includes Saatchi Ignite - our curriculum-based schools programme, Saatchi Open - our entry level programme, Saatchi Home - our affordable accommodation initiative, Saatchi Women - our programme for progressing talent, and Saatchi Family - our programme for parents and carers.

We are still looking for great clients. Still trying to rock the world. Still believing. Still being impossible. Still having ideas that make our clients famous. Still searching for people who want to set the world alight. Still knowing there isn't a problem a great idea can't solve.

If Nothing is Impossible is our spirit, then Chutzpah is what runs through our veins. But there is still one missing ingredient in creating the impossible and that's YOU.

Our Commitment
Diversity and inclusion are a core part of our DNA at Publicis UK. We're committed to building an inclusive culture that encourages, celebrates, and supports our wonderfully diverse employee group irrelevant of their age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability or ethnicity. Diversity and inclusion fuel our creativity and innovation, it enables us to be closer to our people and audiences. We will continue to strive to create a culture and environment where everyone feels empowered and more importantly comfortable enough to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

Overview

We're hiring for a Lead Data Scientist!
You will play a crucial role in shaping and driving innovation through the development of data science tools and solutions. You'll be responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining cutting-edge machine learning and AI prototypes, mentoring junior team members, and collaborating across teams to scale impactful data-driven products. This work directly supports our mission to deliver audience intelligence and creativity that fuels growth for our clients and the Saatchi & Saatchi brand. If this interests you, please keep reading below for more information.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and maintain machine learning, deep learning, and AI prototype tools (including LLM and RAG products)
• Collaborate with Audience Strategists to solve business problems using data science
• Lead and mentor junior data scientists and analysts
• Work with Publicis Groupe technology teams to scale prototypes into robust, Groupe-wide solutions
• Build scalable infrastructure and ensure compliance with security and privacy standards
• Create presentations and communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Identify and explore new data sources and technologies to drive innovation

Qualifications

• Strong experience with Python, SQL, TensorFlow, PyTorch, GCP, Docker, and LLM technologies
• Ability to solve complex, ambiguous problems with minimal guidance
• Excellent communication skills for explaining technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Experience in team leadership and mentoring within data science
• Proven ability to build and scale ML/NLP solutions across platforms
• Familiarity with Tableau, Power BI, and/or JavaScript-based visualization tools
• Passion for creativity, innovation, and a self-starting mindset

Additional information

Saatchi & Saatchi has fantastic benefits on offer to all of our employees. In addition to the classics, Pension, Life Assurance, Private Medical and Income Protection Plans we also offer;

• WORK YOUR WORLD opportunity to work anywhere in the world, where there is a Publicis office, for up to 6 weeks a year.
• REFLECTION DAYS - Two additional days of paid leave to step away from your usual day-to-day work and create time to focus on your well-being and self-care.
• HELP@HAND BENEFITS 24/7 helpline to support you on a personal and professional level. Access to remote GPs, mental health support and CBT. Wellbeing content and lifestyle coaching.
• FAMILY FRIENDLY POLICIES We provide 26 weeks of full pay for the following family milestones: Maternity. Adoption, Surrogacy and Shared Parental Leave.
• HYBRID WORKING, BANK HOLIDAY SWAP & BIRTHDAY DAY OFF You are entitled to an additional day off for your birthday.
• AGENCY DISCOUNTS, onsite gym, and discount in our Publicis-Owned Pub - "The Pregnant Man"

Full details of our benefits will be shared when you join us!

Publicis Groupe operates a hybrid working pattern with full time employees being office-based three days during the working week.

We are supportive of all candidates and are committed to providing a fair assessment process. If you have any circumstances (such as neurodiversity, physical or mental impairments or a medical condition) that may affect your assessment, please inform your Talent Acquisition Partner. We will discuss possible adjustments to ensure fairness. Rest assured, disclosing this information will not impact your treatment in our process.

Please make sure you check out the Publicis Career Page which showcases our Inclusive Benefits and our EAG's (Employee Action Groups).

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