Head of Data Science

FutureLearn is a UK-led global learning platform, founded in 2013 with the mission to transform access to education by offering top online courses from the world’s leading universities and brands. The global market for higher education and lifelong learning is a fast-growing market.

FutureLearn is a 100% online learning platform that matches learners with high quality educational content, from leading global educators, with a unique social pedagogy that leads to better learner outcomes. Its wide range of courses allow learners to follow their passions, unlock new skills and capabilities, including certifications and micro-credentials all the way to full degrees. So far, FutureLearn has helped 10's of millions of learners globally. FutureLearn provides educators scalable reach to a global audience, and has longstanding relationships with leading higher education institutions, including more than 150 UK Universities.

FutureLearn originally launched as a MOOC platform, meaning offering massive open online courses for cohorts of learners to join and progress through together. As the market for online education has evolved, FutureLearn has developed into more of an on-demand subscription-based model. The business is now embarking on a significant transformation of their customer proposition (for learners and educators).

There could not be a more exciting time to join FutureLearn as it continues its journey to Transform Access to Education.

About the role

We are currently looking to recruit a Head of Data Science. This is a unique opportunity for a current Head of or Lead Data Scientist to lead and build a budding Data Science team at an exciting time in FutureLearn as we further grow and move towards a new and personalized product and marketing strategy.

We are looking for a hands-on, experienced leader who can own and drive the Data Science strategy, in close collaboration and alignment with key business departments. All data science work is expected to solve business problems and provide added value to decision making, business value and supporting learner acquisition, experience and retention.

You will need to be able to define structures, processes and standards for the rapid creation of proof of concepts as well as for the full development and successful deployment of these prototypes once they have proven their value. This will require you to closely work together with our Engineers, to ensure an efficient data infrastructure for model development and deployment is maintained and improved.

FutureLearn has made significant investments into its data pipeline to enable fast, easy and scalable access to our data. Our data stack consists of Stitch, Meltano, Snowflake, dbt and Looker. Python is the main programming language used for our Data-Science products and we mainly use Pyspark and AWS cloud tools to enable their scalability and automation.

The Data Science team sits in the Data & Analytics Department and works alongside the Business Insights Analysts and Data Engineers. The Head of Data Science reports directly to the VP of Data & Analytics.

Requirements

• Experience (overall 6+ years commercial data science experience) in leading a data science team, including recruitment, talent development and motivating team members through a clear vision of how data science contributes to the overall business success.

• Bachelor’s/MSc/PhD in a quantitative discipline (Data Science, Machine Learning, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering or similar)

• Experience in scoping, prioritising and managing multiple data science projects in parallel with the capacity for getting things done, be it either hands-on or by leading others.

• Excellent communication and collaboration skills and experience in building strong relationships across business lines to influence and deliver impact across the business.

• Excellent knowledge of machine learning methods, as well as deep understanding of probability and statistics

• Excellent knowledge in Python coding, including experience with packages such as Pandas, NumPy, SciPy, Scikit-learn, Matplotlib, Seaborn, and good SQL skills.

• Experience in the construction of end-to-end ML and data science pipelines and successful production deployment of data science products within cloud environments (AWS, GCP, Azure).

• Knowledgeable in version control systems and hosting/sharing platforms such as Git/GitHub.

• Ongoing desire to upskill yourself and your team.

Benefits

• 28 days of Annual Leave plus UK Public Holidays
• Roll over up to 5 days Holiday
• Buy and Sell up to 5 days Holiday
• Life Assurance - 4X Annual salary
• Westfield Healthcare Cash Plan
• 18 weeks of FutureLearn Maternity Pay and Adoption Pay (at your full basic pay subject to passing probation)
• 6 weeks of FutureLearn Paternity Pay (at your full basic pay subject to passing probation)
• Sabbatical Leave (up to 3 months of unpaid leave after 3 years)
• FutureLearn Pension 4% Employer/Employee contribution
• £500 personal budget development/training (subject to business needs)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Season Ticket Loan

Note: FutureLearn operates a Remote First working practice. A hybrid approach where home is likely to be where you'll spend most of your working time, but you will need to attend our London offices for relevant meetings, engage with and support colleagues.

Applications

Please use our online form by pressing 'Apply for this job' below, including your CV and a cover letter telling us why you'd like to work with us.

We can't wait to meet you!

Diversity Statement

We believe diversity matters and want to create an environment where diversity can flourish. We encourage everyone to bring their whole self to work, regardless of gender, age, sexual orientation, race or disability.

Please email jobs@futurelearn.com if you require any reasonable adjustments or alterations to be made, to support you through the recruitment process.

COVID19

We encourage freelancers and people who have been made redundant as a result of COVID-19 to apply for opportunities at FutureLearn. We believe that in these difficult times, good employers have to rise to the occasion and play their part in the community. At FutureLearn, we take care of each other.