Data Scientist
Travis Perkins
Data Scientist
Travis Perkins
UK building materials wholesaler and retailer
Travis Perkins plc is now hiring for an innovative, commercially minded Data Scientist to join our central Data Office within Group Technology.
Reporting directly to the Data Science Lead, you will design, build and deploy production-ready machine learning models and practical AI solutions. Working closely with commercial and operational teams, you’ll turn complex data into intelligent decision-making tools directly influencing how we drive revenue, optimise margins and sharpen operational efficiency across our market-leading brands.
If you are a passionate data practitioner who thrives on turning complex operational challenges into scalable data science products, we would love to hear from you!
Hybrid Working: This role operates on a hybrid model, requiring attendance at our Northampton Head Office 1–2 days per week.
As a Data Scientist at Travis Perkins plc, you will have ownership of the full model lifecycle, from exploratory analysis and feature engineering to prototyping proofs of concept (POCs) and deploying automated production pipelines.
End-to-End Machine Learning: Designing, developing and deploying predictive and prescriptive models (e.g. demand forecasting, dynamic pricing, recommendation engines, and customer churn models).
Applied AI & LLM Workflows: Developing modern AI capabilities, such as semantic search, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and generative AI workflows to augment business decision making.
Stakeholder Translation: Collaborating with colleagues across merchant branches, commercial and supply chain functions to translate operational challenges into actionable data science deliverables.
Production MLOps:Partnering with Data Engineering and Platform teams to transition prototype models into automated, scalable production pipelines using CI/CD, containerisation and cloud infrastructure.
Feature Engineering & Data Assets:Designing resilient, reusable feature stores and data assets from raw enterprise data, ensuring high data integrity, reliability, and reproducibility.
Data Storytelling & Visualisation:Synthesising complex technical outputs into intuitive visualisations, dashboards, and clear narratives for executive and operational leaders to drive adoption.
Governance & AI Ethics: Ensuring all deployed models comply with data governance standards, GDPR, and AI ethical frameworks (including bias mitigation, transparency, and hallucination safeguards).
Bachelor's degree in a quantitative discipline (Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related STEM field).
2+ years of hands-on experience developing and deploying machine learning or statistical models within a commercial environment.
Advanced proficiency in Python (pandas, NumPy, scikit-learn) and advanced SQL.
Solid understanding of core ML algorithms (e.g. XGBoost, LightGBM, linear/logistic regression, clustering, time-series forecasting).
Practical familiarity with software engineering best practice, including Git, code reviews and reproducible workflows.
Awareness of modern applied AI concepts (embeddings, vector search, prompt engineering, and open-source models).
Commercial mindset with the ability to connect technical metrics (RMSE, AUC, latency) to tangible business outcomes (margin, conversion, stock holding).
Excellent communication skills, with confidence explaining technical concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
Master’s degree or higher in Data Science, Machine Learning, or Advanced Analytics.
Practical experience within the Google Cloud Platform ecosystem (Vertex AI, BigQuery, BigQuery ML, Cloud Run).
Experience working with MLOps frameworks, CI/CD pipelines, MLflow, and model drift monitoring.
Background in retail merchanting, trade distribution, supply chain logistics or e-commerce.
Experience fine-tuning or integrating LLMs and generative AI frameworks in production.
Google Cloud certifications.
What's in it for you!
Company/ Performance related bonus
Save-as-you-earn & Buy-as-you-earn schemes
Contributory pension scheme
Life Insurance
Private Medical Insurance
Colleague discount across a variety of Group businesses including with special discounts across our Trade Merchants - 20% off at Toolstation
If you are an ambitious Data Scientist looking to build impactful machine learning solutions in a supportive, forward-thinking environment, submit your application today!
UK building materials wholesaler and retailer
Travis Perkins is a large UK supplier of building materials and home improvement products. It grew from two family businesses (Perkins & Co and Travis timber importers) that merged in 1988 and expanded through acquiring many other businesses, including Wickes in 2005, to serve both tradespeople and DIY customers. Its operations center on distributing a wide range of products—timber, bricks, plaster, plumbing and heating, decorating, tools, and related building supplies—through a network of branches and direct-to-consumer channels, plus online ordering. The company differentiates itself by its scale, diversified portfolio of brands and outlets, and a strong emphasis on growth through acquisitions that widen its geographic reach and product offerings. Its goal is to remain a leading UK building materials and home improvement group by expanding its reach, product range, and service capabilities across both trade and consumer markets.
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