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Principal Data Scientist

IAG Transform UK
Full-time
On-site
London, United Kingdom

About Us

We are part of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world’s leading airline groups and owner of some of the biggest brands in the sky.

IAG Transform provides creative and innovative solutions to drive sustainable transformation by delivering procurement and airline services, as well as group-wide systems across IAG. Each operating company benefits from the Transform centralised model, driving efficiencies, automation, and economies of scale.

 

 

Purpose of the role

We are seeking an accomplished and highly experienced Principal Data Scientist to lead our Data Science team in the development and delivery of advanced AI tools designed to transform a range of domains across IAG. The successful candidate will possess a proven track record of leading high-performing Data Science teams, building and deploying AI solutions into production at scale, delivering significant and tangible impact within complex organisational environments.

This strategic leadership position requires exceptional technical expertise, strong consultancy experience, and the ability to operate in a client-facing, advisory capacity. The Principal Data Scientist will be responsible for ensuring the highest standards of Data Science output, directly influencing business outcomes and delivering measurable value across the group. The role reports directly to the Chief AI Scientist and will involve frequent international travel to engage with key stakeholders, ensuring alignment of AI initiatives with business objectives.

 

 

Your responsibilities

  • Serve as the principal authority on the quality, robustness, and business relevance of all Data Science deliverables, upholding rigorous standards across the team. 

  • Provide strategic leadership and mentorship to the Data Science team, fostering innovation in the development of advanced AI solutions.  

  • Direct the design, development, and deployment of AI tools to drive transformation across multiple domains within the group, ensuring solutions are scalable and impactful. 

  • Collaborate closely with key business stakeholders and cross-functional teams, including regular international travel to facilitate in-person engagement, guaranteeing alignment of AI solutions with organisational objectives. 

  • Lead the justification and clear communication of model selection and deployment strategies, ensuring full transparency and securing stakeholder endorsement for Data Science initiatives. 

  • Facilitate high-level understanding among key business stakeholders regarding model functionality and selection rationale, translating complex technical concepts into concise, business-aligned insights. 

  • Remain at the forefront of AI advancements, proactively integrating emerging algorithms and methodologies to enhance the effectiveness and competitiveness of our solutions. 

 

 

Your skills, experience and qualifications

  • PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a closely related discipline. 

  • A minimum of 10 years’ experience in data science and artificial intelligence, with a proven record of successfully leading high-impact AI projects and teams to deliver measurable commercial outcomes. 

  • Extensive experience in establishing and maintaining rigorous quality assurance frameworks and governance protocols for Data Science initiatives, ensuring consistently high standards across all projects. 

  • Exceptional ability to distil and articulate complex technical concepts for non-technical audiences, fostering trust, clarity, and stakeholder engagement. 

  • Significant consultancy expertise, demonstrating an outstanding capacity to engage, influence, and build relationships with stakeholders at all organisational levels. 

Skills:  

  • Advanced proficiency in multiple areas of Data Science (e.g. machine learning, optimisation, simulation, deep learning,  generative AI, etc.) with a comprehensive understanding of the mathematical foundations underpinning AI algorithms. 

  • Proven ability to lead and inspire cross-functional teams, driving collaboration and translating complex technical insights into actionable strategies that deliver business value. 

  • Exceptional communication and engagement skills, adept at building relationships with stakeholders at all organisational levels and ensuring their needs are understood and addressed effectively. 

  • Demonstrated expertise in AI governance, ethical frameworks, and regulatory compliance, ensuring responsible and transparent development and deployment of Data Science initiatives. 

 

 

What we offer 

  • The chance to enjoy a challenging career in an exciting, fast-moving environment in a dynamic industry.

  • The opportunity to work in a multi-cultural environment with great offices in many locations. We support our people in maintaining work/life balance, as well as providing the many benefits one would expect from a global organisation, including health insurance, pension and performance bonuses.

We are an equal opportunities employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law