Senior AI Data Scientist

Senior AI Data Scientist

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At Tesco, our Data Science team builds scalable solutions to complex business challenges across stores, online, supply chain, marketing and Clubcard. We apply advanced machine learning, generative AI, and large language models (LLMs) to personalise customer experiences, optimise operations and drive innovation. We work across several business domains, including customer experience, online, fulfilment, distribution, commodities, store operations and technology. Team members rotate across domains to broaden their expertise and impact.

We foster a culture of continuous learning, dedicating 10% of the working week to personal development. Our team benefits from academic partnerships, regular knowledge‑sharing events and a collaborative, inclusive environment that values work‑life balance and professional growth.

• Operate within a fast‑pacing team to create new customer growth.
• Own end‑to‑end experimentation, rapid shipping, and lean implementation across all tasks.
• Design and ship production‑grade LLM systems and shared platform capabilities that power experiences for millions.
• Accelerate GenAI use cases across the business, from rapid prototypes to production code.
• Learn quickly and apply new skills effectively, remaining solution‑oriented and curious.
• Translate complex business challenges into actionable AI solutions.
• Explain technical concepts clearly to non‑technical stakeholders, including senior leaders.
• Guide junior team members, fostering a culture of learning and promoting best practices in AI.
• Influence decision‑making and gain buy‑in in ambiguous or challenging environments.

• Practical experience applying LLMs, including:
• Managing context windows effectively
• Selecting appropriate models for specific tasks
• Implementing safety guardrails and alignment techniques
• Decomposing complex tasks into model‑friendly components
• In‑depth understanding of LLM architectures, training methodologies, and usage patterns.
• Strong experience evaluating and validating data pipelines and ML systems.
• Familiarity with AI‑specific evaluation methods, including quantitative metrics and qualitative assessments.
• Ability to make well‑reasoned decisions grounded in technical understanding and real‑world constraints.
• Pragmatic approach to experimentation and solution design.
• Track record of explaining complex technical concepts in a clear, concise manner to non‑technical audiences.
• Experience guiding junior team members, fostering a culture of learning, and promoting best practices in AI.
• Ability to work effectively with colleagues from diverse disciplines (software engineering, UX design, data analysis, product management, business leadership).
• Skilled at influencing decision‑making and gaining buy‑in.

• Annual bonus scheme of up to 20% of base salary.
• Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays).
• Private medical insurance.
• 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (after 1 year’s service) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, and 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave.
• Free 24/7 virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family, free access to a range of experts to support your mental well‑being.

Our vision at Tesco is to become every customer’s favourite way to shop, whether they are at home or out on the move. Our core purpose is “Serving our customers, communities and planet a little better every day”. We are proud of an inclusive culture where everyone truly feels able to be themselves and recognise the value and opportunity diversity brings.

We are committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process.

Mid‑Senior level

Full‑time

Engineering and Information Technology

London, England, United Kingdom