The role

The role sits within our Automation & Insights department, at the crucial intersection between Data Science and commercial initiatives, encompassing projects of great importance across retention, acquisition and marketing.

With a wealth of data as well as exciting challenges, FDJ United is in search of a talented and ambitious Data Science Manager.

The successful candidate will bring his extensive experience and knowledge of team management and machine learning to lead and inspire Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers to achieve FDJ United's commercial goals across our brands and markets.

You will work closely with stakeholders to identify new opportunities that will test your ability to communicate complex concepts to a diverse technical and non-technical audience.

Our Automation & Insights department will provide a fertile ground for cross-functional collaboration between data scientists, data engineers, analysts and other talents.

Key responsibilities:

• Take ownership of our Commercial Data Science team and its roadmap.
• Lead a team of Data Scientists and Machine Learning Engineers across a variety of projects from conception to delivery.
• Work closely with stakeholders to align our deliveries with company-wide goals.
• Support senior management in defining the vision for our state-of-the-art Data Science functions, with a strong emphasis in automated insights, machine learning & AI driven decisioning.
• Foster a culture of high performance, excellence and innovation across our many initiatives.
• Line management, coaching, and professional development of team members, identifying skill gaps and proactively addressing them, ensuring continuous skill development.
• Keeping your team engaged, motivated, and supported.
• Maintain strong relationships and communication at the interfaces of our domain, namely with our business owners and engineering teams.
• Contribute to building a culture of excellence within the wider Automation & Insights department and beyond by aligning tools, best practice, process, and governance.
• Raise the profile of the team by actively promoting work and team contributions across the organization.

• Recruitment of further team members, ensuring alignment with your team's evolving skill requirements.

To be successful in this role, we think you will hit many of the below criteria:

• Bachelor's or advanced degree in a STEM subject.
• Experience managing a team of Data Scientists/Machine Learning Engineers developing machine learning data products. Ability to engage, motivate, and empathise with individuals.
• In-depth understanding and experience building machine learning/AI algorithms and solutions from conceptions to production.
• Advanced knowledge of machine learning algorithms, and statistics.
• Advanced knowledge of A/B testing and design of experiment.
• Exemplary Python and SQL skills, experience using Spark for processing large datasets.
• Familiarity with cloud computing platforms, preferably experience with Amazon Web Services.
• Understanding of software product development processes and governance, including CI/CD processes, release and change management.
• Understanding of machine learning product lifecycle, and how scientists and engineers collaborate in cross-functional product teams. 
• Understanding of ML deployment paradigms including batch, event driven, and request-response.
• Knowledge of gitops processes for testing and deployment, e.g. Jenkins and Terraform. Strong awareness of software development best practices.
• Passionate about the personal development of self and team members.
• Interest and understanding of product domains, from online gaming to sportsbook.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, able to explain complex concepts to stakeholders.

• A problem-solving growth mindset with the ability to pick up new concepts quickly.

Personal Attributes

A visionary leader passionate about data and innovation. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, able to inspire and mobilise cross-functional teams. A self-starter who thrives in dynamic, fast-paced settings. Committed to fostering a collaborative, inclusive, and learning-oriented team culture. Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving capabilities, particularly in ambiguous or evolving scenarios. Ensure that you, and your team, adhere to the Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) obligations within your direct responsibility and control. Ensure any non-compliance incidents within your team are raised through the appropriate channels (Compliance Incidents Process) and that your team are informed of any reporting processes relevant to them. Challenge processes, policies and projects that will negatively impact compliance within the Group. Ensure your team's completion of all mandatory compliance trainings within the set deadline. Reach out to the Compliance Teams if unsure of any of your compliance obligations or the requirements are unclear.