Senior Data Scientist | S4 | Chief Data & AI Office | Milton Keynes

Santander (www.santander.com) is evolving from a global, high-impact brand into a technology-driven organisation, and our people are at the heart of this journey. Together, we are driving a customer-centric transformation that values bold thinking, innovation, and the courage to challenge what’s possible.

This is more than a strategic shift. It’s a chance for driven professionals to grow, learn, and make a real difference.

Our mission is to contribute to help more people and businesses prosper. We embrace a strong risk culture and all our professionals at all levels are expected to take a proactive and responsible approach toward risk management.

The Chief Data & AI Office (CDAIO) at Santander is responsible for setting the strategic direction for data, analytics, and artificial intelligence across the organisation. It ensures that data is managed as a trusted enterprise asset and that advanced technologies are applied responsibly, securely, and effectively to create value for customers and the business.

The Chief Data & AI Office (CDAIO) is looking for a Senior Data Scientist based out of Milton Keynes.

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will lead the development and delivery of customer-facing AI solutions across contact centres, chat and digitally assisted channels. You will combine technical leadership with a strong understanding of customer journeys, operational performance and value generation.

Our people are our greatest strength. Every individual contributes unique perspectives that make us stronger as a team and as an organisation. We’re enabling teams to go beyond by valuing who they are and empowering what they bring.

The following requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities essential for success in this role. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• 6-8 years of experience in data science, applied AI or advanced analytics, including leadership of complex AI solutions from concept to production; experience in customer-facing or conversational AI is strongly preferred (Required)

• Undergraduate degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, Engineering or a related field, or equivalent work experience supported by professional certification/licences (Required)

• English (Required); Spanish or experience working across international teams (Preferred)

• Strong knowledge of machine learning, natural language processing, generative AI, experimentation, statistical analysis and model evaluation (Required)
• Experience owning a digital, data or AI product through its full lifecycle, including product strategy, roadmap management, backlog prioritisation, release planning, rollout and live-service optimisation (Required).
• Experience designing and delivering conversational AI or customer-facing AI solutions; direct Sierra experience or experience with a comparable enterprise platform is preferred (Preferred)
• Strong understanding of contact-centre and digitally assisted channel operations, UK regulations (e.g. Consumer Duty), customer journeys, production AI monitoring and value measurement (Preferred)

• Provide technical leadership, conducts solution walkthroughs and monitors the quality of development and delivery activities (Required)
• Manage multiple priorities and provides concise management reports covering progress, outcomes, risks, dependencies and required decisions (Required)
• Ability to shape vision and priorities, prepare and challenge business cases, quantify costs and benefits, and track value realisation (Required)
• Strong product and stakeholder leadership, with the ability to balance competing priorities, make evidence-based product decisions, secure alignment across UK, Group and external technology partners, simplify complex technical topics, and present or escalate challenges constructively to senior audiences (Required).

At Santander, your contribution matters. We recognise the difference you make every day, and we make sure you feel valued, supported and rewarded in return.

Here, recognition goes beyond pay. It’s about the pride you feel in your work, the impact you have on customers and communities, and the opportunities you have to grow and thrive — personally and professionally.

• Salary Range: £76,000.00 - £114,000.00 per annum (depending on experience) This salary range represents the expected remuneration for the role. Annual salary is based on a standard 35-hour working week. Actual salary offered will depend on skills, experience, qualifications and location.
• 30 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, which increases to 31 days after 5yrs service, with the option to purchase up to 5 contractual days per year
• £6,000 car allowance per year
• Company funded individual private medical insurance
• Protection for you and your family, with company-funded death-in-service benefit and income protection insurance, and the option to take advantage of discounted rates for additional life assurance and critical illness cover.
• Share in Santander’s success by saving or investing in our share plans. ·      
• As a Santander UK employee, you are able to request staff versions of our products like our Edge Current Accounts and Credit Cards with no fees, as well as apply to many other deals and discounts in Santander products and services
• Competitive rewards that reflect the real impact you make and the value you bring.
• Wellbeing that goes beyond work — we work with a range of wellbeing partners across our 4 pillars of wellbeing (physical, mental, social and financial) to give you access to a suite of apps, discounted gym and fitness access, weekly online classes, flexible healthcare and mental health support.
• Support for every life stage — from menopause and pregnancy to parenthood and beyond, with enhanced family leave, childcare options and tailored wellbeing support.
• Time to give back through volunteering opportunities that let you make a difference in the communities we serve.
• Global growth opportunities to shape your career, learn new skills and explore what’s possible across our international network.

• All candidates must have the right to work in the UK to commence employment with Santander.

If this sounds like a role you are interested in, then please apply.

If there’s anything we can do in the recruitment process to help you achieve your best, get in touch. Whether it’s a copy of our application form in another format or additional assistance, we’re available through email. You can contact us at resourcing@santander.co.uk.

#LI-DNI