Head of Data Science

About us

Halfords is a £1.7bn revenue listed business and a recognised name across the UK, operating at scale across motoring services, cycling, retail, garages and B2B. With a national network and a growing services-led model, we are uniquely positioned to support customers across the full lifecycle of motoring and cycling needs.

We are proud to keep the nation moving as trusted experts who love to help.

Technology at Halfords

Technology at Halfords is being reimagined as we continue our evolution into a truly omnichannel, service-led business.

We are reshaping how technology supports the business, moving towards more integrated, product-led and data-driven ways of working. This is not about incremental change. It is about building the capabilities, platforms and ways of working that will enable Halfords to operate differently in the future.

Data sits at the heart of this transformation. From how we serve customers to how we optimise operations, we are investing in building modern data platforms and capabilities that enable better, faster decision- making at scale.

About the role

As Head of Data Science, you will define how advanced analytics, machine learning and statistical modelling deliver real, measurable value across Halfords.

This is not a pure research or experimentation role. It is about turning data science into a practical, scalable capability that drives commercial outcomes. You will lead the shift from isolated models and experimentation to embedded, production-grade data science products that influence decisions across the business.

A critical part of this role is the ability to translate complex data into clear, compelling narratives. You will connect insight to commercial outcomes, ensuring stakeholders understand not just what the data says, but what it means and what to do next.

Working closely with Data Engineering, Technology and business leaders, you will ensure data science is aligned to organisational priorities, focused on the highest value opportunities and delivered in a way that is adopted and sustained.

You will lead and develop a small but growing team, setting the direction for how data science operates, where it adds the most value and how it integrates into the broader technology and data landscape.

Key responsibilities

Define the vision, priorities and operating model for Data Science at Halfords, ensuring clear alignment to business strategy
Identify and prioritise high-value use cases where advanced analytics and machine learning can drive meaningful impact
Lead the delivery of scalable data science products, moving from experimentation to adoption and long-term value
Translate complex analysis into clear, compelling narratives that drive understanding, influence decisions and ensure adoption
Partner with Data Engineering to ensure models are built on robust, production-ready data platforms
Build and develop a high-performing data science capability, setting standards, coaching team members and growing expertise
Ensure outputs are actionable, understood and embedded into business decision making
Establish best practice across the data science lifecycle, including model development, validation, deployment and monitoring
Lead on responsible and ethical use of data science, embedding strong governance, privacy and compliance standards
Influence senior stakeholders, acting as the point of leadership for data science across the organisation
Foster collaboration across technology, product and business teams to embed data science into core decision-making

About you

You are likely to thrive in this role if you:

Focus on delivering business impact rather than building models for their own sake
Can translate data into a clear narrative that drives action and commercial outcomes
Are comfortable operating in evolving environments where priorities and approaches continue to develop
Can balance strategic thinking with hands on leadership of delivery
Bring structure and clarity without over engineering process or slowing progress
Are able to prioritise effectively, focusing on the opportunities that will drive the greatest value
Are confident operating in ambiguity, making decisions and guiding others through complexity
Communicate complex ideas simply and influence stakeholders at all levels
Enjoy building capability, developing people and shaping how a function operates

 Reward and benefits

A fair and competitive salary evaluated against market data, plus car allowance and an annual discretionary bonus
Pension, life assurance, 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and enhanced family leave
Commitment to your ongoing personal and professional development, supporting you to perform at your best and progress your career at Halfords
Hybrid working based at our Support Centre, with three days a week on site and two days working from home
Access to a wide range of colleague discounts across the Halfords product and service portfolio
Well being and inclusion at the heart of our colleague experience, with access to support resources and active colleague networks across the business

Diversity & Inclusion

At Halfords we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for our colleagues. We are an equal opportunities employer and proud to welcome applications from all backgrounds and embrace diversity within our One Halfords Family.

We operate a hybrid working policy with 3 days on site at our Support Centre in Redditch Worcestershire