Skills

Communication Leadership Python SQL Data Governance Research Machine Learning PyTorch Scikit-Learn TensorFlow Programming Azure AWS cloud platforms GCP Data Science

Job Specifications

Chief Data Scientist / Lead Data Scientist

x2 days a week in the office (can be based in either Derry or Letterkenny)

About the Role & Company

Join a forward-thinking tech-enabled organisation with deep expertise in solving complex data problems across highly regulated industries. The team is investing heavily in AI and is now seeking a senior technical leader to shape its future. This includes everything from research and development to full-scale deployment and long-term AI strategy.

This is a hands-on leadership position for someone who can connect the dots between advanced technology, product thinking, and commercial value. You will guide a growing team, influence intelligent product design, and help ensure that AI is integrated throughout the organisation.

What You’ll Be Doing

Define the organisation’s AI direction and lead high-level machine learning programmes across departments
Oversee the development, testing, and deployment of production-ready ML models with measurable business value
Lead and mentor a team of data scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of experimentation, innovation, and high performance
Collaborate with stakeholders to communicate AI strategy and model outcomes clearly and confidently
Work with engineering and product teams to identify opportunities for data-driven features and automation
Stay up to date with the latest advances in AI, including generative models, LLMs, and agent-based systems
Help maintain strong data governance and ensure all AI initiatives meet relevant compliance and security standards
Act as an internal and external ambassador for the company’s AI capabilities, sharing insight and thought leadership

What They’re Looking For

Circa 10 years’ experience in applied data science or AI, including at least a few years in a leadership or strategic delivery role
Proven track record of building and deploying scalable ML systems
Strong programming skills in Python and SQL, with hands-on experience in frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn
Ability to work with large, complex datasets and create structured pipelines for both structured and unstructured data
Commercial awareness and experience aligning AI initiatives with wider business goals
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, especially when working with non-technical teams
Familiarity with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or GCP for data science workflows
A good understanding of responsible AI principles and regulatory considerations in high-compliance sectors
Desirable: exposure to LLMs, autonomous systems, or next-generation ML tooling

If this role interests you and you would like to find out more (or find out about other roles), please apply here or contact us via niall.wharton@Xcede.com (feel free to include a CV for review).

About the Company

Global Technology Recruitment Specialists. We source and select top talent across all technology sectors globally. Founded in 2003, our vertical specialists provide global transformational talent in data, AI & machine learning, product, software, cloud and cyber. As part of the Xcede Group, we work with businesses, from pioneering start-ups to global brands, to find project-based or permanent talent that enables innovation in line with their vision and goals. Know more