Lead Machine Learning Engineer

We’re Kingfisher, A team made up of over 74,000 passionate people who bring Kingfisher - and all our other brands: B&Q, Screwfix, Brico Depot, Castorama and Koctas to life. Guided by our purpose Better Homes. Better Lives. For Everyone. We believe a better world starts with better homes, and we work every day to make that a reality. Join us and help shape the future of home improvement.

We are looking for a Lead Machine Learning Engineer to join our Data Science team, to lead the research and development process of ML/AI services developed in the Group Data Science team. You will trailblaze the development of data science algorithms, while building, leading, nurturing and retaining a high performing data science team working on banner as well as group priorities. 

• Own the technical direction of your workstream, making decisions on model architecture, solution design and engineering approach
• Actively contribute to the code base, writing and reviewing production code and working alongside your team
• Manage and develop a team of machine learning engineers, including line management, coaching, performance development and workstream planning
• Set and uphold high standards for engineering quality and ensuring end-to-end delivery from experimentation through to production
• Collaborate with tech, product and data colleagues to shape solutions and influence the platforms and infrastructure that support your workstream
• Translate business requirements into clearly scoped technical solutions, and communicate recommendations and results clearly to non-technical stakeholders
• Be a champion for good engineering and ML practice across the Group AI function, contributing to a culture of knowledge sharing and continuous improvement
• Support the data leadership in developing a strong data culture, promote the team internally and externally

• Proven experience leading engineering teams, with direct line management responsibility and a track record of developing engineers
• Deep hands-on expertise in machine learning, with the ability to design, build and critically evaluate models and make sound architectural decisions for your team
• Strong software engineering background, with experience delivering end-to-end production ML systems and a willingness to remain an active technical contributor
• Strong proficiency in Python and SQL across the full ML development lifecycle
• Experience deploying and operating ML services on cloud platforms (preferably GCP)
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage senior non-technical stakeholders and advocate for technical decisions

How We Work 
We believe in flexibility and balance. Our hybrid model blends home working for focus with time spent connecting and collaborating - whether in our offices or at offsite locations. On average within our Engineering team - 40% of your time involving in-person collaboration. 

We value the perspectives new team members bring and encourage you to apply - even if you don’t meet 100% of the requirements. 

What We Offer 
An inclusive environment where your potential is limited only by your imagination. We encourage new ideas, support experimentation, and strive to create a workplace where everyone can be their best self. Find out more about Diversity & Inclusion at Kingfisher here  

We also offer a competitive benefits package and plenty of opportunities to stretch and grow your career. Scroll down below to find out more about our benefits. 

Diversity & Inclusion 
Our customers come from all walks of life - and so do we. We’re committed to ensuring all colleagues, future colleagues, and applicants are treated equally, regardless of age, gender, marital or civil partnership status, ethnicity, culture, religion, belief, political opinion, disability, gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. 

Interested? Great, apply now and help us to Power the Possible. 

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