Head of Data Science

Job Description:

The role

We empower brands to make confident media investment decisionsdriven by evidence not opinion.

This is a pivotal senior leadership role at the forefront of marketing science transformation. As Head of Data Science you will architect and lead a world-class Data Science Centre of Excellence integrating analytics econometrics and data science into a unified high-impact capability. You will modernise measurement methodologies productise advanced techniques (agile MMM incrementality causal inference brand equity analytics) and operationalise insight at scale to drive client growth and business performance.

You will be a strategic partner to Carat iProspect and dentsu Xshaping pitches influencing client decisioning and setting the gold standard for media effectiveness across UK&I. As a member of the Marketing Science Executive Team you will play a critical role in defining the strategic direction of the discipline cultivating a high-performance culture and delivering measurable commercial outcomes.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operating Model

• Define and create the UK&I Data Science strategy aligned to the broader Data & Analytics vision and media growth priorities.

• Establish a scalable future-ready Centre of Excellence: governance delivery models talent strategy (onshore/offshore) and operational standards.

• Influence cross-functional alignment across media strategy data and technology.

Innovation Methodology & Product Development

• Own the end-to-end data science innovation roadmap to merit powerhouse status: evolve MMM into a digital-first agile automated solution; scale incrementality and causal inference; embed experimentation across the full funnel. Develop scalable advanced analytics solutions that incorporate behavioural science and creative analytics (pre and post)

• Set the benchmark for modelling excellence experimentation design (lift/RCTs synthetic controls) forecasting and brand-performance integration.

• Drive the development of proprietary tools frameworks and IP.

Data Infrastructure & Strategic Partnerships

• Collaborate with Data & Tech to build robust data pipelines automation and deployment infrastructureleveraging and other platforms.

• Partner with Amplifi and external data providers to unlock strategic value and commercial upside.

Commercial Growth & Market Impact

• Lead Measurement & Effectiveness strategy in new business pitchescrafting compelling narratives proof points and pricing strategies delivered in the room and on paper with high impact contributing to an overall Media increased win rate

• Drive revenue growth through outcome-linked learning agendas and strategic account expansion

• Influence client C-suite decisioning through data-driven storytelling and strategic advisory

• Industry leadership and representation of dentsu in external forums: produce thought leadership increase visibility and promote dentsu capability at key events and with senior stakeholders from both clients and our media partners (Google Meta industry bodies)

Delivery Excellence & Governance

• Oversee delivery across Measurement & Effectiveness scopes: staffing QA SLAs and insight-to-value workflows.

• Institutionalise repeatable excellence through playbooks case studies and scalable frameworks.

• Champion data ethics privacy and methodological integrity.

Talent Culture & Global Collaboration

• Inspire and develop a multidisciplinary team of 40 analysts econometricians data scientists and engineersfostering a culture of innovation learning and inclusion.

• Shape succession planning and capability development across critical roles.

• Contribute to global hubs and multi-market initiatives.

• External Influence & Thought Leadership

• Represent dentsu in industry forums and thought leadership platforms.

• Articulate a bold future-facing POV on modern measurement and the strategic role of data science in media.

Success Measures

• Adoption of a unified standardised measurement toolkit across priority accounts.

• Demonstrable growth impact via pitch wins account expansion and value tracking.

• Scaled automation and platform leverage reducing manual effort and increasing insight velocity.

• High team engagement retention and succession in key roles.

Qualifications

• 15 years in senior leadership roles across analytics data science econometrics or measurement ideally within agency or marketing-led environments.

• Deep expertise in MMM experimentation causal inference forecasting and brand-performance integration.

• Proven track record in pitch leadership senior client engagement and commercial storytelling.

• Strong cross-functional collaboration across media strategy engineering and commercial teams.

• Demonstrated experience in AI/automation integration within analytics workflows.

Soft skills

• Client-centric commercially astute and intellectually curious consistently translates complex data into actionable strategies that drive business outcomes and client growth.

• Strategic influencer across disciplines builds alignment and momentum across media strategy data and technology functions even without formal authority.

• Executive presence and trusted advisor engages credibly with senior stakeholders shaping decisions through clear evidence-led narratives.

• High integrity and analytical rigour sets the standard for transparency auditability and ethical use of data in decision-making.

• Culture builder and talent magnet fosters an inclusive high-performance environment that attracts retains and develops top-tier talent.

What we offer

• This is a permanent role.

• This role will be based in our London office where we currently operate under hybrid working arrangements.

• As well as a competitive salary youll enjoy a benefits package that you can tailor to your needs.

Inclusion and Diversity

At Dentsu we embrace diversity and inclusion valuing the unique perspectives and contributions of every individual. We believe that diversity fuels creativity and innovation benefiting our employees partners and communities.

We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of race ethnicity nationality religion gender gender identity sexual orientation age disability marital status or any other protected characteristic. Beyond recruitment we strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected supported and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work.

We recognize the importance of work-life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements for all roles. If you need reasonable adjustments due to a disability or medical condition during our recruitment process please contact us at quoting the reference number of the role that you are applying for. Your needs will be handled with respect and confidentiality to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience.

About us

Dentsu is an integrated growth and transformation partner to the worlds leading organizations. Founded in 1901 in Tokyo Japan and now present in over 145 countries and regions it has a proven track record of nurturing and developing innovations combining the talents of its global network of leadership brands to develop impactful and integrated growth solutions for clients. Dentsu delivers end-to-end experience transformation (EX) by integrating its services across Media CXM and Creative while its business transformation (BX) mindset pushes the boundaries of transformation and sustainable growth for brands people and society.

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