Data Science Graduate - Sept 2027
Ocado Retail · Hatfield, United Kingdom · hybrid
Data Science Graduate
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Hybrid working - 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours
Level: Entry level - Graduate
Starting Salary: £32,000
Application Closing Date: Sunday 1st November 2026
Scheme commences: September 2027
About us
Our mission is to deliver joy in every shop, through unbeatable choice, unrivalled service, and reassuringly good value.
We’re Ocado Retail, a market-leading joint venture between Ocado Group and M&S, and the world’s largest dedicated online supermarket, ocado.com. Not only is Ocado.com the only place to shop a full range of M&S food online, it’s also the home to the widest online supermarket range in the UK and champion of small, independent brands. We’re also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado, our same-day grocery delivery service.
About the team and the role
Data is core to our decision making, and we have one of the richest datasets in the industry. The Data Science team develops models which turn our data into actionable insights. It is our mission to leverage data to give the best value and experience to our customers and suppliers whilst increasing profitability and growth for Ocado Retail.
The Data Science team is responsible for understanding the complexities in the data, generating appropriate models to answer business questions, and delivering the outputs of these models to stakeholders in diverse areas of the business. It is our responsibility to work across functions to productionise these models so they are available to the right people, any time they need them. This could be in the form of a data table with the outputs of the model, or developing an interface to allow users to interact with the data in a way that allows them to leverage models for their specific needs.
We also develop multi-agent AI systems to solve for complicated workflows. This means that we have to truly understand the business users, their needs and the goals they are trying to achieve in order to create AI systems that can deliver value for those users. To do this we have to understand the art of the possible with AI, and have to keep up with an ever changing AI technology space.
Our remit is to apply statistics, machine learning and artificial intelligence to our data at scale. To do this we use Python, SQL, and the Google Cloud Platform (GCP). We are cross-functional by design, working with stakeholders across the business with varying degrees of technical expertise, meaning communicating complex ideas is core to the success of the Data Science team.
What you’ll do
This scheme is about learning how we apply data science in Ocado Retail. The majority of your time will be spent in the Data Science team, owning projects from start to finish with responsibility for managing stakeholders and delivery of data science solutions with support from the wider team. This will allow you to continue to develop your Python and SQL skills to answer business questions. There will be opportunities to rotate into other areas of the business and explore analytics, insight and data engineering with Ocado Retail.
You will be given support and guidance from the Data Science team in scoping out data science projects, developing novel solutions and delivering these to key stakeholders. A typical project involves researching a business question within the context of scientific literature, identifying relevant data sources, developing models that provide an answer to the question, and delivering this to our internal stakeholders. Throughout this process there is clear communication of progress of the project to the wider team, alongside our stakeholders.
You will be taught our coding standards, and will be producing production-ready code by the end of the programme. At the end of the programme you will have a rounded knowledge base of how data is used in the organisation, and how to apply statistical approaches to improve our service for customers and suppliers.
Placements in other teams will be aimed at broadening your awareness of what goes into data driven decision making. They may involve:
- Working in an analyst team within insight for 6 months in either Marketing, Category, Operations, Forecasting, Customer Research, Web Merchandising, or Trading (Range, Pricing, and Promotions).
- Delivery of key analytic projects for the designated team and the wider business.
- Build relationships with analyst colleagues and understand different data needs throughout the business.
- Working with Data Engineering for an expanded understanding of how data is processed, prepared and used in the wider business.
- In addition to your core scheme, you will have the opportunity for cross-functional rotations to gain broader business exposure outside of your primary discipline.
Who you are
- A curious thinker who loves learning new problem-solving methodologies.
- Methodical and detail-oriented, taking the time to explore every angle until an issue is fully resolved.
- Skilled in logical reasoning, with the patience to untangle complex code and find root causes.
- A strong communicator who is passionate about data storytelling and making complex insights clear.
- Experience with Python, SQL, and key statistical concepts.
What you need to apply
- A 2:1 (predicted or achieved) or above in a STEM field or field with significant data usage from a UK accredited University
- The legal right to work in the United Kingdom upon scheme commencement and duration of the scheme (24 months)
What’s in it for you
By joining Ocado Retail, you’ll have the chance to experience life at the world’s largest online retailer, work with an amazing bunch of people who challenge what’s possible each day, and grow your skills and career in online retail.
If that’s not enough to tempt you, you’ll also get access to loads of great benefits to sweeten the deal. Here’s a taste of what we offer:
Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with option to add your family, Digital GP appointments, market-leading family policies, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more.
Spend & Save: Annual bonus scheme split between personal and business objectives, recognition with reward platform, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast every day in the office, electric vehicle leasing scheme, and free shuttle bus from Hatfield station to the office.
Never miss the moments that matter: Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 flexible bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, and lifestyle break opportunities.
Your Application and AI
In the spirit of innovation, we welcome you to use AI tools in your application, just as we use them in our own business at Ocado Retail. However, as you leverage this technology, please don't lose sight of the most important element: your unique self. Your experiences, passions, and personality are what truly set you apart. Ensure that your application still authentically conveys who you are and why you're a great fit for us.
Everyone’s welcome
We’re an equal opportunities employer, which means that we make sure all potential colleagues are treated fairly and equally. We want to ensure everyone has a fair chance to apply; if you need this job description in an alternative format (e.g., larger print, different document type, etc.), please reach out to us at careers@ocadoretail.com and we'll be happy to assist you, and if you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know on the application form.