Overview
Join to apply for the 2026 Data Science Graduate role at Ocado Retail
Graduate Data Scientist
Contract type: Permanent
Location: Hatfield (Blended working – 3 days in the office)
Working hours per week: 40 hours
Level: Entry Level – Graduate
Starting Salary: £32,000
Application closing date: Sunday 9th November 2025
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. We’re also the brains behind Zoom by Ocado, our same-day grocery delivery service.
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.
Our remit is to apply statistics, machine learning and artificial intelligence to our data at scale, and 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. You will develop your Python and SQL skills to answer business questions, with opportunities to rotate into other areas of the business.
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 internal stakeholders. Clear communication of progress to the wider team and stakeholders is expected throughout the project.
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 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
* Cross-functional rotations to gain broader business exposure outside of the core scheme
Throughout the scheme you will discuss your preferences for developing your data science skills. In the last six months you will be encouraged to apply for permanent roles within Ocado Retail.
Who You Are
* Have a curious mind and a passion for learning new methods of problem solving
* Have a methodical approach to explore every angle of a problem to ensure it’s completely solved
* Have strong logical reasoning to unpick sometimes complex code to find the source of an issue
* Experience with Python and SQL would be beneficial
* Have knowledge of statistical concepts and their applications would be beneficial
* Have great communication skills with a passion for data storytelling
What You Need To Apply
* CV & Cover Letter – Why Ocado Retail? Why this scheme? What do you hope to achieve/gain?
* A 2:1 degree in a STEM field or field with significant data usage from an accredited UK University
* The legal right to work in the United Kingdom upon scheme commencement and duration of the scheme
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.
When will you hear from us?
We aim to keep you informed throughout the process. Applications will close on Sunday 9th November 2025. Our aim is to be in touch with anyone who’s applied within 2 weeks of that date. We will keep you informed between each stage. If you miss the closing date we won’t be able to make exceptions to extend stages. This wouldn’t be fair to those candidates who have completed them. We will contact you by email at careers@ocadoretail.com.
Our Learning & Development Promise
There are great opportunities to grow careers within our high-performing and innovative business. These range from deepening your experience and expertise to potentially taking on management responsibility or pivoting your career. Our career management principles exist to help the realization of career ambitions, whatever they might be.
Driven by you
You are in the driving seat of your career. Open conversations with your manager about your career and development. They are there to coach you, mentor you, signpost opportunities and advocate for you within the business.
Backed by ORL
We are committed to ensuring the right tools are there for you. Our learning system ‘Walnut’ is your one-stop shop for all your learning needs.
What’s In It For You
By joining Ocado Retail you’ll experience life at the world’s largest online retailer and grow your skills and career in online retail. Benefits include:
* Health & Wellbeing: Private medical insurance with optional family coverage, Digital GP appointments, mental health support, discounted gym memberships, dental insurance, and more
* Spend & Save: Annual bonus, up to 7% matched pension contributions, 15% Ocado discount, 20% M&S discount, free breakfast in the office, and more
* Never miss the moments that matter: Blended/Hybrid working, 26 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays, options to buy extra holiday, 2 weeks work from anywhere, lifestyle breaks
* Equality and inclusion: We’re an equal opportunities employer. Reasonable adjustments during recruitment available on request
Location and Status
London, England, United Kingdom – listing and updates noticed periodically on the posting page.
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