Data Scientist @ RELAY
Relay is fundamentally reshaping how goods move in an online era. Backed by Europe’s largest-ever logistics Series A ($35M), led by deep-tech investors Plural (whose portfolio spans fusion energy and space exploration), Relay is scaling faster than 99.98% of venture-backed startups. We're assembling the most talent-dense team the logistics industry has ever seen
THE TEAM
* ~90 people, more than half in engineering, product and data
* 45+ advanced degrees across computer science, mathematics and operations research
* Thousands of data points captured, calculated, analysed and predicted for every single parcel we handle
* An intellectually vibrant culture of first‑principles thinking, tight feedback loops and relentless experimentation
Work Alongside Industry Leaders
Andy Turner – Director of Data
Andy Turner has built and led data teams across global enterprises and high growth scale ups on five continents. He has delivered cloud native platforms, launched AI products end to end, and holds patents for novel machine learning applications in the UK Capital Markets. Trained in statistics at Oxford, he pairs strong technical fundamentals with clear judgement, a commercial focus, and a bias to deliver.
Relay’s Mission
Relay exists to free commerce from friction. Today, high delivery costs act as a hidden tax on e-commerce, quietly shaping what can be sold online and limiting who can participate. We envision a world where more goods move more freely between more people, making the online shopping experience seamless and accessible to everyone.
In This Future
* Delivery feels invisible—free shipping is the default, and logistical friction disappears from consumers' minds.
* Retailers of all sizes thrive equally online, whether selling a £5 item or a £500 one, as delivery becomes universally efficient and cost-effective.
Just as the internet eliminates friction from communication, Relay removes friction from the movement of goods, enabling broader participation and creating new opportunities for merchants and consumers alike.
Tech Stack Highlights
* Cloud-native on GCP with extensive use of BigQuery and Cloud Run
* Extensive use of ML modelling and LLM inference - no gimmicks here, this is our daily routine
* Python, Rust and TypeScript - we keep things simple but use the right tool for the job
* Cross-platform Flutter apps with a deep focus on user experience
* Emerging tech integrations, including robotics and IoT-powered operations
The Opportunity
As a highly operational business, we rely on data science to power every part of our network. From day one, we’ve built Relay around a deep understanding of our supply chain, using our best-in-class data assets to set strategy, improve quality, and optimise performance across every layer of the network. Our high-impact data team works across forecasting, optimisation, pricing, geospatial modelling, infrastructure planning, and more. Whether it’s planning courier capacity, guiding pitstop expansion, or improving the economics of delivery, our work directly shapes how Relay scales.
We are looking for Data Scientists to join our growing data team; these are hands-on roles with wide scope and strong exposure to decision-making. You’ll partner closely with operations, product, and commercial teams to solve practical problems with real-world impact, often working from messy datasets and complex systems, where the answers don’t sit neatly in one model. You’ll be embedded in cross-functional teams, helping drive cost, quality, and reliability across the network. If you’re motivated by fast feedback loops, strong ownership, with strong exposure to leadership, and the chance to shape a growing system from the inside out, we’d love to hear from you.
Open Roles
Data Scientist - Middle Mile and Pitstops
Responsibilities
We are looking for a Data Scientist to join our Middle Mile and Pitstops squad, responsible for the growth, performance, and economics of both our Middle Mile Fleet, and our Pitstop network. This role spans across domains, touching forecasting, pricing, operations, and commercial planning, and is ideal for someone who thrives on applying models in ambiguous, real-world environments. Example projects include:
* Modelling and improving the cost, quality, and efficiency of middle mile operations, including vehicle use, timings, and handover reliability
* Modelling estimated route length for Middle Mile Routes by combining real-time geospatial data with historic route and courier intelligence
* Partnering with marketplace and ops teams to optimise driver acquisition, targeting, and pricing for the middle mile
* Optimising pitstop expansion in line with volume growth, capacity, and service levels
* Modelling pitstop-level LTV and unit economics to support capital investment and performance tracking
* Collaborating with other data scientists to support geo-sequencing, zone design, and integration with routing models
* Act as a thought partner for operations, commercial, and finance leads, bringing a scientific lens to planning and network growth
Who Will Thrive in this role?
* 2+ years of experience in data science, with experience delivering models into production
* Strong experience with Python and SQL
* Strong foundations in statistics and probability, with experience applying them in operational and/or financial contexts
* Comfort working in ambiguity and navigating messy or incomplete data
* Effective communication skills — you can explain technical results clearly to non-technical audiences
* Comfort working across functions and disciplines to drive impact
Who Thrives at Relay?
Relayers share core traits, captured in our guiding principles, "The Relay Edge":
* Aim with Precision: You define problems clearly and measure your impact meticulously.
* Play to Win: You chase bold bets, tackle the hard stuff, and view constraints as fuel, not friction.
* 1% Better Every Day: You believe that small, consistent improvements lead to exponential growth. You move quickly, deliver results, and learn from every experience.
* All In, All the Time: You show up and step up. You take ownership from start to finish and do what it takes to deliver when it counts.
* People-Powered Greatness: You invest in your teammates. You give and receive feedback with care and candour. You build trust through high standards and shared success.
* Grow the Whole Pie: You seek out win-win solutions for merchants, couriers, and our customers, because when they thrive, so do we.
Compensation & Benefits
* Generous equity, richer than 99% of European startups, with annual top-ups to share Relay’s success.
* Private health & dental coverage, so comprehensive you’d need to be a partner at a Magic Circle law firm to match it.
* 25 days of holidays
* Enhanced parental leave.
* Hardware of your choice.
* Extensive perks (gym subsidies, cycle-to-work, Friday office lunch, covered Uber home and dinner for late nights, and more).
Fast and Focused Hiring Process
* Talent Acquisition Interview - 30mins
* Hiring Manager Discussion - 45mins
* Python Live Coding - 60mins
* Case Study - 60mins
* Relay Operating Principles & Impact- 60mins
* Decision and offer within 48 hours. Our process mirrors our pace of work.
Relay is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. #J-18808-Ljbffr