Data Scientist, AI & Innovation

The opportunity Bloomsbury is looking for an innovative and commercially-minded Data Scientist to join our growing AI \& Innovation team. This is a build-and-run role rather than a research one and is an exciting opportunity to develop and deploy predictive models that support strategic publishing decisions and contribute directly to the company's AI roadmap. Working across Bloomsbury's Consumer and Academic \& Professional divisions with direct executive sponsorship, the postholder will see their work reach colleagues and customers quickly. You will build forecasting models that inform advances, print runs, stock decisions and wider commercial planning. You will collaborate closely with colleagues across editorial, sales, production and technology teams, ensuring that data-driven insights become an integral part of decision-making across the business. The ideal candidate will combine strong analytical and technical expertise with the ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and effectively to a broad range of stakeholders. As a small engineering team, we value adaptability, we will have requests from various parts of the business that require learning tools, implementing code, and working in areas you’re unfamiliar with. Problem solving is key. The role * Develop, deploy and maintain sales and demand forecasting models for Bloomsbury's publishing divisions * Build predictive models to support advance offers, print run planning and stock management decisions * Monitor model performance through evaluation frameworks, drift detection and regular retraining processes * Investigate forecasting errors and continuously improve model accuracy and effectiveness * Translate forecasting outputs, assumptions and uncertainty into clear business recommendations * Work closely with Data Science and Data Engineering colleagues to ensure high-quality, modelling-ready data is available * Support analytical and experimental work across wider AI and innovation projects * Produce reproducible, well-documented analytical solutions that can be maintained and extended by the wider team * Ensure all modelling activities align with Bloomsbury's AI governance, data protection and compliance requirements Knowledge, skills and experience * A degree or postgraduate qualification in a quantitative subject is one route into this role but is not a requirement. We are interested in demonstrable skill and judgement however they were acquired. * Demonstrable experience developing predictive models used to support real-world business decisions * Strong Python and SQL skills, with experience using modern data science libraries and tools * Knowledge of forecasting, time-series modelling and demand prediction techniques * Experience working within cloud-based data and machine learning environments * Strong analytical thinking and the ability to translate complex business questions into data-driven solutions * Experience with model monitoring, validation and performance evaluation * Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills * Ability to work independently within a fast-paced and evolving environment * Experience within publishing, retail, media or consumer-focused industries would be advantageous * Knowledge of generative AI, machine learning experimentation or book industry sales data would be beneficial Additional information The role is a full-time, permanent position with a salary of £65,000 - £70,000 pa The role is based at our London office 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP on a hybrid working pattern of 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred). Allocated office days for this role are: Mondays and Wednesdays. Please complete our application form also attaching your CV via the ‘APPLY NOW’ button by 23:59, Tuesday 22nd September 2026. *Bloomsbury reserve the right to close the role early if we exceed the required number of applications* Bloomsbury benefits As well as a fantastic opportunity to join a global award-winning organisation, Bloomsbury offers the following competitive benefits package: Working Pattern * hybrid working pattern of: 2 days office based / 3 days home based (or fully office based if preferred) Holidays * 25 days holiday * 3.5 days Christmas company holiday Other Benefits: * Two paid Personal Wellness Days * Flexible Fridays – *take Friday afternoon off by working an additional 3 hours and 45 minutes earlier in the week* * Season Ticket Loan * Sharesave Scheme * In-house Doctor * Eyecare Voucher Scheme * Company culture! – Employee Voice Meetings, Staff Networks (Bloom, Disability, Mental Health, Pride and Parents, Guardians and Carers), 12 Mental Health First Aiders trained across the UK offices, Publishing Events and access to free Publishing Resources *For additional benefits see below* *Bloomsbury is a place where anyone of any background, race, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, gender identity, age, ability, or socio-economic status can thrive, feel comfortable, and be heard and accepted. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.* *We are willing to make any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please flag to the recruitment team if required* Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Bloomsbury is committed to creating a working environment that stimulates creativity and collaboration, is respectful of difference, is inclusive and ethical in its practice, and promotes well-being. We are determined to nurture and develop our employees to reach their highest potential, and we know that our success is down to the passion, commitment and hard work of our talented people. We recognise the urgent need to attract and support applicants from all backgrounds and identities to become part of the global publishing industry, allowing diverse voices to reflect and shape our culture and society. Address: 50 Bedford Square, London, WC1B 3DP Email: workwithus@bloomsbury.com