Data Science Manager

About us GoCardless is a global bank payment company. Over 100,000 businesses, from start-ups to household names, use GoCardless to collect, manage and send bank payments through Direct Debit, real-time payments and open banking. With US$130bn+ processed annually across 30+ countries, we handle recurring and one-off payments without the chasing, stress, or expensive fees. Our end-to-end payment platform also features AI-powered solutions to improve payment success and reduce fraud, alongside connections to over 350 platforms businesses use everyday. We are headquartered in the UK, with teams and operations spanning North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. The role Data sits at the core of our mission. We leverage bank account data to deliver high-value, intelligent payment solutions for our customers, from enhancing payment success rates to driving payer fraud prevention. As a Data Science Manager within our Payment Intelligence team, you’ll partner with Software Engineers, Product Managers, and Designers to turn big ideas into reality. You’ll own the full lifecycle of our algorithms, shaping everything from the initial concept to production-ready code that powers our global payment network. At GoCardless, our stack is centered around Google Cloud Platform and Vertex AI, providing a high-performance environment for innovation. Our Data Scientists operate at the intersection of Python, SQL, and BigQuery to build and deploy high-performance models at scale. What you’ll do Manage and mentor a high-performing team of Data Scientists, fostering a culture of technical excellence and supporting their long-term career development. Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of mission-critical ML models that power real-time payment decisions. Shape the strategic roadmap for the Payment Intelligence space, translating complex data challenges into actionable, high-impact goals. Drive cross-functional impact by working closely across disciplines to build end-to-end technical solutions, from concept to production. Influence Senior Leadership by acting as the bridge between technical complexity and business value, communicating ML strategy to senior stakeholders. What excites you Driving cutting-edge advancements in Data, AI, and Machine Learning within the payments space with a multidisciplinary team. Mentoring a high-performing team and fostering a culture of technical excellence. Solving the complex, real-time challenges of fraud prevention and payment optimisation at scale. Building production-grade ML models on a streamlined GCP and Vertex AI stack to drive fintech innovation. What excites us 2+ years managing Data Scientists within complex, high-stakes domains. A hands-on leader comfortable diving into the codebase. You bring strong expertise in Python and SQL to oversee the full lifecycle of a model, from initial prototype to robust production deployment. A decisive collaborator who can navigate technical trade-offs and translate complex ML concepts for cross-functional stakeholders and leadership. Familiarity with complex data environments and model architectures, such as deep learning (experience in Fintech, Fraud Prevention, or Payments is a big plus). Base salary range: £99,200 - £148,800 Base salary ranges are based on role, job level, location, and market data. Please note that whilst we strive to offer competitive compensation, our approach is to pay between the minimum and the mid-point of the pay range until performance can be assessed in role. Offers will take into account level of experience, interview assessment, budgets and parity between you and fellow employees at GoCardless doing similar work. (some of) The good stuff Wellbeing - stay healthy with dedicated support and medical cover Work away scheme - gives you the option to work away from your country of residence for up to 90 days in any 12 month period Adaptive Working - allows you to work flexibly, around your lifestyle Parental leave - to suit everyone embarking on life's…