Head of Data Science & AI (Foodtech)

TL;DR

Head of Data Science & AI (ML/AI): Leading a global team to build production models for personalization, demand forecasting, and waste reduction with an accent on strategy, mentoring, and MLOps. Focus on scaling machine learning systems, optimizing customer retention, and integrating generative AI to drive business value.

Location: Hybrid (Lisbon, Portugal)

Company

hirify.global is a global food-tech business providing high-quality food experiences through data-driven systems.

What you will do

• Define the long-term strategy and roadmap for Data Science, ML, and AI across global brands and markets.
• Build, lead, and mentor a multidisciplinary team of Data Scientists and ML Engineers.
• Guide the development of recommendation and personalization models for meals and recipes.
• Lead forecasting and planning initiatives to improve demand prediction and reduce food waste.
• Strengthen retention and marketing decisions through churn prediction and LTV modelling.
• Oversee the complete machine learning lifecycle using MLOps practices for reliability and scalability.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in Data Science, including at least 3 years leading teams.
• Expertise in ML, statistical modelling, NLP, time-series forecasting, and recommender systems.
• Strong proficiency in Python and SQL, using frameworks like scikit-learn, XGBoost, and PyTorch.
• Experience with Snowflake, Looker, and operating scalable production models.
• Strong knowledge of A/B testing and multivariate testing.
• Must be based in or able to work hybrid from the Lisbon office in Portugal.

Nice to have

• Experience in subscription, e-commerce, or food-tech environments.

Culture & Benefits

• Hybrid work policy combining office collaboration with flexible remote work.
• 22 annual leave days, increasing with tenure.
• 5 dedicated training days per year.
• Private health insurance and daily food allowance.
• 24/7 confidential employee assistance program.