Team Lead Data Scientist
Lely · Maassluis, ZH, Netherlands · Hybrid
Pay: EUR 6,600 – 9,400 a month
Posted Sep 28, 2026
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Imagine leading a team that uses data from more than 30,000 connected robots and farm systems worldwide to shape the future of dairy farming. As Team Lead Data Science & AI, you combine people leadership, technology and strategy to unlock the full potential of data and artificial intelligence across Lely.
You lead a team of Data Scientists and AI specialists and are responsible for their growth, development and performance. Through coaching, people management and responsibility, you help your team excel while delivering innovative solutions that create real value for farmers. From predictive models that help improve milk quality to new AI-driven capabilities that support daily farm management, your team works on challenges that directly impact the future of agriculture.
As a family-owned company, Lely invests in long-term innovation. With only 3% of dairy farms worldwide currently robotised, the opportunities to transform the industry are enormous. Together with your team, you play a key role in determining how Data Science & AI can accelerate this transition and where Lely should invest next.
As part of the Data & AI leadership team, you work closely with business stakeholders across the organisation. You help answer questions such as:
How can AI help farmers run their farms more efficiently and sustainably?
Which data-driven insights create the most value for farmers and their animals?
How can we safely scale GenAI and Agentic AI solutions across Lely and into our products?
Key responsibilities include:
Lead, coach and develop the Data Science & AI team, including people management and HR responsibilities. Team size/scale (8 internal + 10+ external data scientists).
Create the conditions for a high-performing team by supporting growth, knowledge sharing and technical excellence.
Shape the Data Science & AI strategy and translate it into a clear roadmap together with Business Teams and fellow Data & AI leaders.
Build strong partnerships with stakeholders across Lely and with external development partners.
Increase the adoption and impact of Data Science & AI solutions throughout the organisation.
Help define the future of AI at Lely by identifying valuable opportunities, emerging technologies and strategic investments.
You bring a combination of people leadership, strategic thinking and hands-on Data Science & AI expertise. You enjoy developing teams, connecting stakeholders and translating technological opportunities into business impact.
Additionally, you bring the following:
A Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Econometrics or Informatics.
Proven leadership experience, including people management and HR responsibility.
A strong focus on coaching and developing team members.
At least 5 years of experience in Data Science, AI and Machine Learning within a business or industrial environment.
Hands-on experience with Data Science & AI tooling and platforms such as…