We’re building a smarter, more data-informed First Table and this is your chance to shape it. As our Data Scientist, you’ll drive the advanced analytics and predictive models that power better decisions across Marketing, Product, and Sales.

This is a hands-on, high-impact role where your work won’t sit in dashboards, it will drive real change in how we acquire customers, grow revenue, and build products. You’ll work closely with business leaders to help answer big questions: What’s driving revenue? How do we optimise LTV? What projects and analysis will truly move the needle?

If you thrive in fast-paced, cross-functional environments where experimentation is encouraged and results are seen quickly, you’ll love what’s ahead.

About us

At First Table, our vision is simple: to be the first place diners go to book a table.

Proudly established in Queenstown, New Zealand - where our head office is based -  we've been leading the charge in the hospitality tech industry for over a decade, with operations spanning New Zealand, Australia, and the UK. The UK is now our fastest-scaling market, having recently launched in Scotland, Leeds, Oxford, Newcastle and Nottingham, we are  doubling down on building a strong presence and connected team across the UK.

First Table is a dining discovery platform that connects diners to restaurants through their love of food.  Through our clever tech, we help restaurants get their night off to a great start and give diners a compelling reason to try somewhere new. It’s a win-win situation. From early bird offers to last table reservations, we make discovering and booking great dining experiences fast, easy, and rewarding.

At the heart of everything we do are our values: Grow Together, Win-Win-Win, and Own It.  These guide how we show up for each other, our restaurant partners, and our diners and they’re a big part of what makes First Table a great place to work.

About the role

This newly created role reports to our Data Lead and partners across the business to deliver actionable insights, robust models, and meaningful measurement.

You’ll lead the design and execution of A/B tests and causal analysis to prove what’s working. You’ll develop MVP and POC models to forecast, segment, and optimise. And you’ll help establish scalable practices that support a growing data function, from SQL pipelines to BI dashboards.

Whether you’re wrangling raw data, advising on campaign tracking, or translating complex outputs into clear recommendations, this role is all about using data to drive action.

What you’ll be doing

• Build and deploy predictive models (LTV, churn, sales forecasting) across key functions
• Design and analyse A/B tests, applying causal inference techniques to measure true ROI
• Deliver segmentation and lifecycle analysis to improve acquisition, retention, and personalisation
• Write performant SQL to extract and transform complex datasets
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate business needs into analytical solutions
• Build and maintain BI dashboards (e.g. Metabase) to track KPIs and enable visibility
• Support a culture of data-driven decision-making through clear communication and technical rigor

What you’ll bring

• 2–4 years’ experience in a Data Scientist or similar role
• Advanced SQL and proficiency in Python or R (Python preferred)
• Solid foundation in statistical and machine learning techniques
• Experience working with marketing, sales, or product usage data
• Comfort with A/B testing, causal inference, and experimental design
• Strong communication skills and business translation ability

Why you’ll love working with us 

• Visible impact: Influence business-critical decisions and customer experiences
• Speed and autonomy: Deliver MVPs fast and iterate based on results
• Greenfield opportunity: Shape the future of data science at First Table
• Work your way:
  this role can be based from our Queenstown HQ (with 1 WFH day per week), or remotely from Auckland, where our team meets and collaborates regularly each month.
• Beloved consumer brand: Contribute to a product that diners and restaurants already love, making a visible difference across NZ, AU, and the UK.
• Perks: Free First Table bookings, regular team recognition and socials, and the chance to work with a purpose-led, award-winning brand.