Hastings Direct is a UK general insurance provider focused on digitally delivered personal insurance, including cover for cars, vans, bikes and homes. Its work combines customer-facing insurance services with pricing, data analytics, claims, underwriting, actuarial, fraud and technology operations. The company has around 4,800 employees across multiple UK offices and hires across the specialist and operational teams that support its insurance business.
Lead Data Scientist (Hybrid, London)
Lead a team of Data Scientists at Hastings Direct, shaping machine learning and predictive analytics for its UK insurance business. Guide models from experimentation through production and ongoing optimisation.
Description
- Lead and develop a high-performing Data Science team through mentoring and coaching.
- Set and deliver the Data Science strategy for the area.
- Direct the development of advanced machine learning and statistical models.
- Manage Data Science projects from initial concept and experimentation through deployment, monitoring and optimisation.
- Work with senior stakeholders to find ways Data Science can improve decisions and business results.
- Assess new data sources, methods and technologies for potential use.
- Ensure models are reliable, scalable and governed through appropriate validation and monitoring.
- Collaborate with Data Engineering and Technology teams on data pipelines and production deployment.
- Turn complex technical findings into practical insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Promote strong Data Science practices, innovation and ongoing improvement.
- Apply Data Science to telematics, claims, customer behaviour and other parts of the insurance lifecycle.
Requirements
- Demonstrated ability to lead, mentor and develop Data Scientists.
- Strong skills in machine learning, statistical modelling and predictive analytics.
- Proficiency in Python and SQL.
- Experience building Data Science solutions in a commercial setting.
- Experience managing machine learning models across their lifecycle, from development and experimentation to production deployment and monitoring.
- Experience handling large, complex and varied datasets.
- Familiarity with modern cloud and Data Science tools such as AWS, Azure, Databricks, Snowflake or Spark.
- Strong stakeholder management capabilities.
- Ability to explain technical concepts clearly and influence decisions.
- Good commercial understanding.
- Ability to link Data Science projects to business challenges and outcomes.
- Ability to pass credit and criminal record checks during the referencing process.
Benefits
- Car allowance.
- Annual performance bonus under the 4Cs scheme.
- Flexible and hybrid working.
- Support, training and development opportunities.
- Recognition and rewards.
- Private medical insurance.
- Life assurance worth four times salary.
- Income protection.
- Pension contributions matched up to 10%.
- Discounts and cashback on retailer purchases and company products.
- Independent mortgage advice with no fees.
- Free financial wellbeing support.
- Access to the Thrive mental health app.
- 24/7 colleague assistance programme.
- In-house mental health first aiders.
- Support groups and a dedicated mental health support team.
- 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Option to buy or sell one contracted week of leave.
- Healthcare cashback plans.
- Dental plans.
- Discounted health assessments.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Technology purchase schemes.
- Discounted and free onsite facilities.
- Social events throughout the year.