Actuarial Graduate

Hastings Direct; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading digital insurance provider in Leicester is offering a two-year graduate program focusing on Pricing, Data, and Analytics with an Actuarial pathway. The program includes placements in Underwriting, Retail Pricing, and Claims Analytics, aiming to build skills for a career in analytics. Ideal candidates will have a strong mathematical background, coding abilities in Python or R, and good communication skills. Competitive salary starts at £36,000 with additional benefits and a clear pathway for professional development.

Benefits

Starting salary of £36,000

Flexible working options

Competitive bonus scheme

Healthcare cash plan and private medical insurance

Pension matched up to 10%

Free mortgage advice

Access to Thrive mental health app

Colleague assistance programme

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Strong mathematical capabilities including probability and statistics.
• Ability to code using Python or R.
• Self-aware with an inquisitive nature.

Responsibilities

• Complete placements in Underwriting, Retail Pricing, and Claims Analytics.
• Develop advanced analytical skills and deliver commercial value.
• Learn from experts in collecting and analysing large data sets.

Skills

Strong mathematical capabilities

Ability to code using Python or R

Very good communication skills

Excellent skills in logic and problem solving

Education

Degree in any discipline

Job description

2026 Pricing, Data and Analytics Graduate Programme (Actuarial Pathway)

Location: Leicester

Welcome to Hastings Direct - From our Group HR Director Pam Angel

We're a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become the best and biggest in the UK market. We've made huge investments in our data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We're proud of the journey we're on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues. We provide insurance for over 4 million customers, but we know there's even bigger opportunity out there. The fact you're now reading this job advert means we've tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD - we really hope you like what you see, and you'll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.

Programme overview

The Pricing, Data and Analytics Graduate Programme has three different pathways - Data Science, Engineering and Actuarial. Don't worry if you can't decide which pathway is right for you, you can always apply to more than one. Applications can be submitted directly through our careers site, and you'll only need to complete the questionnaire and assessment once, regardless of how many pathways you apply to. Our actuarial pathway is designed to give you the opportunity to develop advanced analytical skills and deliver commercial value. You'll work closely with and learn from recognised experts in collecting and analysing large data sets to create data-led solutions that incorporate actuarial principles and predictive modelling. Our teams are passionate about data, innovation & efficiency and this scheme will give you the opportunity to work alongside talented analytical experts and senior leaders. They will support, guide, and push you beyond your comfort zone to help forge your career in this highly competitive skill set and industry. Over a period of two years, you will complete placements in Underwriting, Retail Pricing and Claims Analytics to build knowledge, technical skills and understanding of these departments ready to secure a promotional new analytics-type role by the end of the scheme.

The placements could be within the following

• Underwriting - Actuarial & Data Science
• Underwriting - Account Management
• Retail Pricing
• Market Pricing
• Group Actuarial

Requirements

• A degree in any discipline pending in 2026 or achieved within the last 2 years
• Strong mathematical capabilities including probability and statistics
• Ability to code using Python or R
• A keen interest in completing actuarial exams
• Self-aware - you are clear on your strengths and development areas as well an inquisitive nature
• Be open and prepared for continuous development
• Very good communication skills; experience presenting results to others.
• Excellent skills in logic and problem solving

Unfortunately, we cannot offer visa sponsorship for our graduate programmes, meaning you will need to be able to prove you have right to work in the UK for the full 2-year duration of the programme to be eligible.

What we’ll do

• 15th Dec 2026 - Applications open: we will send you a link to complete psychometric testing via Harver
• 25th Jan 2026 - Applications close
• 6th-22nd Feb 2026 - If successful in testing, we will send you a link to complete an additional assessment via Coderbyte
• 5th Mar 2026 - If successful, we will invite you to an Assessment Centre
• 19th-26th Mar 2026 - In-Person Assessment Centres will take place in Leicester (19th) and Bexhill (24th and 26th)

Reward

When you join Hastings Direct, you’ll be making a real contribution to our success. You deserve to share in that success, so alongside a competitive and flexible salary, we offer a benefits package that recognises and rewards your part in our growth.

• Salary - Starting salary will be £36,000 but as you complete more of your actuarial exams, your salary will be regularly reviewed to reflect the increase in qualifications.
• Flexible Working - We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach within a reasonable commutable distance so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.
• Competitive Bonus Scheme (subject to company and personal performance)
• Healthcare cash plan and private medical insurance
• Pension matched up to 10%
• Free Mortgage Advice
• Access to the Thrive mental health app
• Colleague assistance programme
• 25 days annual leave and social events throughout the year

Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we’ll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve. We deliver good outcomes for our customers every time by providing great products at the right price with our simple and straightforward service. Wetreat customers like we want to be treated - fairly, respectfully and with their best interests at heart.

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.