Data Engineering Graduate

Hastings Direct; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance provider in the UK is offering a Graduate Programme in Pricing, Data, and Analytics with an Engineering Pathway in Leicester. The programme aims to develop skills in data analysis through placements in various areas such as Underwriting and Claims. Candidates should have a degree and strong mathematical capabilities, along with coding skills in SQL and Python. The starting salary is £36,000 with flexible working options and a competitive benefits package.

Benefits

Starting salary of £36,000

Flexible Working

Competitive Bonus Scheme

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

Qualifications

• Degree pending in 2026 or achieved within the last 2 years.
• A keen interest in data pipeline automation.
• Self-aware and inquisitive nature.

Responsibilities

• Work closely with experts in data collection and analysis.
• Complete placements in Underwriting, Retail Pricing, and Claims.

Skills

Strong mathematical capabilities

Ability to code using SQL

Ability to code using Python

Good communication skills

Logic and problem-solving skills

Education

Degree in any discipline

Job description

2026 - Pricing, Data and Analytics – Graduate Programme ( Engineering 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 engineering pathway is designed to give you the opportunity to learn, innovate 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 automation, quality assurance and software design.

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 to build knowledge, technical skills and understanding of these departments ready to secure a promotional new engineering role by the end of the scheme.

Placements could be within the following:

• Data Engineering
• Analytical Engineering
• Pricing Engineering

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 SQL / Python
• A keen interest in data pipeline automation
• Self‑aware – you are clear on your strengths and development areas as well as 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 programme, meaning you will need to be able to prove you have the 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 with an increase to be put in place upon completion of year one of the programme.
• 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. We treat 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.

At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.