Data Exploration & Innovation Manager

AXA UK plc; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance firm in the UK seeks a Data Exploration and Innovation Manager to enhance pricing models through advanced data analytics and strategic insights. This role involves collaborating across teams, leading feature development, and applying statistical techniques to foster innovation. Candidates should have a strong background in statistical modelling, proficiency in R and Python, and excellent communication skills.

Benefits

Competitive annual salary

Annual performance-based bonus

Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)

Life assurance (up to 10× annual salary)

Private medical cover

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Opportunity to buy or sell up to five days leave

Wellbeing services and resources

Employee discounts

Qualifications

• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Proven experience in planning and leading team members efficiently.
• Eligibility and authorisation to work in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop innovative features from internal data sources.
• Lead design, testing, and deployment of data-driven features.
• Collaborate with data engineering teams for feature operationalisation.
• Maintain the quality and accessibility of internal data assets.
• Develop strategies for data cataloguing and documentation.
• Work with IT teams to build scalable data pipelines.
• Apply advanced analytical techniques to uncover opportunities.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to communicate insights.

Skills

Statistical modelling expertise

Data manipulation

Proficiency in R and Python

Excellent numerical skills

Strong communication skills

Education

Degree in a related discipline or equivalent proficiency

Job description

It's an exciting time in our Pricing and Analytics department here at AXA UK. Our transformation programme has recently been relaunched, aligned to AXA Retail's new Pricing and Analytics strategy. We are investing in growing our department in size and capability across our IT systems, analytical toolset and learning and development. Within AXA Retail we are looking for a Data Exploration and Innovation Manager to lead initiatives that leverage internal data assets and innovative techniques to develop features and insights that enhance pricing models and strategic decision‑making.

Responsibilities

• Identify and develop innovative features and insights from internal data sources to enhance business value.
• Lead the end‑to‑end design, testing and deployment of new data‑driven features.
• Collaborate with data engineering teams to operationalise features within scalable production environments.
• Maintain and ensure the quality, consistency and accessibility of internal data assets.
• Develop and implement strategies for data cataloguing, lineage and documentation to facilitate data exploration and reuse.
• Work with IT and data platform teams to build robust, scalable data pipelines supporting analytical initiatives.
• Apply advanced analytical techniques such as spatial analysis, text mining and interaction features to uncover hidden opportunities.
• Partner with cross‑functional teams including pricing, underwriting, fraud and claims to understand data needs and communicate insights effectively.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in statistical modelling and data manipulation within insurance contexts.
• Proficient in open‑source predictive analytics software such as R and Python for advanced data analysis.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, meet strict deadlines and maintain high levels of accuracy and reliability.
• Proven experience in planning, prioritising tasks and leading team members to achieve goals efficiently.
• Excellent numerical and mathematical skills, with a degree in a related discipline or equivalent proficiency.
• Strong communication, influencing and relationship‑building skills to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders.
• Eligibility and authorisation to work in the United Kingdom.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary dependent on experience
• Annual company and performance‑based bonus
• Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
• Life assurance (up to 10× annual salary)
• Private medical cover
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Opportunity to buy up to five extra days leave or sell up to five days leave
• Wellbeing services and resources
• AXA employee discounts

AXA is an Equal Opportunities Employer. We are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident Leader and we participate in the Disability Confident 'Offer of Interview' scheme. We will provide reasonable adjustments to candidates with disabilities or long‑term health conditions during the recruitment process.