Data Science Graduate

Hastings Direct; Bexhill-on-Sea; Hybrid; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A digital insurance provider is seeking graduates for the Pricing, Data and Analytics Graduate Programme (Data Science Pathway) based in Bexhill. This two-year program offers the opportunity to work closely with experts in data science, coding in Python or R, and applying innovative techniques to solve business challenges. Candidates should possess a relevant degree pending in 2026 along with strong mathematical skills. A starting salary of £36,000 is offered, with flexible working arrangements available.

Benefits

Starting salary of £36,000

Flexible Working

Competitive Bonus Scheme

Healthcare cash plan

Pension matched up to 10%

25 days annual leave

Qualifications

• Degree pending in 2026 or achieved within the last 2 years.
• Strong mathematical capabilities including probability and statistics.
• Self-aware with an inquisitive nature.

Responsibilities

• Apply innovative data science techniques to solve real-world business challenges.
• Work alongside talented analytical experts and senior leaders.
• Complete placements in Underwriting and Retail Pricing.

Skills

Strong mathematical capabilities

Ability to code using Python

Ability to code using R

Interest in Machine Learning

Good communication skills

Logic and problem-solving skills

Education

Degree in any discipline achieved within the last 2 years

Job description

2026 - Pricing, Data and Analytics Graduate Programme (Data Science Pathway)

Location: Bexhill

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 data science pathway is designed to give you the opportunity to apply innovative data science techniques to solve real-world business challenges 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, machine learning and software design.

Our teams are passionate about data, modelling and innovation 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 and Retail Pricing 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
• Retail Pricing
• Market Pricing

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 in interest in Machine Learning
• 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 in Leicester (19th) and Bexhill (24th and 26th)

Reward:

• 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 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.