Data Science Lead

QBE Europe; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company in London is seeking a Data Science Lead for its Pricing & Analytics team. This hybrid role involves applying data science techniques to enhance pricing strategies, developing models in Python, and collaborating with experienced colleagues to make data-driven decisions. The ideal candidate will be proficient in Python, have a strong grasp of machine learning, and possess excellent communication skills to bridge technical and non-technical stakeholders. Join us in making a real impact in the insurance industry.

Benefits

30 days holiday per year

Flexible working options

Pension plan with 10% employer contributions

Private medical insurance

Family-friendly policies

Short-term remote work abroad

Sustainable investing through pension strategy

Cycle-to-Work scheme

Qualifications

• Hands-on data scientist, confident using Python and comfortable with data.
• Ability to explain work clearly to diverse audiences.
• Enjoy collaborating and bringing new ideas to life.

Responsibilities

• Act as technical lead for transitioning GLM pricing models to Python.
• Develop analytical models supporting pricing and fraud detection.
• Collaborate to build and refresh predictive models as needed.

Skills

Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis

Familiarity with working in a Linux environment

Strong understanding of machine learning

Good experience with SQL Server Management Studio and Power BI

Background in data management or analytics in financial services

Experience with large structured and unstructured datasets

Excellent communication skills

Ability to define business requirements

Experience working in fast-paced environments

Job description

Primary Details

Time Type: Full time Worker Type: Employee

Data Science Lead - Pricing (Automotive Protection)

London

Permanent (Hybrid)

About QBE

At QBE, we get to the heart of what matters for our customers.And we do it all with a human touch.

We’re an international insurer with more than 13,000 people working across 26 countries – which means we’re big enough for your ambitions, yet small enough for you to make a real impact. It’s an exciting time. We’re building momentum towards our vision to become the most consistent and innovative risk partner.

What if you could have a positive impact – at work and in the world? Aspart of the QBE team,you’ll get to spend every day working with people who are passionate, talented and kind.

Having the right to work in the UK is a requirement for this role. QBE may consider sponsorship at its discretion.

The opportunity

We’re seeking a Data Science Lead to join our established and growing Pricing & Analytics team for Automotive Protection’s global business, helping to strengthen our pricing and predictive modelling capabilities. This is an exciting opportunity for an individual looking to start or continue their career within the insurance industry, and who want to join a team of experienced and supportive colleagues. This role will be based in our London office.

Your new role

In this role, you will apply data science and modelling techniques to solve real-world business challenges and support data-driven decision-making. Partnering with the Global Head of Performance and Senior Analyst Manager, you’ll be responsible for transitioning our pricing models to python and developing our machine learning capability.

If you’re passionate about turning data into actionable strategies and thrive in a collaborative, energetic environment, we want you on our team!

Main responsibilities

• Act as the technical lead for transitioning our GLM pricing models to Python and developing our machine learning capability
• Work closely with the Senior Analyst Manager to shape Automotive Protection's data science strategy, identify high‑value opportunities, and deliver analytical solutions that directly influence global decision-making
• Develop and implement analytical models that support pricing, identify fraud, improve retention and renewals, and drive profitable growth
• Collaborate with analyst team to build, monitor, and refresh predictive models as needed
• Design and enhance analytics that generate actionable insights and support business decisions
• Ensure all models meet regulatory standards, follow best-practice governance, and are well documented
• Present findings clearly and confidently to diverse audiences, ensuring insights are understood and actionable
• Collaborate across functions, including with clients, senior stakeholders, and wider business teams

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving real-world problems with data, takes ownership of their work, and is passionate about making analytics part of everyday business decisions.

About You

You’re a hands‑on data scientist who enjoys solving real problems with data. You’re confident using Python, comfortable working with large and complex datasets, and able to explain your work clearly to people from a wide range of backgrounds. You work well with others, think creatively, and enjoy helping bring new ideas to life.

Skills you'll need

• Strong proficiency in Python for data analysis, modelling, and solution development
• Familiarity with working in a Linux environment
• Strong understanding of machine learning and data science principles, including MLOps practices and Databricks
• Good experience with MS SQL Server Management Studio, MS Office, Power BI, and Excel, with the ability to transform data into impactful insights
• A background in data management or analytics within financial services, ideally in general insurance
• A track record of developing models that deliver real and lasting business improvements
• Experience working with large structured and unstructured datasets
• Ability to define business requirements, solve complex problems, and deliver tailored analytical solutions
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain technical concepts clearly to non-technical colleagues and stakeholders
• A collaborative, open approach to working with others and building strong relationships
• Experience working in fast-paced environments and managing projects using agile methodologies

Benefits

30 days holiday a year with the option to buy up to 2 additional days.

Flexible working -balancing work and life is important so our flexible working opportunities are open to all, this can include part-time, job share and compressed hours.

Pension – you are automatically enrolled into the QBE pension plan, which entitles you to receive employer contributions of 10% of your basic salary.

Private medical insurance – we fund fully comprehensive private medical cover for you and all the family.

Family friendly policies – we offer 26 weeks leave at full pay regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or how you become a parent.

Short term remote work abroad-you can request up to 20 days per year to work remotely from certain locations abroad.

Sustainable investing - we believe sustainable integration is important for long term financial, environmental, and social outcomes. Our pension strategy supports our net-zero goal to achieve year-on-year reductions in carbon footprint, by investing more in green businesses than the broader market, so your savings are looking after the planet's future, as well as your own.
Cycle-to-Work – benefit from regular exercise whilst making your commute greener and cheaper, select and bike and/or accessories up to the value of £5,000.

Awards & Recognition

We value our employee’s experience with us and are proud to have been recognised for the following awards:

Winner of Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Award 2025 at the Insurance Business Australia Awards for our Respect@QBE program

Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2025:Winner: Commercial Lines Insurer of the Year,
Winner: Reinsurer of the Year - QBE Re, Winner: ESG, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Initiative of the Year, Winner: Insurance Personality of the Year - Chris Wallace, Executive Director UK insurance

AXCO Global Insurance Awards 2024 Winner:Network Management of the Year

Insurance Business UK 5-Star Cyber Awards 2024:QBE rated as a 5-Star Cyber Insurer

UK IT Industry Awards 2023 Winner:Green Technology Innovation of the Year

Working Dads Employer Awards 2023 Winner:Parental Policies Award

Insurance Post British Insurance Awards 2023:QBE rated as a 5-Star Employee

You can view all our awards here.

Apply now and let’smake it happen!

Ifyou’relooking for a career thatcombines yourexpertiseand your empathy, click Applytoday.

Your career. At the heart of it.

Skills:

Communication, Critical Thinking, Data Science, Data Visualization, Innovation, Intentional collaboration, Machine Learning (ML), Managing performance, Mentorship, Prioritization, Research Analysis, Risk Management, Scrum (Agile), Stakeholder Management, Thought Leadership

How to Apply:

To submit your application, click "Apply" and follow the step by step process.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

QBE is an equal opportunity employer and is required to comply with equal employment opportunity legislation in each jurisdiction it operates.