Data Science Lead - Contract

Shareforce; Greater London; On-site; GBP 66,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Shareforce seeks an experienced Data Science Lead to guide and build an in-house Data Science and AI capability for an Insurance Brokerage. You will lead the team, while remaining hands-on in development, and collaborate with stakeholders to translate complex business challenges into scalable, data-driven solutions.

Responsibilities include leading ML solutions end-to-end, mentoring analysts and ensuring production-grade delivery in a regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Proven track record delivering data science and ML solutions in commercial settings.
• Deep expertise in Python, statistical modelling, ML and modern data science tooling.
• Hands-on with cloud platforms, including Databricks and Azure.
• Experience deploying models from prototype to production at scale.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and influence senior stakeholders.
• Strong commercial judgement balancing technical sophistication with business impact.
• Experience in regulated environments, ideally Insurance or Financial Services.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, delivery and ongoing development and support of data science, ML and AI solutions from discovery through to production.
• Be hands-on in supporting existing AI models alongside the team of Data Analysts.
• Translate business challenges into clear analytical and technical approaches delivering measurable value.
• Provide technical leadership, direction and quality assurance across data science and AI projects.
• Partner with product, engineering, data and business stakeholders to drive effective delivery and adoption.
• Mentor data analysts and establish pragmatic best practices for modelling, experimentation and productionisation.

Skills

Python

Machine learning

Statistical modelling

Production deployment

Stakeholder leadership

ML pipeline design

Tools

Databricks

Azure

Job description

We're looking for an experienced Data Science Lead to lead the delivery of high-impact data science and AI initiatives for an Insurance Brokerage. You'll combine hands‑on technical expertise with strong leadership, working closely with stakeholders to turn complex business challenges into practical, scalable data-driven solutions. Our client is a forward thinking Insurance Brokerage seeking to build an in house Data Science and AI capability. The successful candidate will sit at the helm of the team, providing thought and team leadership whilst also staying hands on in development.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, delivery and ongoing development and support of data science, machine learning and AI solutions from discovery through to production.


• Be willing to be hands on in the support of existing AI models alongside the team of Data Analysts.


• Translate business challenges into clear analytical and technical approaches that deliver measurable value.


• Provide technical leadership, direction and quality assurance across data science and AI projects.


• Partner with product, engineering, data and business stakeholders to drive effective delivery and adoption.


• Mentor data analysts and establish pragmatic best practices for modelling, experimentation and productionisation.

Required Experience & Skills

• Strong track record delivering data science and machine learning solutions in complex, commercial environments.


• Deep expertise in Python, statistical modelling, machine learning and modern data science tooling.


• Demonstrable experience with modern cloud technologies, including Databricks and Azure.


• Experience taking models and AI solutions from prototype through to production at scale.


• Proven ability to lead technical teams and influence senior technical and non-technical stakeholders.


• Strong commercial judgement, with the ability to balance technical sophistication, delivery speed and business impact.


• Experience required in heavily regulated environments, ideally Insurance or Financial Services.

Additional Information

• Rate: Up to £600/day


• IR35: Outside


• Location: 2 - 3 days per week on site working in Hampshire


• Duration: 6 months


• Start Date: ASAP