Data Scientist

Nationwide Building Society; Swindon, London; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution seeks a Data Scientist to develop and deploy machine learning models and analyze customer behavior. This role involves collaborating with teams across the organization to leverage data for impactful decision-making, while offering flexible hybrid working arrangements.

Benefits

Personal pension with employer contributions

Paid volunteering days

Life assurance worth 8x salary

Salary sacrifice benefits

Health and wellness options

Performance-related bonus

Training and career development opportunities

25 days holiday, pro rata

Qualifications

• Strong working knowledge of developing machine learning models.
• Hands-on experience with structured and unstructured data sources.
• Proficiency in programming languages like SAS, Python, and SQL.

Responsibilities

• Lead in delivering data science projects covering the end-to-end model lifecycle.
• Develop and optimize predictive models and data transformations.
• Collaborate with other data scientists and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Data Engineering

Machine Learning

Analytical Skills

Problem Solving

Effective Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or Computer Science

Tools

SAS

Python

SQL

Job description

Data Science is central to how we decide the right messages to send to our customers that will help them with their financial needs at the moments that matter most. As a Data Scientist, you'll play a key role in developing and deploying machine learning models, analysing customer behaviour, and supporting data-driven decision-making. You'll be seen as a technical subject matter expert, exploring the latest modelling techniques, be proficient in feature engineering, and utilise advanced analytics to solve a variety of business problems.

With the proliferation of data, and the increased use of AI, automation and transformation the way that marketing operates is changing. In such a fast-paced environment, we are continuously looking to improve how we engage with our customers to provide value to them. We do this by being more data led and using new and innovative techniques.

We are happy to consider flexible working approaches to help you perform at your best.

At Nationwide we offer hybrid working wherever possible. More rewarding relationships are supported through our hybrid approach, bringing colleagues together across our UK wide estate, whilst also supporting generous access to home working. We value our time in the office to solve problems, to learn, and to feel connected.

For this job you'll spend at least two days per week, or if part time you'll spend 40% of your working time, based at either our Swindon or London office. If your application is successful, your hiring manager will provide further details on how this works. You can also find out more about our approach to hybrid working here.

If we receive a high volume of relevant applications, we may close the advert earlier than the advertised date, so please apply as soon as you can.

What you’ll be doing

Reporting to a Data Science Manager, you will:

• lead in delivering data science projects covering the end-to-end model lifecycle;
• be developing and optimising predictive models, engineering new features and data transformations to improve model performance and to support business processes;
• collaborate with other data scientists and building strong relationships with key stakeholders;
• mentor and support more junior data scientists.

About you

As a Data Scientist, you will be hands-on with data science projects, ranging from strong data engineering activities by utilising data to create meaningful real-time customer experiences, to building strong predictive models and other such advanced analytics solutions. In addition to having a passion for data science, you are resourceful and innovative in your approach to solving problems. Your fresh ideas and innovative thinking will underpin the manner in which Nationwide tackles its most value-driving initiatives by leveraging the latest approaches in advanced analytics techniques. You will work closely with teams across Marketing and the wider Society to understand business needs and translate these using data or creating new features, and building machine learning solutions.

As a minimum you’ll have:

• a bachelor's degree in data science, mathematics, statistics, computer science or a related field, and a track record which demonstrates capability in these areas;
• strong working knowledge of developing machine learning models using advanced analytical techniques;
• hands-on experience with structured and unstructured data sources, with an understanding of CI/CD (Continuous Integration / Continuous Delivery) pipelines for data engineering;
• proficiency in programming languages, SAS and Python and / or SQL;
• strong analytical and problem-solving skills, to understand and interpret business data in a variety of areas;
• effective communication skills to collaborate with team members across the business;
• strong presentation skills to bring data science and analytical findings to life to both technical and non-technical audiences;
• experience in financial services would be advantageous.

Our customer first behaviours put customers and members at the heart of how we work together. They are the set of behaviours that every colleague needs to display, in every role:

• Feel what customers feel - We step into our customers’ shoes, using their feedback and insights to empathise with them and to understand their needs, so that every decision we make starts and finishes with our customers in mind
• Say it straight - We are brave in speaking out and saying what we think – we’re honest and direct with good intent, openly sharing diverse perspectives to reach the best conclusions and using language everyone can understand
• Push for better - We don’t settle for mediocrity, we challenge the status quo, taking responsibility for continuous improvement and personal development
• Get it done - We prioritise what will have the greatest impact, we are decisive, and we take accountability for delivering brilliant customer outcomes

You can strengthen your application by showing how our customer first behaviours resonate with you, and where you may have already demonstrated these.

The extras you’ll get

There are all sorts of employee benefits available at Nationwide, including:

• A personal pension – if you put in 7% of your salary, we’ll top up by a further 16%
• Up to 2 days of paid volunteering a year
• Life assurance worth 8x your salary
• A great selection of additional benefits through our salary sacrifice scheme
• Wellhub – Access to a range of free and paid options for health and wellness
• Access to an annual performance related bonus
• Access to training to help you develop and progress your career
• 25 days holiday, pro rata

Banking – but fairer, more rewarding, and for the good of society

We forge our own path at Nationwide.

As a mutual, we’re owned by our members - those customers who bank, save or have a mortgage with us. We challenge the financial sector status quo. We don’t see customers as the engine of our own profit. We share our profits with them and put their needs first. Always there when they need us. Supporting them and their lives.

If you’re inspired by fairer finances, passionate about making a meaningful impact, and truly care about our customers, you’re one of us.

At Nationwide, you are challenged to grow and rewarded for doing so. Valued. Recognised. Inspired to be your best. As a community we want our working lives to count. As a team, we celebrate what we achieve. As a standard-setter, we work for the good of customers, communities, and broader society.

We are Purpose-driven. Uncompromisingly Customer. Unstoppably Nationwide.

What to do next

If this role is for you, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You’ll need to attach your up-to-date CV and answer a few quick questions for us.

We respond to everyone, so we will be in contact shortly after the closing date to let you know the outcome of your application.

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