Head of Data Science

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Harnham - Data and Analytics Recruitment in London is seeking a Head of Data Science to lead a rapidly growing fintech data science function. You will shape strategy, deploy production ML models, and directly influence commercial outcomes.

The role requires strong credit risk modelling experience in UK consumer lending, hands-on ML with Python/SQL, and a track record in cloud/MLOps environments. You will collaborate with senior stakeholders to drive business impact and governance of AI

Qualifications

• Strong commercial experience in credit risk modelling within UK consumer lending.
• Hands-on expertise in machine learning, Python, and SQL.
• Experience deploying production-ready models and working within modern cloud and MLOps environments.
• Knowledge of Open Banking data and affordability assessment.
• Exposure to LLMs, agentic AI, or AI-powered decisioning solutions.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a range of stakeholders and balance commercial objectives with risk management.

Responsibilities

• Own the data science strategy across risk, affordability, and lending decisioning.
• Design, build, and deploy machine learning models using credit risk, Open Banking, and customer data.
• Work closely with Product, Engineering, Credit Risk, and Operations teams to deliver measurable business impact.
• Drive best practice across AI, model governance, deployment, monitoring, and performance reporting.

Skills

Credit risk modelling

Machine learning

Python

SQL

Open Banking data

Affordability assessment

Cloud

MLOps

LLMs

Agentic AI

AI-powered decisioning

Stakeholder communication

Tools

Cloud platforms

Production deployment

Job description

Head of Data Science

London (Hybrid) | £120,000 - £140,000

This is an opportunity to lead and build a data science function within a fast-growing fintech where AI, machine learning, and data-driven decisioning sit at the heart of the business. You'll have the autonomy to shape strategy, deploy models into production, and directly influence commercial outcomes.

The Company

A technology-led financial services business is investing heavily in data science and AI to enhance risk assessment, affordability modelling, and customer decisioning. Operating in a fast-paced environment, they are focused on building scalable, intelligent solutions that improve both business performance and customer experience. This role offers significant visibility and the chance to work closely with senior leadership on critical business challenges.

The Role

• Own the data science strategy across risk, affordability, and lending decisioning.
• Design, build, and deploy machine learning models using credit risk, Open Banking, and customer data.
• Work closely with Product, Engineering, Credit Risk, and Operations teams to deliver measurable business impact.
• Drive best practice across AI, model governance, deployment, monitoring, and performance reporting.

Your Skills & Experience

• Strong commercial experience in credit risk modelling within UK consumer lending.
• Hands-on expertise in machine learning, Python, and SQL.
• Experience deploying production-ready models and working within modern cloud and MLOps environments.
• Knowledge of Open Banking data and affordability assessment.
• Exposure to LLMs, agentic AI, or AI-powered decisioning solutions.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to a range of stakeholders and balance commercial objectives with risk management.