Head of Data Science

JR United Kingdom; Slough; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A fast-growing FinTech is seeking a Head of Data Science to lead their data science function. This role involves developing credit risk models and driving the use of AI across the business to optimize lending decisions and improve customer outcomes.

Benefits

Competitive salary and company bonus scheme

25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays) - increasing with service

Enhanced pension scheme with strong employer contributions

Life cover, EAP support, and eye test allowance

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience leading a data science or credit risk modelling team.
• Solid background in statistical modelling and machine learning.
• Hands-on coding skills in Python, SQL, and SAS.

Responsibilities

• Leading and developing a team of Data Scientists working on credit risk and portfolio optimisation.
• Designing, building and deploying credit risk models for consumer lending.
• Driving test-and-learn initiatives to improve lending performance and customer outcomes.

Skills

Statistical modelling

Machine learning

Python

SQL

SAS

Job description

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We’re a fast-growing FinTech focused on improving access to credit. We combine deep credit expertise with strong tech and data capability, and we’re building a team that’s motivated by doing the right thing for customers.

The atmosphere is open, fast-paced, and hands-on. If you care about impact, ownership and working on problems that matter - you’ll feel at home here.

The opportunity:

We’re hiring a Head of Data Science to lead and grow our data science function. This is a key hire for the business, with real influence across credit strategy, product, and risk. You’ll head up a talented team and shape how we use data and modelling to make smarter lending decisions and deliver better outcomes for our customers.

What you’ll be doing:

• Leading and developing a team of Data Scientists working on credit risk and portfolio optimisation
• Designing, building and deploying credit risk models (PD, LGD, EAD) for consumer lending
• Driving test-and-learn initiatives to improve lending performance and customer outcomes
• Working closely with Credit Risk, Product, and Engineering to embed models into key decision systems
• Engaging with external partners, including credit bureaus
• Keeping a close eye on model performance and ensuring everything is monitored and up to scratch
• Championing the use of AI and advanced modelling across the business
• Presenting insights clearly to stakeholders across all levels, including non-technical audiences

What we’re looking for:

• At least two years of experience leading a data science or credit risk modelling team
• A solid background in statistical modelling and machine learning
• Hands-on coding skills – we use Python, SQL and a bit of SAS
• Experience building models for unsecured consumer lending or a related field
• A good grasp of the full model lifecycle: from development to deployment and monitoring
• A genuine interest in using AI to solve business problems
• Someone who can lead, support, and get the best out of a team
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, evolving business – we’re growing, and we like to move quickly.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive salary and company bonus scheme
• 25 days’ holiday (plus bank holidays) - increasing with service
• Enhanced pension scheme with strong employer contributions
• Life cover, EAP support, and eye test allowance

If this sounds like you - please click apply!