Head of Data Science

Harnham; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Harnham is seeking a Head of Data Science to lead and develop a data science function in a fast-growing fintech, where AI, ML and data-driven decisioning drive business outcomes. You will shape strategy, oversee production deployment of models, and influence risk and customer experience.

The role owns data science strategy across risk, affordability, and lending decisioning, building models with credit risk, Open Banking and customer data.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial experience in credit risk modeling within UK consumer lending.
• Hands-on expertise in machine learning, Python and SQL.
• Experience deploying production-ready models in cloud and MLOps environments.
• Familiarity with Open Banking data, affordability assessment, and AI-powered decisioning.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deploy ML models for risk, affordability, and lending decisioning.
• Own data science strategy across risk, affordability and lending.
• Collaborate with Product, Engineering, Credit Risk and Operations to deliver measurable business impact.
• Drive best practices in AI governance, deployment, monitoring and reporting.

Skills

Data science leadership

Credit risk modeling

Machine learning

Python

SQL

Open Banking

LLMs / AI decisioning

Cloud/MLOps

Tools

MLOps

Job description

This position offers the opportunity to lead and develop a data science function within a rapidly expanding fintech environment where AI, machine learning, and data-driven decision-making are central to business operations. The successful candidate will have the autonomy to shape data science strategy, oversee the deployment of models into production, and play a key role in influencing commercial outcomes. The client is committed to leveraging advanced analytics to enhance risk assessment, affordability modeling, and customer decisioning, with a focus on building scalable and intelligent solutions that drive both business performance and customer experience.

The Head of Data Science will be responsible for owning the data science strategy across areas such as risk, affordability, and lending decisioning. Core responsibilities include designing, building, and deploying machine learning models utilizing credit risk, Open Banking, and customer data. The role involves close collaboration with teams across Product, Engineering, Credit Risk, and Operations to deliver measurable business impact, as well as driving best practices in AI, model governance, deployment, monitoring, and performance reporting.

The ideal candidate will have strong commercial experience in credit risk modeling within UK consumer lending, hands-on expertise in machine learning, Python, and SQL, and experience deploying production-ready models in modern cloud and MLOps environments. Familiarity with Open Banking data, affordability assessment, and exposure to LLMs or AI-powered decisioning solutions are advantageous. The ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders and balance commercial objectives with risk management is essential for success in this high-growth setting.