Head of Decision Science

Secure Trust Bank Ltd; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Secure Trust Bank Ltd. invites a senior leader to shape the Decision Science function, combining credit expertise with advanced analytics and responsible lending practices.

You will drive strategy, model development, governance and cross-functional collaboration to deliver sustainable growth and improved customer outcomes.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience in credit risk modelling or Decision Science within consumer lending.
• Strong experience in developing application or behavioural scorecards in prime/near-prime lending.
• Experience of affordability modelling or related predictive solutions.

Responsibilities

• Shape our Decision Science strategy with technical direction and delivery roadmap.
• Develop and continuously improve scorecards, affordability and predictive models.
• Lead automation, version control and lifecycle management of models.

Skills

Credit risk modelling

Leadership

Python

SQL

Model governance

Education

Quantitative degree

Tools

Python

SQL

Version control

Job description

Help shape the future of responsible lending At Secure Trust Bank, we are transforming how we make lending decisions through data, analytics and technology. We are looking for a Head of Decision Science to build and lead a modern capability that brings together deep credit expertise, advanced analytics, innovative modelling and automation. Your work will directly influence how we make responsible lending decisions, support our customers and deliver sustainable commercial growth. This is a senior leadership opportunity with real scope to shape what comes next. You will inherit an established model estate while setting the future direction for our scorecards, affordability models, predictive analytics and decisioning capabilities. You will be a strategic leader, but you will also remain sufficiently close to the technical detail to challenge thinking, solve complex problems and ensure our analytics translate into meaningful outcomes.

What you will be doing

Shape our Decision Science strategy

You will establish the technical direction, development standards and delivery roadmap for Decision Science. You will assess where existing models can be optimised, identify where redevelopment will create value and help us build a more scalable, automated and future-focused capability.

Develop models that make a difference

You will lead the development and continuous improvement of:

• Application and behavioural scorecards across prime and near-prime consumer lending
• Existing-customer and customer management models
• Affordability and responsible lending models
• Predictive solutions covering areas such as propensity, profitability, forecasting, segmentation and next-best action
• Champion and challenger approaches that support ongoing optimisation

You will also explore where machine learning, AI and alternative modelling techniques can add genuine value, while maintaining appropriate explainability, control and governance.

Modernise how we work

Working in partnership with Technology and Data colleagues, you will help modernise our analytical environment through greater use of Python, SQL and contemporary tooling. You will establish reusable modelling frameworks, improve version control and lifecycle management, and increase automation across model development, testing, monitoring and reporting.

Connect analytics with commercial decisions

Your focus will extend beyond building technically excellent models. You will make sure our analytical work addresses real business challenges and translates into practical lending strategies. Working closely with Credit Strategy, Product, Finance, Operations, Technology and Data, you will identify opportunities to improve customer outcomes, risk performance and commercial returns. You will also turn complex analytical findings into clear recommendations that senior stakeholders can confidently act on.

Build an outstanding team

You will build, lead and develop a high-performing Decision Science function with a strong combination of credit, statistical, technical and commercial expertise. You will create an environment where people can be curious, experiment thoughtfully, challenge constructively and continue developing their careers. Your leadership will help us build sustainable capability across the team rather than depending on a small number of individual specialists.

We are looking for an experienced Decision Science or credit modelling leader who combines technical credibility with commercial judgement and inclusive, people-focused leadership.

• Substantial experience in credit risk modelling or Decision Science within consumer lending
• Strong experience developing application or behavioural scorecards in prime, near-prime or a comparable lending environment
• Experience of behavioural modelling, customer management decisioning, affordability modelling or related predictive solutions
• A strong understanding of model development, calibration, segmentation, monitoring and optimisation
• Advanced capability in Python, SQL or equivalent analytical tools
• Experience improving modelling environments through automation, standardisation or modern engineering practices
• A sound understanding of model governance, documentation, monitoring and independent validation in a regulated environment
• The ability to translate complex analysis into practical strategies and clear commercial recommendations
• Leadership experience, including developing, coaching or mentoring analytical colleagues
• The confidence and communication skills to work effectively with senior stakeholders across technical and non-technical disciplines

A degree or equivalent experience in a quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Operational Research, Data Science, Computer Science or Engineering would be valuable. Postgraduate study or professional qualifications are welcome, but they are not essential.

The kind of leader we are looking for

• Balances analytical depth with sound commercial judgement
• Can move confidently between strategic leadership and detailed technical challenge
• Focuses on solving meaningful problems rather than building models in isolation
• Makes complex ideas clear and accessible to different audiences
• Understands the balance between sophistication, explainability, control and value
• Creates momentum while maintaining high standards
• Encourages curiosity, collaboration and constructive challenge
• Is passionate about developing people and building lasting capability
• Takes a thoughtful and responsible approach to automation, machine learning and AI