Head of Decision Science

Funding Circle Ltd.; London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading finance platform is seeking a Head of Decision Science to lead a team focused on optimizing lending strategies through advanced data analysis. The role involves advising on statistical models, collaborating across teams, and ensuring model reliability. Candidates should have over 7 years of analytical experience, strong leadership skills, and a Ph.D. in a quantitative field. This position offers a hybrid working model and comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Flexible hybrid working

Comprehensive health benefits

Enhanced parental leave policies

Qualifications

• 7+ years in a deeply analytical role, preferably within SME or retail lending.
• Strong understanding of scorecard modeling, predictive analytics, and machine learning.
• Excellent quantitative and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong leadership and influence skills.

Responsibilities

• Advise on statistical models and quantitative techniques.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop analytical solutions.
• Manage a team of data scientists and oversee model implementation.
• Ensure model reliability through validation and testing.
• Research new data sources and modeling techniques.

Skills

Analytical skills

Leadership

Quantitative techniques

Machine learning

Scorecard modeling

Education

Ph.D. in a quantitative field

Job description

Head of Decision Science

We are looking for a Head of Decision Science to join our Decision Science team within Risk. The Risk team plays a crucial role in Funding Circle, ensuring our borrowers and investors get what we promise by using data and modelling to provide insights, control and monitor risk, and support data-driven decision-making.

Funding Circle's Decision Science team builds statistical models and employs advanced quantitative techniques to optimize business and lending strategies across the organization.

Who are we?

We're Funding Circle. We back small businesses to succeed. Our mission is to help them get the finance they need to grow, with a platform that offers quick decisions and a seamless customer experience, backed by cutting-edge data and technology.

The role

1. Report to the Chief Credit Officer, advising on statistical models and quantitative techniques to optimize performance.
2. Collaborate with risk management, technology, data management, marketing, and operations teams to understand needs and develop analytical solutions.
3. Manage a team of data scientists responsible for designing, developing, and implementing complex models for marketing, credit underwriting, fraud prevention, collections, recoveries, and customer experience.
4. Ensure model reliability through validation and testing, champion best practices, monitor performance, and implement improvements.
5. Research new data sources and modeling techniques to drive innovation.
6. Build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
7. Focus on delivering measurable business results.

What we're looking for

• 7+ years in a deeply analytical role, preferably within SME or retail lending.
• Strong understanding of scorecard modeling, predictive analytics, and machine learning.
• Ph.D. in a quantitative field (Finance, Mathematics, Economics, Engineering).
• Excellent quantitative and strategic thinking skills.
• Strong leadership and influence skills.
• Passion for Funding Circle's mission and values.

We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.

Why join us?

We impact small businesses, communities, and the economy. We offer flexible hybrid working, a supportive environment, and comprehensive benefits including health, wealth, development, and lifestyle programs. We also provide enhanced parental leave policies.

Ready to make a difference? We'd love to hear from you.