Lead Analyst

First Central Insurance Management Ltd; Haywards Heath; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

First Central Insurance is seeking a Lead Analyst to join their Retail Pricing team. This role requires exceptional data modelling skills, expertise in R, Python, or SAS, and a commitment to driving continuous improvement. Join a team focused on delivering actionable insights and enhancing pricing strategies in the competitive insurance market.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Continuous Learning Opportunities

Flexible Working Environment

Qualifications

• Experience with R, Python, or SAS required.
• MSc in relevant field is essential.
• Understanding of motor insurance products is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead research to improve retail pricing performance.
• Manage a team of analysts ensuring target delivery.
• Apply mathematical techniques for performance improvement.

Skills

Data Modelling

R

Python

SAS

Statistical Methods

Predictive Modelling

Education

MSc in Maths, Physics, Computer Science, or similar discipline

Tools

Radar

Emblem

Job description

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We’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life.

Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price. But, it’s the people inside and outside our business that power us. They make us stand out, help us succeed. We’re ambitious. We’re growing. We’ve won awards.

Are you an experienced data modeller? Have you worked with R, Python or SAS? If so, we need you!

We’re looking for someone to join our Retail Pricing team as a Lead Analyst either working remotely or based in our Salford Quays, Manchester or Haywards Heath, West Sussex office.

Analytical and inquisitive? Lets do this, together!

In this role you’ll lead and coordinate research to improve retail pricing performance.

You will apply mathematical and statistical techniques including optimization, generalised linear modelling, and non-linear methods to improve the performance of the company. You’ll perform data enrichment to deliver actionable value-creating insights, managing rate changes and implementation of new models and pricing algorithms.

You will solve key company questions, providing analysis, insight, and competitive advantage by producing recommendations, analysis and reports that maximise customer satisfaction and profitability.

You will also oversee the process of translating data into market-ready insights which can be used in our advanced pricing strategies through cross-functional leadership as well as effective team and project management. You’ll keep up to date with the motor insurance market and the relevant standards and regulations.

We’re all about people and we’re passionate about continuous improvement, so you’ll pro-actively seek ways to improve existing processes in the Retail Pricing Team. You’ll implement and advise on analysis strategy, with particular focus on customer behaviour and motor insurance market dynamics.

Developing the best talent means a lot to us, so you’ll play a vital part in recruiting, developing & motivating junior staff whilst also controlling workloads.

Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:

• Experience working with data / data modelling
• Knowledge of R / Python / SAS

Nice to have skills, but optional:

• Experience with Radar
• Previous experience in the Insurance industry

What's involved:

• Lead and coordinate research to improve retail pricing performance
• Manage a team of analysts within the Retail Pricing Project Team ensuring delivery to targets
• Apply mathematical and statistical techniques including optimization, generalised linear modelling, and non-linear methods to improve the performance of the company
• Create an innovative approach which drives the business forward by introducing new analytical methods, making use of new data sources, and producing reporting suites to track performance
• Build predictive models using SAS, RADAR, EMBLEM, and other software packages
• Monitor, maintain, update, and improve existing predictive models
• Manage rate changes and implementation of new models and pricing algorithms
• Produce timely and accurate information for management decision-making purposes
• Liaise with other departments on data issues, processes, and operational issues
• Analyse business issues to find solutions to and make recommendations to improve customer outcome and profitability
• Present findings and results in a clear and logical manner
• Produce written reports and documentation of work completed
• Provide input and advice into company analysis strategy and the effective implementation of that strategy to meet company requirements
• Continuously learn new tools and techniques to stay ahead of competition
• Develop and implement best practices for experimental design
• Implement department timescales on standard report production, and ad hoc business queries
• Ad hoc project work providing analysis to the business
• Recruit, train, develop, and guide a team of analysts and graduate analysts
• Manage workloads and motivate direct reports to ensure engagement and productivity
• Maintain an ethically-sound workplace culture of inclusivity, openness, ownership, collaboration, ambition, innovation, agility, and respect
• Represent the pricing department in meetings as and when required
• Ensure compliance with company and other relevant standards / regulations
• Complete all mandatory training
• Travel to group locations on an ad hoc basis (currently Manchester, Gibraltar, and Guernsey)
• Any other reasonable duties as required

Experience & knowledge

• Proven history of mathematical research (either in academia or in industry)
• Proven ability to produce outstanding results based on own initiative
• Strong background in statistical methods
• Experience of predictive modelling is an advantage
• Experience of Radar, SAS, Emblem is an advantage
• Experience of personal lines insurance analysis is an advantage
• Experience in people and project management is an advantage
• Broad knowledge of statistical methods and techniques
• A good understanding of probability theory
• Mathematical optimization
• Knowledge of motor insurance products and the motor insurance industry is an advantage
• MSc in Maths, Physics, Computer Science, or a similar discipline
• PhD in Maths, Physics, Computer Science or similar is an advantage
• Strong mathematical skills
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adopt a logical approach to solving problems
• Excellent data and statistical analysis skills
• Strong IT skills (including Excel and one of Python/R/SAS)
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Good time management and organisation skills

Behaviours

• Logical thinker with solid reasoning ability
• An organised and pro-active approach
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
• Quick learner and keen to learn new methods and techniques
• Able to transfer skills and knowledge to others
• Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy
• A flexible approach and positive attitude
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic
• Commercially focussed

Interested? Apply today and take the next step in finding your dream job.

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What can we do for you?

People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full .

Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.