Lead Data Scientist

Aviva

England

Hybrid

GBP 45,000 - 65,000

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Salary between £45,000 - £65,000 in the UK or £55,000 - £75,000 in London

10% annual salary bonus opportunity

Up to 14% pension contribution

29 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private Medical Benefit

40% discount on products

£1,200 in free shares annually

Flexible benefits options

3 paid volunteering days

Job summary

A leading insurance firm is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to develop and implement telematics models to improve pricing and risk management. This role involves collaboration with various teams and mentorship of junior data scientists. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in data science within telematics or IoT frameworks and demonstrates strong communication skills to convey insights to stakeholders. Competitive salary and extensive benefits are offered, promoting an inclusive and flexible work environment.

Qualifications

Proven experience applying data science techniques to telematics or IoT datasets.
Hands-on experience with statistical modelling and machine learning.
Ability to lead projects and mentor junior colleagues.

Responsibilities

Develop and embed advanced telematics models.
Collaborate closely with pricing, underwriting, and product teams.
Guide junior data scientists.

Skills

Data science techniques for telematics

Statistical modelling

Machine learning with Python, R, or SQL

Project leadership and mentoring

Communication of complex analysis

Creative problem-solving

Job description

Lead Data Scientist

Location: Norwich, Bristol, London, York, Eastleigh or Perth (Flexible)

This is a great job for someone who loves turning complex data into simple, powerful insights that make a real difference.

Someone who thrives in a fast‑moving environment, enjoys exploring new techniques, and is excited to shape the future of telematics at Aviva.

If you’re ready for a step up or already leading in the data science space, this role gives you the platform to make your impact felt.

A bit about the job

We’re investing in telematics to accelerate the growth of our QMH Connect proposition — and this role sits right at the heart of it.

As our Lead Data Scientist, you’ll develop, test and embed advanced telematics models that help us price smarter, understand driver behaviour, and reduce risk.

You’ll collaborate closely with pricing, underwriting and product teams, and you’ll guide more junior data scientists as part of a supportive, forward‑looking community.

Your work will help shape decisions across Personal Lines and directly influence how we improve outcomes for our customers.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

Proven experience applying data science techniques to telematics or IoT datasets.
Strong statistical modelling and machine learning skills, with hands‑on experience using Python, R or SQL.
Ability to lead projects and mentor junior colleagues, inspiring innovation and continuous learning.
Confident communicator who can translate complex analysis into clear, actionable insights for technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
Curious, creative problem‑solver with a track record of delivering impactful data‑driven solutions.

What you’ll get for this role

Our purpose – with you today, for a better tomorrow – guides how we support our colleagues too. Here’s a snapshot of what we offer:

Starting salary between National: £45,000 - £65,000, London: £55,000-£75,000 (depending on location, skills, experience and qualifications).
Bonus opportunity – 10% of annual salary. Actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s.
Generous pension scheme – Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days.
Aviva‑funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it.
Make your money go further – Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others.
We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.
Take a look to learn more. Put a salary into this calculator to see what your total Aviva Reward could be.

Aviva is for everyone

We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences.
Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply.
We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares.
We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you.
Most of our people are smart working – spending at least 50% of their time in our offices every week – combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.
To find out more about working at Aviva take a look here.
We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please give Kirthi a call on 02045922145 or send an email to kirthi.kanikireddy@aviva.com.

Seniority level