Lead Data Scientist

Royal London; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Pension with employer matching

Private medical insurance

Job summary

Royal London, the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions and investment company, is seeking an experienced Lead Data Scientist to join the Group Data & AI Office. You will shape advanced analytics, ML and AI delivery across a range of business areas, guiding strategy and accelerating AI adoption.

As a senior data science leader, you will balance hands-on technical work with leadership, mentoring teammates and influencing executives, while ensuring responsible AI, governance, and regulatory

Qualifications

• Senior data science leader with hands-on expertise in analytics, ML and AI.
• Experience leading complex data science initiatives from concept to delivery.
• Strong communication to executives and cross-functional stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Leading the design, development and deployment of advanced analytics, machine learning and AI solutions
• Identifying and assessing new opportunities to apply data science across the business
• Driving innovation through Generative AI and large language model (LLM) solutions
• Collaborating with senior business leaders to translate complex challenges into data-driven solutions
• Influencing strategic decisions through insight, experimentation and evidence-based recommendations
• Providing technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to colleagues within the wider data community
• Supporting the growth and development of Royal London's AI and Data Science capabilities

Skills

Data science leadership

Machine learning

Generative AI

Communication to executives

Stakeholder management

Python / SQL / R

Tools

AWS

Azure

Databricks

Job description

“It feels good to have a career with real purpose.”

Contract Type: Perm
Location: Alderley Park or Glasgow
Hybrid 50% from home / 50% office based

We're searching for an experienced Lead Data Scientist to join our Group Data & AI Office at Royal London. As a senior member of our Data & Analytics function, you'll play a key role in shaping how we use advanced analytics, machine learning and AI to solve complex business challenges and create value for our customers. Working within our evolving AI Centre of Enablement, you'll lead the exploration and delivery of innovative data science solutions across a range of business areas, helping to influence strategic decision-making and accelerate the adoption of AI across the group.

The role sets enterprise standards, shapes capability direction and provides expert leadership across a portfolio of high-impact analytical and AI initiatives.This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys combining hands-on technical expertise and leadership.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading the design, development and deployment of advanced analytics, machine learning and AI solutions
• Identifying and assessing new opportunities to apply data science across the business
• Driving innovation through emerging technologies, including Generative AI and large language model (LLM) solutions
• Collaborating with senior business leaders to translate complex challenges into data-driven solutions
• Influencing strategic decisions through insight, experimentation and evidence-based recommendations
• Providing technical leadership, coaching and mentoring to colleagues within the wider data community
• Supporting the growth and development of Royal London's AI and Data Science capabilities

What we're looking for:

An experienced data science leader who combines strong technical capability with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

• Deep expertise in applied data science, statistical modelling, machine learning, experimentation, decision science, optimisation and advanced analytics
• Experience leading complex data science initiatives from concept through to delivery
• A strong understanding of predictive modelling, machine learning and modern AI techniques
• Experience working with Generative AI, LLMs or related AI technologies
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical and senior audiences
• Strong stakeholder management skills, up to exec level
• Experience coaching and mentoring team membersIn-depth understanding of responsible AI, model risk, privacy, monitoring, safety and regulatory expectations
• Advanced in SQL, Python, R or equivalent languages, and cloud-based analytics platforms such as AWS, Azure, Databricks
• Financial Services experience is beneficial

About Royal London

We’re the UK’s largest mutual life, pensions and investment company, offering protection, long-term savings and asset management products and services.

Our People Promise to our colleagues is that we will all work somewhere inclusive, responsible, enjoyable and fulfilling. This is underpinned by our Spirit of Royal London values; Empowered, Trustworthy, Collaborate, Achieve.

We've always been proud to reward employees by offering great workplace benefits such as 28 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays, an up to 14% employer matching pension scheme and private medical insurance.

Inclusion, diversity and belonging

We’re an inclusive employer. We celebrate and value different backgrounds and cultures across Royal London. Our diverse people and perspectives give us a range of skills which are recognised and respected – whatever their background.

Only candidates who have the legal right to work in the UK or Ireland can undertake this role.
Unfortunately, Royal London is unable to provide visa or work permit sponsorship.