Lead Data Scientist

Women in Data®; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Private medical insurance

Pension with employer match

Job summary

Royal London is seeking an experienced Lead Data Scientist to join our Group Data & AI Office. You will shape analytics strategy, lead advanced analytics, ML, and AI initiatives across the business, and mentor the data community.

Based in Alderley Park or Glasgow with hybrid working, you’ll collaborate with senior leaders to translate complex challenges into data-driven solutions and accelerate AI adoption across the group.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in applied data science, statistics and ML.
• Experience leading complex data science initiatives end-to-end.
• Strong understanding of predictive modelling and modern AI techniques.
• Experience with Generative AI, LLMs or related AI technologies.
• Ability to explain complex concepts to non-technical and exec audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development and deployment of analytics, ML and AI solutions.
• Identify opportunities to apply data science across the business.
• Drive innovation with new AI technologies and approaches.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to translate challenges into data-driven solutions.
• Influence strategic decisions through experimentation and evidence.

Skills

Applied data science

Statistical modelling

Machine learning

Experimentation

Decision science

Optimization

Advanced analytics

Predictive modelling

Generative AI

LLMs

AI governance

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Responsible AI

Model risk & privacy

SQL

Python

R

Cloud platforms

AWS

Azure

Databricks

Job description

• Location: Alderley Park (Wilmslow) or Glasgow
• Working Style: 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 members
• In-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

If you feel you’d be a great fit for Royal London but don’t meet every requirement, we’d still love to hear from you. Research shows some candidates are less likely to apply unless they meet 100% of the criteria - if you meet most requirements and are keen to learn, we encourage you to apply!

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.

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