Lead Data Scientist

Acorn Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company in Greater London is seeking an experienced Lead Data Scientist to take ownership of delivering value from telematics data. This role involves technical leadership, design of analytical solutions, and mentoring junior staff. The successful candidate will utilize extensive experience in machine learning and significant Python coding ability to innovate and challenge the status quo within the industry. The position offers a hybrid working model, 35 days of holiday, and significant opportunities for growth.

Benefits

35 days’ holiday including bank holidays

24/7 mental health support

Career development opportunities

Flexible benefits

Hybrid working options

Recognition awards and social events

Qualifications

• Experience of working with data streams or large time-series.
• End to end experience of the machine learning pipeline, from data engineering to production.
• Excellent python coding ability.
• A creative approach to problem solving.
• Technical leadership and mentoring of more junior staff.
• Natural desire to act at pace and be innovative.

Responsibilities

• Design, creation and execution of analytical solutions from telematics data.
• Drive the technical analysis and development of scoring algorithms.
• Technical leadership and mentoring.

Tools

Python

Databricks

Machine Learning

Job description

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, 6 January 2026 at 06:30

We are looking for an experienced and talented Data Scientist to lead on delivering solutions for our telematics products. The successful candidate will take ownership of delivering value from telematics data both within and across products.

As the Lead Data Scientist you will lead on data structure, and all forms of value extraction from large quantities of telematics data.

The Data Science team at Acorn was created in February 2023, initially focusing on delivering price optimization for pricing, which has seen great success for the company, delivering 20%+ uplifts in profitability across our largest products. Today we operate a champion‑challenger framework, rapidly delivering further improvements by being well organised, keeping effective code bases across the team that enables us to work repeatably and at scale.

Our team covers data engineering, model building and serving, with specialist skillsets for each, which means minimal reliance on other teams when it comes to either processing data for use in model training or getting models to production. We work in python on databricks, with a focus on building repeatable, product agnostic model training and serving solutions.

We are looking for a technical lead to deliver value from this rich data. This will need a holistic approach to value creation, starting with data then delivering for pricing and operations for telematics products, as well as the wider business.

Job Title:Lead Data Scientist

Location: London, on a Hybrid working basis

Salary:£Competetive depending on experience

Working Hours:37.5 Hours per week, Monday to Friday

What you will be doing:

• Design, creation and execution of analytical solutions from telematics data
• Drive the technical analysis and development of scoring algorithms as well as driving value for the wider business
• Technical leadership and mentoring
• We are looking for an independent thinker and technical leader who can challenge the status quo of the insurance industry and drive the continued growth of the business.
• You will have significant autonomy in the approaches used and solutions delivered

What we are looking for:

• Experience of working with data streams or large time-series
• End to end experience of the machine learning pipeline, from data engineering to production, with expertise in a range of modelling approaches
• Excellent python coding ability
• A creative approach to problem solving
• Technical leadership and mentoring of more junior staff
• Experience with data streams or large time series
• Natural desire to act at pace and be innovative, while setting high standards
• Expert in a variety of machine learning solutions
• Solid statistical understanding

This is a great opportunity to build something of high value from the ground up.

Grow with Acorn

AtAcorn Insurance, we’re proud of our Liverpool roots — and even prouder of how far we’ve come. As part of theAcorn Group, we bring over 40 years of specialist insurance expertise to the table. From humble beginnings, we’ve grown into a national leader, now employing1,700+ people across the UKandreached a milestone £750 millionin total value of insurance policies written in 2024.

We’re growing fast, with new opportunities emerging every week. That growth is largely due to the values we share:

• 🦏We run through walls for our customers and each other
• 🐐We challenge the status quo
• 🐧We succeed when we help those around us succeed
• 🐆We decide quickly when the smart thing to do is use our judgement

Benefits:

• 🌴35 days’ holiday(including bank holidays) with additional buy/sell options
• 🧠24/7 mental health support & free counselling available
• ☝Grow with us:Through career fairs, leadership programs, and learning on the go!
• 💸Flexible benefits, including early access to salary via our internal platform
• 🏡Hybrid working optionsto support work-life balance and individual needs
• 🎉Recognition awards, social events & more

Our Commitment to our colleague’s:

These aren’t just words — they’re the principles we live by. And we’re proud to back them up with real action, earning recognition and accreditation from leading organisations that share our commitment to people and growth:

• 🧠Mindful Employer– championing mental health and wellbeing
• ♿Disability Confident Level 1 & 2– creating accessible, inclusive opportunities
• 🌸Menopause Friendly accredited– supporting every stage of life
• 🎖️Armed Forces Covenant signatory– honouring those who serve
• 🏆Great Places to Work 2024/25– fostering an engaging and positive workplace culture
• 📈Best Place to Work for Development– proud to be investing in people’s future
• 👩💼Best Place to Work for Women– breaking down barriers to women's career progression

If you’re looking for a company with a strong culture, real career progression, and a people-first approach — all rooted in the heart of Liverpool —Grow with Acorn.

A Few Things to Know Before You Apply

We’re really excited that you’re considering joining Acorn! To help everything go smoothly, here are a couple of things to keep in mind:

🔍Checks & Clearances

All roles at Acorn are subject to DBS and financial checks. Any offer we make will be conditional until these are completed to a satisfactory standard.

🌍Visa Requirements

Because our training is quite comprehensive, we can only consider applicants who haveat least one year remainingon their Graduate or Post-Study Work visa. At the moment, we’re not able to offer visa sponsorship.

💬We’re Here to Support You

We’re committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can flourish. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process—or once you’re part of the team—just let us know. Whether it’s flexible hours, adapted equipment, or a bit of extra support, we’ll work with you to make sure you can do your best work.