Lead Data Scientist

Aviva; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance company is seeking a Lead Data Scientist in Norwich to develop advanced telematics models. The role involves collaborating with teams and mentoring junior colleagues to drive impactful data solutions. Ideal candidates will have strong skills in statistical modeling and data science techniques relevant to telematics and IoT datasets. The position offers a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive company culture focused on inclusivity.

Benefits

Bonus opportunity - up to 10%

Generous pension scheme

29 days holiday plus bank holidays

Private Medical Benefit

Discounts on Aviva products

Free Aviva shares through Matching Share Plan

Flexible benefits, including cycling to work

Supportive policies for parental leave

3 paid volunteering days

Wellbeing support and tools

Qualifications

• Proven experience applying data science techniques to telematics or IoT datasets.
• Strong statistical modelling and machine learning skills.
• Confident communicator who can convey complex analysis simply.
• Ability to lead projects and mentor junior colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test, and embed telematics models to price smarter.
• Collaborate with pricing, underwriting, and product teams.
• Guide junior data scientists in a supportive community.
• Shape decisions that improve outcomes for customers.

Skills

Data science techniques

Statistical modelling

Machine learning

Python

R

SQL

Project leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Job description

Lead Data Scientist

Salary: National: £45,000-£65,000, London: £55,000-£75,000

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

• 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 [e-mail]