Lead Data Scientist

Aviva; Norwich; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus 10% of salary

Generous pension up to 14%

29 days holiday + bank holidays

Discounts on Aviva products

Matching Share Plan up to £1,200

Save As You Earn

Parental and carer’s leave

Cycle to work

Volunteering days

Wellbeing support

Job summary

Aviva is seeking a Lead Data Scientist in the Norwich/Leeds area to develop and embed advanced modeling techniques that drive smarter pricing and better customer understanding. You will collaborate with pricing, underwriting and product teams and mentor junior data scientists in a supportive environment.

The role requires strong ML and statistical skills, experience with Python/R/SQL, and a track record of delivering data-driven results. Aviva offers a competitive package and flexible benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience applying data science techniques to large & complex 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 nontechnical stakeholders.
• Curious, creative problem solver with a track record of delivering impactful data driven solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop, test and embed advanced modelling techniques to price smarter and understand customer behaviour.
• Collaborate with pricing, underwriting and product teams; guide junior data scientists.
• Shape decisions across Personal Lines and improve customer outcomes.

Skills

Data science leadership

Data storytelling

Mentoring

Curiosity

Problem solving

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Job description

Lead Data Scientist

Salary: circa £55,000 - £75,000

Locations: Norwich/ Leeds

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 data science 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

As our Lead Data Scientist, you’ll develop, test and embed advanced modelling techniques that help us price smarter, understand customer 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 large & complex 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 nontechnical 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 – is a promise we make to our colleagues too.And one of the ways we live up to that promise is by investing in you.We have so much to offer when it comes to being an Aviva colleague.

• Salary circa £55,000 - £75,000 for National based (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
• 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 around 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 interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job.