Lead Data Scientist

TN United Kingdom; Staines-upon-Thames; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health insurer is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to spearhead AI and ML initiatives that enhance customer outcomes. In this role, you will lead a team, manage impactful projects, and ensure compliance with ethical standards. The position offers hybrid working options and a competitive salary, reflecting your experience and skills.

Benefits

25 days holiday

Bupa health insurance

Enhanced pension plan

Annual performance-based bonus

Onsite gyms or local discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in delivering machine learning solutions in healthcare.
• Deep technical expertise in AI/ML and cloud platforms.
• Proven experience in end-to-end AI projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and delivery of AI and ML solutions.
• Manage and mentor a team of data scientists.
• Drive the adoption of cloud-native tools and scalable ML infrastructure.

Skills

AI/ML

SQL

Python

MLOps

Communication

Tools

Azure

GCP

Snowflake

Job description

Lead Data Scientist, Staines-upon-Thames

Client:

Bupa

Location:

Staines-upon-Thames, United Kingdom

Job Category:

Other

EU work permit required:

Yes

Job Reference:

24fb42a5beb0

Job Views:

2

Posted:

17.05.2025

Expiry Date:

01.07.2025

Job Description:

Lead Data Scientist

Location: London EC2R 7HJ, Salford M50 3SP, Staines TW18 3DZ

Hybrid working options: ideally 1–2 days per week in office

Type: Permanent

Salary range: £60,000 - £80,000 (depending on experience & location) + 10% Bonus

Full time: 37.5 hours per week

Introduction: We make health happen

At Bupa, we’re passionate about using technology to make a meaningful difference. With our colleagues, customers, patients, and residents at the heart of everything we do, you’ll have the opportunity to lead innovative, high-impact projects that span our entire organisation.

As part of our ambitious 2027 strategy, you’ll join a growing Data Science team focused on implementing modern data science and MLOps standards while upholding ethical and responsible practices.

In this leadership role, you’ll be responsible for delivering AI and ML solutions that drive measurable business outcomes, while mentoring others and helping shape the future of data science at Bupa.

How you’ll help us make health happen

• Lead the design, development, and delivery of AI and machine learning solutions that support commercial growth and improve customer outcomes across Bupa’s businesses.
• Manage and mentor a team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative, high-performing environment focused on innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Own the delivery of end-to-end AI and GenAI projects—from business case development and stakeholder engagement to model deployment and monitoring.
• Drive the adoption of cloud-native tools and scalable ML infrastructure, ensuring solutions are robust, secure, and production-ready.
• Own the relationship and work in close proximity with business units to identify opportunities, shape project roadmaps, and ensure high-quality outcomes aligned with business priorities and Bupa’s Responsible AI Framework.
• Work with multi-modal data sources (e.g., electronic health records, clinical notes, imaging data, wearable sensor data) to develop impactful, ethical AI solutions.
• Act as a thought leader and data evangelist, sharing knowledge across Bupa’s global data science community and promoting best practices in AI, MLOps, and responsible innovation.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory frameworks and standards relevant to the health insurance sector (e.g., GDPR, DPA) and proactively align with Bupa’s Responsible AI Framework.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the Data Science function, helping define goals, measure impact, and support team growth.

Key Skills / Qualifications Needed for This Role

• Extensive experience leading with a strong track record of delivering impactful machine learning solutions in healthcare, clinical, insurance, or dental settings.
• Deep technical expertise in AI/ML, including hands-on experience with SQL, Python, and cloud platforms such as Azure, GCP, or Snowflake.
• Proven experience delivering end-to-end AI and GenAI projects, including model design, development, deployment, and monitoring in production environments.
• Strong understanding of cloud-native ML infrastructure, MLOps practices, and scalable architecture design.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across technical and non-technical teams.
• Experience working in an agile environment, preferably with familiarity using Azure DevOps tools such as Boards, Repos, and Pipelines.
• Passion for ethical AI, with a commitment to applying Bupa’s Responsible AI Framework in all aspects of solution development and delivery.

Benefits

Our benefits are designed to make health happen for our people. Viva is our global wellbeing programme and includes all aspects of our health – from mental and physical, to financial, social and environmental wellbeing. We support flexible working and have a range of family-friendly benefits.

• 25 days holiday, increasing with length of service, with option to buy or sell
• Bupa health insurance as a benefit in kind
• An enhanced pension plan and life insurance
• Annual performance-based bonus
• Onsite gyms or local discounts where no onsite gym available
• Various other benefits and online discounts

Why Bupa?

We’re a health insurer and provider. With no shareholders, our customers are our focus. Our people are all driven by the same purpose – helping people live longer, healthier, happier lives and making a better world. We make health happen by being brave, caring, and responsible in everything we do.