Lead Data Scientist - Credit Risk/Pricing

ZipRecruiter; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fintech company in the UK is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive innovation in AI and analytics. This role encompasses hands-on modeling and leadership of a data science team, focusing on credit risk and pricing model development. Candidates should have a strong background in financial services and expertise in Python and SQL, alongside excellent communication skills. Join this rapidly growing firm to shape its data science strategy.

Qualifications

• Strong background in financial services, consumer lending, or fintech.
• Expertise in credit, fraud, and pricing modeling.
• Advanced skills in Python, SQL, and ML frameworks.
• Proven ability to design, deploy, and monitor models in production.
• Leadership experience - mentoring or managing data science teams.
• Confidence in regulated environments: model governance, monitoring.
• Excellent communicator who can influence senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a small data science team.
• Build and enhance credit risk, fraud, and pricing models.
• Explore and implement advanced ML techniques.
• Translate complex analytics into clear recommendations for senior leadership.
• Act as the organisation’s AI/ML thought leader.

Skills

Financial services experience

Expert in credit modeling

Proficient in Python

Proficient in SQL

Experience with ML frameworks

Leadership skills

Excellent communication

Job description

Job Description

Lead Data Scientist – Credit Risk/Pricing

A fast-growing fintech is searching for a Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their next phase of AI and analytics innovation. You’ll combine hands-on modelling with leadership responsibilities, guiding a small team while shaping the company’s long-term data science strategy.

This role will put you at the centre of credit, fraud, and pricing model innovation, while giving you the autonomy to drive AI adoption across the business. If you enjoy bridging technical depth with commercial influence, this is a chance to make a real mark.

Required Background

• Strong background in financial services, consumer lending, or fintech.
• Expert in credit, fraud and pricing modelling.
• Advanced skills in Python, SQL, and ML frameworks.
• Proven ability to design, deploy, and monitor models in production.
• Leadership experience - mentoring or managing data science teams.
• Confidence in regulated environments: model governance, monitoring.
• Excellent communicator who can influence senior stakeholders.

The Opportunity

• Lead and develop a small data science team.
• Build and enhance credit risk, fraud, and pricing models.
• Explore and implement advanced ML techniques.
• Translate complex analytics into clear recommendations for senior leadership.
• Act as the organisation’s AI/ML thought leader, keeping ahead of emerging trends.