Lead Investments Data Scientist

M&G; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading investment firm is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to join their Investment Analytics Team. In this role, you'll develop data-driven solutions to enhance investment outcomes, lead a global data science community, and drive innovation. The ideal candidate will have strong experience in quantitative research and machine learning, along with advanced programming skills in Python and SQL. This position offers flexible working arrangements and a range of benefits, including a robust pension scheme and generous annual leave.

Benefits

18% pension scheme

38 days annual leave

Private healthcare

Paid parental leave

Qualifications

• Experience delivering end-to-end data science solutions.
• Expertise in quantitative research and investment technologies.
• Proficient in Python and SQL with strong analytical capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with investment teams to identify data solutions.
• Lead development of data science and ML models.
• Communicate insights to stakeholders.

Skills

Data science in investments

Quantitative research

Machine learning applications

Python programming

SQL expertise

Data visualization

Cloud computing

Big data technologies

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Education

Advanced degree in quantitative discipline

Tools

Relational databases

Cloud platforms

Job description

Our purpose is to give everyone real confidence to put their money to work. With a heritage dating back more than 175 years, we have a long history of innovation in savings and investments, combining asset management and insurance expertise to offer a wide range of solutions.

Our two distinct operating segments, Asset Management and Life, work together to provide access to balanced, long-term investment and savings solutions.

Through telling it like it is, owning it now, and moving it forward together with care and integrity; we are creating an exceptional place to work for exceptional talent.

We will consider flexible working arrangements for any of our roles and also offer work place accommodations to ensure you have what you need to effectively deliver in your role.

About the Role

Join our Investment Analytics Team as a Lead Data Scientist, where you’ll partner with investment professionals and cross-functional teams to shape the future of data-driven investing. You’ll play a pivotal role in developing quantitative research and data science solutions that improve investment outcomes

As Lead, you’ll inspire and grow a global data science community, foster technical excellence and innovation, and drive the adoption of data science best practice. You’ll also contribute to the development of internal tools and participate in R&D initiatives that keep us at the forefront of the industry.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with investment teams to understand their challenges and identify opportunities for data-driven solutions and build trusted relationships across the business.
• Translate business problems and opportunities into experiments and end‑to‑end solutions, prioritising initiatives that deliver clear, measurable value.
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of quantitative research and machine learning models to enhance investment decision‑making.
• Architect and implement scalable data science and ML systems, leveraging cloud platforms and big data tools.
• Prioritise and manage multiple projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives and timely delivery.
• Communicate complex technical concepts and insights clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, using compelling storytelling to present assumptions, limitations and drive action.
• Stay abreast of the latest industry and academic developments in data science, quantitative finance and technology, identifying those with potential business impact.
• Champion best practices in data science, including code quality, security, documentation, and agile methodologies.
• Mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of curiosity, innovation, and continuous learning.

Experience & Skills

• Strong experience applying data science in investments, with a proven track record of delivering end-to-end solutions from research prototype to production deployment.
• Deep expertise in quantitative research, backtesting, factor-based investing, and machine learning applications in trading.
• Advanced programming skills in Python and SQL; strong experience with data visualisation tools to present analysis to investment audiences.
• Hands‑on experience with relational databases, cloud computing platforms and big data technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to architect and scale data science and ML systems in a production environment.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate complex analytics into actionable business insights.
• Strong understanding of the investment process, trading across asset classes, and financial markets.
• Proactive, analytical, and structured approach to problem‑solving, with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Comfortable working under pressure in a fast‑paced environment; strong prioritisation skills and experience working in agile, iterative teams.
• A curious mindset with appetite to learn new technologies and techniques, and to push for practical innovation.
• Advanced degree (MSc/PhD) in a quantitative discipline (Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Financial Engineering, CFA, CQF or similar).

Recruiter: Sarah Hawkins

Job Level: Manager or Expert

What we offer:

At M&G, we’re committed to helping you thrive and supporting your wellbeing, both at work and beyond. Our benefits are designed to help you balance your professional and personal life, while planning confidently for your future. Our UK benefits include:

• As a savings and Investments firm we are proud to offer a valuable pension scheme of 18% , with 13% made up of Employer Contributions and 5% Employee Contributions . We also offer Share Save and our Share Incentive Plan , together with access to financial wellbeing and support services - to help give you real confidence to put your money to work.
• Enjoy 38 days annual leave including bank holidays, with the opportunity to purchase up to 5 extra days and additional flexibility through our Time Off When You Need It policy – to balance your work and personal commitments.
• Our market leading Inspiring Families policy includes comprehensive support and paid parental leave covering maternity, adoption, surrogacy, and paternity leave - as supporting families is a core aspect of our inclusive culture.
• Health & Protection cover including Private Healthcare , Critical Illness cover and Life Assurance for you, with family options - for peace of mind.

To explore more about life at M&G and our full benefits offering, visit Life at M&G

We have a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture at M&G, underpinned by our policies and our employee‑led networks who provide networking opportunities, advice and support for the diverse communities our colleagues represent. Regardless of gender, ethnicity, age, sexual orientation, nationality, disability or long term condition, we are looking to attract, promote and retain exceptional people. We also welcome those who take part in military service and those returning from career breaks.

M&G is also proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, and we welcome applications from candidates with long‑term health conditions, disabilities, or neuro‑divergent conditions.

Ifyou need assistanceor an alternative means of applying for a role due to a disability or additional need,pleaselet usknow by contacting us at: [e-mail]