Principal Data Scientist

Aviva plc; Norwich; Hybrid; GBP 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Pension

Private Medical Benefit

Share Plan

Volunteer days

Flexible benefits

Job summary

Aviva plc in the United Kingdom is seeking a Principle Data Scientist to lead a high‑performing team and guide the strategic application of data science across Fraud and Financial Crime. You will work with senior leaders to identify opportunities, shape commercial strategies and deliver measurable outcomes using ML and AI.

You’ll partner across functions to embed advanced analytics platforms and scalable modelling within Aviva, influencing long‑term data strategy and investment in innovative

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading and developing high-performing Data Science, Machine Learning or Advanced Analytics teams, including managing senior technical specialists.
• Proven track record delivering data science projects across fraud and financial crime, using advanced statistical modelling, ML and AI techniques.
• Experience leading complex stakeholder engagements and influencing strategic decision-making at senior executive level, with strong commercial awareness.
• Demonstrable experience introducing, scaling and embedding modern Data Science, ML, AI and analytical platforms within large, complex Enterprise organisations.
• Strong technical expertise across predictive modelling, ML/AI, statistical analysis and model governance, translating technical solutions into business value.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing Data Science team.
• Shaping commercial strategy through advanced analytics initiatives.
• Drive fraud and financial crime data science initiatives from concept to implementation.
• Embed new analytical platforms and ML solutions across Aviva’s ecosystems.
• Influence senior leaders and investment decisions in Data Science strategy.

Skills

Team leadership

Fraud analytics

Stakeholder management

Data strategy

ML/AI techniques

Job description

Principle Data Scientist

Location: Norwich or Leeds

Salary: Circa: £95k

Are you someone who thrives on leading high-performing Data Science teams, shaping commercial strategy, and driving innovation through advanced analytics, machine learning and AI to tackle fraud and financial crime challenges?

A bit about the job:

This is a senior leadership role within Aviva's Data Science function, responsible for driving the strategic application of Data Science, Machine Learning and AI across Fraud and Financial Crime. Working with one of the richest insurance datasets in the industry, you'll lead a team of Data Scientists and Analytics specialists to develop and deploy innovative solutions that deliver measurable business and customer outcomes.

You’ll partner with senior leaders across Financial Crime, Claims, Risk, Operations and Technology to identify opportunities, shape commercial strategies, and lead complex data science engagements from concept through to implementation. The role will also be accountable for introducing and embedding new analytical platforms, advanced modelling capabilities and machine learning solutions that strengthen fraud detection, transaction monitoring and case management across Aviva.

As a recognised leader within the organisation, you will help shape Aviva's long‑term Data Science strategy, influence investment decisions and continue building our reputation as a centre of excellence within the Global Data Science Practice.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

• Significant experience leading and developing high-performing Data Science, Machine Learning or Advanced Analytics teams, including managing senior technical specialists.
• Proven track record delivering and imbedding data science projects across fraud and financial crime, using advanced statistical modelling, machine learning and AI techniques.
• Experience leading complex stakeholder engagements and influencing strategic decision-making at senior executive level, with strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Demonstrable experience introducing, scaling and embedding modern Data Science, Machine Learning, AI and analytical platforms within large, complex Enterprise organisations.
• Strong technical expertise across predictive modelling, machine learning, AI, statistical analysis and model governance, with the ability to translate technical solutions into measurable business value.

Whatyou’llget 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 promiseisby investing in you.We have so much to offer when it comes to being an Aviva colleague.

• Startingsalary Circa £95k (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications)
• Bonus opportunity 12% – actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s
• Generous pensionscheme e.g. if you put in 8%, Aviva adds 14% in.
• 29 daysholidayplus bank holidays,and you can choosetobuyorsell up to 5days
• Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefitto help you get expert support when you need it
• Make your money go further -Up to 40%discountonAviva products, and other retailer discounts
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through ourMatching Share Planand share in the success of Aviva with ourSave As You Earnscheme
• Brilliantlysupportive policiesincluding parentalandcarer’s leave
• Flexible benefitsto suit you, includingsustainability optionssuch as cycle to work
• Make a difference,be part of ourAviva Communitiesand useyour3paid volunteering daysto help others
• We take yourwellbeingseriously withlots of support and tools

Aviva is for everyone:

We’reinclusive andwelcome everyone– we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if youdon’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 –spendingatleast50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.