Senior Data Scientist

SF Recruitment; Remote; GBP 75,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading fintech company is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to establish and lead their data science capabilities. As their first permanent hire, you will build models and dashboards using financial data, influencing the company's data strategy. The role offers autonomy, a direct line to C-suite leadership, and the opportunity to shape the data function from the ground up. Candidates should have strong skills in Python, SQL, and Databricks and thrive in a startup environment. Fully remote work is available.

Benefits

Benefits package

Autonomy in role

Opportunity for ownership and growth

Qualifications

• Experience as a Data Scientist in fintech or regulated environments.
• Proficient in Python, SQL, and Databricks.
• Ability to build predictive models and dashboards.

Responsibilities

• Build and scale data science foundations in Databricks.
• Create models and scorecards using financial data.
• Design reporting dashboards for business insights.
• Collaborate with various teams for data application.

Skills

Python

SQL

Databricks

Data Science

Predictive modeling

Dashboards/MI

Job description

Senior Data Scientist - Fintech | First Permanent DS Hire

£75,000-£85,000 + benefits | Fully Remote (UK)

Direct report to CDO | Build the DS capability | FCA-regulated product

This is a rare opportunity to join a fast-growing, FCA-regulated fintech as their first permanent Senior Data Scientist, shaping a brand-new data science capability from the ground up.

The business has built a highly successful SaaS platform in the Fintech space. With strong investment and FCA approval now secured, they're moving firmly into the data products and insights space - turning the rich consumer financial and behavioural data they hold into real intelligence, new models, and new customer offerings.

Things expected from you

• Sets the standard
• Builds the capability
• Shapes the roadmap
• Becomes the go-to person for modelling, insights and DS foundations

What you will be doing

• Build and scale data science and modelling foundations in Databricks
• Work with financial, consumer and behavioural data to create new models & scorecards
• Design MI dashboards and reporting to help the business understand its own data
• Collaborate closely with Product, Finance, Customer Ops and the senior leadership team
• Evaluate where ML/AI can enhance the core SaaS platform
• Present insights and model outputs clearly to non-technical stakeholders (including board/NEDs)
• Influence how the data function grows over the next 12-24 months

This is the start of the data and analytics function - you won't just inherit a roadmap; you'll help write it.

You’ll thrive here if you are:

• A strong hands-on Data Scientist with experience in FS/fintech or regulated environments
• Confident working with Python, SQL and Databricks
• Capable of building predictive models, scorecards and ML components
• Comfortable creating dashboards/MI to support internal understanding
• Excited by a startup environment where you'll wear different hats
• Able to communicate clearly to senior and non-technical audiences
• Looking for ownership and long-term progression into Head of DS

Why this role is genuinely exciting

• You're the first permanent hire - you shape how DS works here
• Direct line to the C-suite, not buried in a data pod
• True autonomy: you influence strategy, tooling, roadmap and delivery
• Visible across the entire business, including investors & NEDs
• The company is moving from SaaS - data products, meaning greenfield work
• Clear long‑term upward path (team will grow over the next 12-24 months)
• Underneath you ideally!
• This is the role for someone who wants more than just building models - someone who wants to make their mark and grow with a FinTech entering its next phase