Senior Data Scientist

First Central Services UK Ltd; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

1st Central is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to turn complex data into actionable insights and deliver innovative solutions that drive business value and strategic decision‑making. You will develop data services, apply deep learning and ML, perform data analysis, and collaborate across teams to implement data‑driven improvements within the insurance domain.

The role requires strong Python skills, statistical modelling, and experience guiding junior colleagues in a fast‑paced, regulated

Qualifications

• Professional experience delivering data‑driven solutions to support decision‑making.
• Strong statistical modelling and data interpretation skills.
• Proficiency in Python for data analysis, modelling and ML.

Responsibilities

• Scope out and develop data services, including deep learning, predictive analytics and machine learning, to solve business problems.
• Perform data analysis and data collection to support these services.
• Continuously develop data sources through testing of external data.
• Collaborate with teams and suppliers to deliver data science solutions.
• Review output of junior team members.

Skills

Data science

Statistical modelling

Python

Machine learning

Communication

Time management

Education

Bachelors/Masters in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science or quantitative field

Tools

Python

SQL

Job description

At 1st Central, everything starts with our people. As one of the UK’s leading motor and home insurers, we use smart technology, data and great service to make insurance fast, fair and simple for over 1.4 million customers. We’re looking for a Senior Data Scientist to join a high‑performing team focused on turning complex data into actionable insights, delivering innovative solutions that drive business value and support strategic decision‑making. In this role, you’ll work both independently and collaboratively to apply data science techniques that drive meaningful outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Scope out and develop data services, including deep learning, predictive analytics and machine learning, that help to solve business problems.
• Perform data analysis and data collection processes that effectively support these services.
• Continuously develop data sources through testing of external data.
• Work individually and with team members, other teams and suppliers to deliver data science solutions.
• Review output of junior team members.
• Help identify opportunities across the organisation where data science can add value.
• Adhere to good coding practices, work within existing risk controls, identify and report potential risks.
• Comply with the Group Code of Conduct, Fitness and Propriety policies and Company Policies, Values and guidelines, and other relevant standards and regulations.

Core Skills

• Professional Experience – Proven experience in a Data Science role, delivering data‑driven solutions and insights to support business decision‑making. Insurance industry experience is highly advantageous but not essential.
• Analytical & Technical Expertise – Strong analytical capability with proven experience in statistical modelling skills and data interpretation.
• Technical Skills – Proficiency in Python for data analysis, modelling and machine learning.
• Machine Learning – Experience building and evaluating machine learning models.
• Education – Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or another quantitative field.
• Communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Organisation & Time Management – Excellent organisational and time‑management skills.

Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience in data science and data analysis.
• Good understanding of statistical techniques and their application, including GLMs, decision trees, random forest, boosting, natural language processing, distributions, clustering, simulation and scenario analysis.
• Knowledge of data platforms and data processing, including batch and real‑time automation.
• Knowledge of data structures and schemas, data preparation and cleansing.
• Experience of machine learning techniques and libraries.
• Good knowledge of data science toolkits and languages, such as Python.
• Experience of data exploration and visualisation tools.
• Knowledge of data query languages, such as SQL.
• Knowledge of data integration services and ETL.
• Analytical and problem‑solving aptitude.
• Understanding of a service‑based approach to professional services.
• Experience delivering through Agile change framework.

Skills & Qualifications

• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Good time management and organisational skills.
• Proven analytical and statistical modelling skills.
• Degree in a quantitative field.

Behaviours

• Self‑motivated and enthusiastic with the desire to meet or exceed targets.
• Determined and passionate, particularly regarding data and technology.
• A decision maker with the ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team.
• A flexible approach and positive attitude.
• Strives to drive business improvements contributing to the success of the business.
• Organised and proactive approach.