Senior Data Scientist

First Central; Haywards Heath; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

First Central is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to turn complex data into actionable insights, delivering innovative solutions that drive business value. You’ll work with large, diverse datasets from multiple sources and build predictive models that support strategic decisions.

You’ll collaborate with in‑house technology and data delivery teams across locations, applying strong critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

Qualifications

• Proven data science experience delivering data-driven insights for business decisions.
• Analytical capability with statistical modelling skills and data interpretation.
• Strong knowledge of Python for data analysis, modelling and ML.
• Experience building and evaluating machine learning models.
• Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, or another quantitative field.

Responsibilities

• Scope out and develop data services, including deep learning, predictive analytics and ML, to solve business problems.
• Perform data analysis and data collection to support these services.
• Continuously develop data sources through testing of external data.
• Work with team members, other teams and suppliers to deliver DS solutions; review junior output.
• Identify opportunities where data science can add value across the organisation.

Skills

Python

Statistical modelling

Data analysis

Machine learning

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mathematics/Statistics/Data Science

Tools

Databricks

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 proud to create an environment where people feel supported, trusted and able to grow -whether that’s developing new skills, taking on fresh challenges or making a real impact every day. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

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. You’ll work with large and diverse datasets from multiple sources, spanning both structured and unstructured formats. Using strong critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills, you’ll analyse and interpret data, build predictive models, and develop machine learning algorithms that generate actionable insights.

You’ll propose solutions to business challenges and collaborate with other teams to implement them. Recognising the dependencies Group companies have on in‑house technology, the Senior Data Scientist will work closely and seamlessly with the Group’s in-house technology provider, along with data presentation/delivery teams based across multiple locations.

We’re big on flexible hybrid working. Our teams are based across Haywards Heath (West Sussex) and Salford Quays (Manchester). We primarily work from home but value collaboration, so we come together in person to keep ideas flowing, typically once a quarter. Prefer being in the office more often? That works for us too.

Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:

• 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

What’s involved:

• You’ll scope out and develop data services, including deep learning, predictive analytics and machine learning, that help to solve business problems
• You’ll perform data analysis and data collection processes that effectively support these services
• You’ll continuously develop data sources through testing of external data
• You’ll work individually and with team members, other teams and suppliers to deliver data science solutions. Review output of junior team members
• You’ll help to identify opportunities across the organisation where data science can add value
• You’ll adhere to good coding practices, work within existing risk controls, identify and report potential risks.
• You’ll comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times
• You’ll ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/ regulations at all times.

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 organisation 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 an 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
• An organised and proactive approach

If you’ve worked in Data Science, and have experience in the insurance industry or with Databricks, both a bonus but not essential — why not apply today? This is just the beginning. Imagine where you could go next. The journey is yours to shape.

Ready to join us?

We’re looking for talented people who want to make a real impact for our customers, colleagues and business. Apply today and discover where a career at 1st Central could take you.

To find out more about careers at 1st Central, take a look here