Senior Data Scientist

Hastings Insurance Services Limited; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance provider in the UK is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to enhance market-leading pricing activities through data assets and predictive models. Your role includes developing models for claims outcomes and fraud prediction, as well as engineering new rating factors. Requires strong skills in Python, SQL, and collaboration across teams. Offers competitive salary, benefits, and a flexible hybrid working model.

Benefits

£5k car allowance

Private medical insurance

Annual performance bonus

27 days annual leave

Mental wellbeing program

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering ML projects from EDA to deployment.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with various teams.
• Keen interest in emerging ML techniques.

Responsibilities

• Create and maintain analytical tools for risk portfolio management.
• Develop models to predict claims outcomes and fraud.
• Engineer new rating factors for pricing algorithms.

Skills

Proficiency in Python

Proficiency in SQL

Proficiency in Azure ML

Proficiency in Git

Proficiency in Azure Cloud Services

Strong communication skills

Natural problem solver

Job description

The Senior Data Scientist will assist in the identification and creation of cutting-edge data assets and predictive models that feed into Hastings' market-leading pricing activities. This role is within a challenger product with a team comprising Data Scientists/Modellers as well as Analysts all championing alternative ways of risk analysis and market pricing.

Responsibilities and Qualifications

• Create and maintain analytical tools to support in the management of our risk portfolio.
• Develop best in-class models to predict claims outcomes, fraud and other risk KPIs.
• Engineer powerful new rating factors to be deployed into our rating algorithms.
• Identify, analyse and monetise new data sources.
• Multiple track record of delivery of ML projects from EDA to deployment ,post deployment evaluation and model refreshing.
• Experience in liaising with multiple stakeholders to effectively frame problems and building solutions with effective commercial outcomes.
• Keen interest in emerging ML techniques and their commercial value.
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, Azure ML, Git, Azure Cloud Services
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work cross-functionally with Data Engineers, Data Scientists, Actuaries and Pricing Analysts.
• Natural problem solver who loves building quality solutions to complex real-world challenges.
• Focuses on the bigger picture but not afraid to get into the detail when necessary.
• Dynamic, flexible, and delivery-focussed work ethic required to adapt to a fast paced environment.
• Takes ownership and accountability for key projects and workstream.

Welcome to Hastings Direct

We're a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become the best and biggest in the UK market. We've made huge investments in our pricing and data capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We provide insurance for over four million customers, but we know there's even bigger opportunity out there - our Pricing, Data and Analytics community value curiosity, collaboration and constructive challenge. We are always looking for new ideas and diverse perspectives to question established thinking and drive meaningful change. Great pricing is built on trust, innovation and precision, so our aim is to ensure customers receive a fair and accurate price based on their individual risk, supporting fair outcomes, while delivering sustainable and profitable growth for our company. Pricing is more than just a number - it's a strategic capability. At the heart of Hastings is deep risk insight - continually improving how we assess, segment and price risk through data and analytics.

Interview Process

• Recruiter screening call
• 1st stage interview - Initial Intro with hiring leader
• 2nd interview (Technical) will include panel
• 3rd Short call with Hiring Leader

As a Disability Confident employer, we're committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are fully inclusive - what this means to you is if you're applying for a job with us, you'll have fair access to support and adjustments throughout your recruitment journey. We also welcome applications through the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS). For more information on the DCS, please visit our inclusive business page on our careers website.

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary and £5k car allowance you will also receive flexible working - we champion a flexible hybrid working approach - please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail. Competitive bonus scheme - all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus. Physical wellbeing - as a Band 4 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI). This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen. Financial wellbeing - as well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, and matched pension contributions up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an award winning package which includes - discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and free access to financial wellbeing support. Mental wellbeing programme - we have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own in-house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs. There's more! - 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more.

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks. At Hastings Direct, we're committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us.