Lead Data Scientist

Ready to join a team that's leading the way in reshaping the future of insurance? Here at esure Group, we are on a mission to revolutionise insurance for good! We’ve been providing Home and Motor Insurance since 2000, with over 2 million customers trusting us to keep them covered through our esure and Sheilas’ Wheels brands. With a bold commitment for digital innovation, we're transforming the way the industry operates and putting customers at the heart of everything we do.

We are currently recruiting for a Lead Data Scientist to join our award winning, and innovative Data Science team. This is a phenomenal opportunity for someone to improve company profitability by optimising pricing for Motor and Home products across all brands and channels. Leverage new predictive sources of data and advanced modeling techniques to improve competitiveness and expand underwriting capabilities.

What you’ll do:

• Lead and develop a data science team to deliver value-adding projects.
• Foster team growth and prepare members for career advancement.
• Analyse company performance metrics to guide and interpret models.
• Shape the R&D strategy and modelling roadmap.
• Assist in acquiring vendor data and develop arguments.
• Provide expert mentorship for ongoing and new pricing activities.
• Design experiments and multivariate testing for AI evaluation.
• Assess machine learning solutions for feasibility and operationalize successful prototypes with Data Engineers.
• Use statistical techniques to optimise business performance.
• Develop and maintain algorithms to improve customer value and services.
• Deliver data science projects that drive business benefits and competitive advantage.
• Conduct ad-hoc analysis to predict, measure, and interpret business trends.
• Mentor data scientists and champion standard processes within the analytics community.
• Collaborate with DevOps and Data Engineers to deploy ML Models.
• Set standards for R&D practices and lead meetings with partners.
• Refactor code into reusable libraries, APIs, and tools.
• Help us to craft the next generation of our products.

You Are a Good Fit If You Have:

• 4+ years as a Data Scientist in commercial or R&D environments.
• PhD or MSc or equivalent experience in a relevant field (Machine Learning, Computer Science, Statistics).
• Experience applying statistical and machine learning models to real-world problems with measurable results.
• Leadership experience within a high-performing team, including mentorship and management readiness.
• Proven track record to take research from concept to business impact.
• Strong Python toolkit proficiency for Data Science, with experience in SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Familiarity with Jupyter Notebooks and Git version control.
• Expertise in working with large, sophisticated datasets and extracting actionable insights.
• Project management experience with tight deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of tasks.
• Experience working with cross-functional teams.
• Knowledge of innovative software practices (SCRUM/Agile, microservices, containerization like Docker/Kubernetes).

We'd also encourage you to apply if you possess:

• Experience with Spark/Databricks.
• Experience deploying ML models via APIs (e.g., Flask, Keras).
• Startup experience or familiarity with geospatial and financial data.

The Interview Process (subject to change):

• You’ll start with an introductory call with one of our Recruitment Partners. This is a ‘get to know you session’ and for you to explore the position in more detail.
• 1st stage: 30min conversation with our Head of AI and Data Science.
• 2nd stage: 2 hour interview; comprised on a technical presentation and conversation with DS team.

What’s in it for you?

• Competitive salary that reflects your skills, experience and potential.
• Discretionary bonus scheme that recognises your hard work and contributions to esure’s success.
• 25 days annual leave, plus 8 flexible days and the ability to buy and sell further holiday.
• Our flexible benefits platform is loaded with perks to choose from, so you can build a personal toolkit to support your health, wellbeing, lifestyle, and finances.
• Company funded private medical insurance for qualifying colleagues.
• Fantastic discounts on our insurance products! 50% off for yourself and spouse/partner and 10% off for direct family members.
• We’ll elevate your career with hands-on training, mentoring, access to our exclusive academies, regular career conversations, and expert partner resources.
• Driving good in the world couldn’t be more important to us. Our colleagues can use 2 volunteering days per year to support their local communities.
• Join our internal networks and communities to connect, learn, and share ideas with likeminded colleagues.
• We’re a proud supporter of the ABI’s ‘Make Flexible Work’ campaign and welcome you to ask about the flexibility you need. Our hybrid working approach also puts you in the driving seat of how and where you do your best work.
• And much more; See a full overview of our benefits here Reward and benefits | Esure Group PLC.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. We celebrate individuality and create spaces where unique backgrounds and experiences can come together. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation, in turn enabling us to better serve our customers, community and build a stronger organisation. Our commitment to inclusion extends to every part of our business, from hiring practices to professional growth opportunities, ensuring equal access and support for all.