Senior Decision Science Analyst

Perch Group are searching for a Senior Decision Science Analyst. Established in 2016, Perch Group have rapidly grown to become one of the UK’s foremost debt collection groups, overseeing the financial well-being of over a million customers and assets exceeding £1 billion. Our annual mission is to empower hundreds of thousands of customers to positively engage with and resolve their outstanding debts. We do this through an empathetic and customer-centric approach that is at the heart of our success.

Perch’s comprehensive platforms offer clients a one-stop shop of market-leading, data-driven services spanning the entire debt lifecycle, including BPO services, debt collection, debt purchase, reconnection, and litigation services.

The Role: Perch Group are looking for a decision scientist to design and optimize data-driven solutions that support machine learning, statistical analysis, and predictive modelling. You’ll work closely with a team of analysts and the investment team to create high-quality, scalable data models that fuel AI-driven decision-making. This business is driven by innovation, always seeking the most effective solutions that benefit both the company and its customers—where models power every decision.

Salary: £45,000 - £50,000 + up to 20% of your annual salary, paid as a bonus. This role is based at our Manchester Spinningfields office with hybrid working options available in line with our company policy. Occasional travel to our offices in Blackpool, Manchester, and Skipton may be required.

Key Responsibilities: This role will be working to support the senior data modeller in creating, developing, and iteratively improving models based on historic trends. The models will vary in design, but current models include XGboost, Random Forest and MCMC models. This role will also create analysis and provide support to the pricing team, to increase their automation and accuracy of analysis in the financial sector. You will use and encourage the use of ethical AI within the business, to ensure we are delivering solutions that benefit both customers and clients.

The Person: Experience of using machine learning techniques on real data is needed for this role. Desirable if the candidate has experience of random forests, XGboosts or Monte Carlo. Proficiency in Python for data manipulation and model development. Otherwise, proficiency in another language (such as R, Java etc) with the ability to learn Python. Understanding of data ethics, fairness and responsible AI practices. A passion or interest in solving complex problems.

The Application Timeline: A first stage video call with the internal recruitment team (15 minute call). A face to face or video call with the hiring manager (45 minutes - 60 minutes). Typically, the average successful applicant will be within this timeline for 2-3 weeks. Please note we will close this role once we have enough applications for the next stages therefore you should submit your application asap to avoid any disappointment. If you do not receive a response after 3 weeks of applying, please assume you have been unsuccessful as we may experience a high volume of applications. If you have any questions or suggestions of how we can assist you in your application due to disability or personal reasons, please email recruitment@perchgroup.co.uk.

What’s In It For You: £45,000 - £50,000 + up to 20% of your annual salary, paid as a bonus. 37.5 hours per week. We offer flexible working hours between our core hours of 8am- 6pm, Monday to Friday. The opportunity to complete formal qualifications and learn on the job in a successful, growing organisation. And many more benefits to support your wellbeing and professional development.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We’re an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, or veteran, neurodiversity or disability status. At Perch, our strength lies in our team, their enthusiasm, and their passion for the business. Whether you’re looking to gain foundational skills in financial services, have a knack for customer service, or seek to expand your horizons, we likely have the perfect opportunity for you.

PLEASE NOTE - As we are a financial services company, we are required to run DBS and Credit Checks on all of our successful candidates. This information MUST be disclosed at the time of your initial screening call should you be invited to interview. At this time, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship. Applicants must have authorisation to work in the United Kingdom without the need for current or future sponsorship.