At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team of data scientists to unlock insights and drive business value.
- Company: Join 1st Central, a top UK motor and home insurer focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with regular team meet-ups and excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact using advanced data science techniques in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Data Science and experience with analytical tools and machine learning.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
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 Lead Data Scientist to join a team of data scientists and specialists, helping to deliver a portfolio of innovative services that unlock value from the company’s extensive information assets. In this role, you’ll apply advanced data science techniques, both independently and collaboratively, to uncover insights and drive business value. As a senior member of the team, you’ll also play a key role in mentoring and upskilling colleagues.
You’ll work with large volumes of data from a variety of sources, including structured and unstructured datasets. Using strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, you’ll analyse and interpret data, build predictive models, and develop machine learning algorithms to generate actionable insights. As the Lead Data Scientist, you’ll be responsible for proposing solutions to business challenges and partnering with cross-functional teams to implement them. Recognising the dependencies Group companies have on technology provided in-house, you’ll collaborate closely with in-house technology providers, as well as data presentation and delivery teams across multiple locations, to ensure seamless and effective outcomes.
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:
- Analytical & Technical Skills: Proven analytical and statistical modelling skills
- Technical Skills: Familiarity with data science tools and programming languages (e.g. Python)
- Machine Learning: Ability to build and train Machine Learning models
- Professional Experience: Current Data Science experience, with Insurance industry exposure, highly advantageous
- Organisation & Time Management: Strong time-management and organisational skills
- Education & Qualifications: Degree in Data Science or other quantitative field
- Communication & Stakeholder Management Skills: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with proven experience engaging and influencing stakeholders at all levels.
Why not check out the full job profile on our career pages and apply today.
Lead Data Scientist employer: 1st Central
At 1st Central, we prioritise our people and foster a supportive environment that encourages growth and innovation. As a Lead Data Scientist, you will have the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and data, while collaborating with talented colleagues in a flexible hybrid working model. Our commitment to employee development and a culture of trust makes us an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the insurance industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Data Scientist
✨Get Involved in Data Science Meetups
Tap into local data science meetups or workshops to connect with fellow enthusiasts and professionals. These events are goldmines for networking, and sometimes even lead directly to job openings at companies like 1st Central!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Start building a public portfolio showcasing your data science projects on platforms like GitHub or personal websites. Highlight unique analyses or models you've developed. This not only demonstrates your skills but also gets your name out there for roles like Lead Data Scientist at 1st Central.
✨Leverage Professional Networks
Join professional bodies related to data science, like the Data Science Society or similar organisations. Getting involved can lead to mentorship opportunities and insider knowledge about full-time positions at companies like 1st Central.
✨Apply Directly through Our Website
When you find a suitable opening like Lead Data Scientist at 1st Central, make sure to apply directly through our website. It gives you an edge and shows you're keen to join our team. Plus, who doesn’t love a direct application? It’s easier than navigating through job boards!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Data Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Projects:In the world of data science, your projects can speak volumes about your skills. Make sure to showcase a few key projects in your CV or portfolio, especially those that highlight your ability to work with data sets, build models, or use relevant tools like Python, R, or SQL. Don’t forget to include links to any GitHub repositories if applicable!
Quantify Your Achievements:Employers love numbers! When drafting your CV, highlight your achievements with quantifiable results. For instance, mention how your data analysis led to a certain percentage increase in efficiency or revenue at a previous job or project. These details can really make your application pop!
Craft a Tailored Cover Letter:For a full-time role at 1st Central, your cover letter should reflect your passion for data science and your excitement about the specific projects or values of the company. Dive into why you’re a good fit, how your skills align with their needs, and any unique perspectives you can bring to the team.
Stand Out with Relevant Courses and Certifications:Although experience talks, relevant courses or certifications can be your ticket to impressing hiring managers at 1st Central. Mention any standout courses you've completed that equipped you with essential skills, such as machine learning certifications or data visualisation courses. This shows your commitment to continuously developing your skills in the field!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Central
✨Brush Up on Your Statistics
For a data science role, we need to seriously sharpen our statistics skills. Get ready to tackle technical questions on probability distributions, hypothesis testing, and regression analysis. These are often the bread and butter of data science interviews, so don't just skim over them!
✨Showcase Your Projects
Prepare a killer portfolio showcasing your data science projects. We should include details about the datasets used, the tools and techniques applied, and the impact of your findings. If we can walk them through a particularly challenging project or a cool visualisation that had real-world implications, it’ll really make us stand out!
✨Get Comfortable with Python and R
Most data science positions require us to be proficient in programming languages like Python and R. We should practice common libraries like pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn, and be ready for live coding exercises or algorithm questions. Showing off our coding chops can really impress the interviewers at 1st Central!
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to encounter real-world case studies during the interview. We might be asked how we’d approach a data problem or analyse a dataset to extract insights. It's essential to think out loud and demonstrate our problem-solving process so that the interviewer can see our logical thinking in action.
