Principal Data Scientist for AI in Norwich

Location: Leeds & Norwich

Salary: Circa £75k

Are you someone who enjoys leading teams and bringing AI ideas to life? This role would suit someone with experience in AI, data science or software delivery, who enjoys leading a team and working with others to deliver high impact results.

A bit about the job:

• You’ll lead a team delivering GenAI solutions that improve efficiency and customer outcomes across Aviva.
• Working on one of our most ambitious GenAI portfolios, you’ll oversee the full delivery lifecycle—from shaping ideas with stakeholders to launching scalable solutions into production.
• You’ll play a key role in our GenAI Copilot strategy, making sure projects meet business needs and are delivered on time.
• You’ll be confident working in fast-moving, innovative environments, bringing structure and clarity where it’s needed most.
• This is a high-visibility role where you’ll lead others, build strong relationships, and help shape the future of AI at Aviva.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

• Proven experience leading multidisciplinary teams across AI, data science or software engineering, delivering at scale in complex environments.
• Deep understanding of GenAI technologies and how to operationalise them, with experience shaping strategy and navigating delivery challenges.
• Strong stakeholder leadership skills both technical and non-technical, with experience influencing senior leaders and aligning technical delivery to business priorities.
• Track record of delivering large, complex programmes in agile or hybrid environments, balancing pace with quality and risk management.
• Strategic mindset, able to set direction, drive innovation, and translate emerging technology into measurable business value.

What you’ll get for this role:

• Starting salary circa £75k (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications).
• Bonus opportunity 12% – actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s.
• Generous pension scheme e.g. if you put in 8%, Aviva adds 14%.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Aviva-funded Private Medical Benefit to help you get expert support when you need it.
• Make your money go further – Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others.
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.

Aviva is for everyone. We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares. We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working – spending at least 50% of their time in our offices every week – combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.