Pricing Innovation Analyst in Haywards Heath

We’re 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with an excellent service. And that’s the same for our colleagues too; we won Insurance Employer of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2024. We’re looking for a Pricing Innovation Analyst to play a key role in shaping the future of our pricing capability. You’ll drive the evolution of our burn cost models by uncovering new predictive insights, increasing model sophistication, experimenting with innovative techniques, and building cutting‑edge reporting solutions. We’re big on flexible hybrid working. Our teams are based across Haywards Heath (West Sussex) and Salford Quays (Manchester) and we primarily work from home with occasional in‑office collaboration.

Core Skills

• Analytical & Numerical Skills: Excellent data and statistical analysis skills, with strong numerical capability and a logical, problem‑solving approach.
• Programming Skills: Experience with Python, R or SAS.
• Modelling Capability: Some experience or familiarity with modelling techniques (e.g. EMBLEM, Python, GBM builds in Radar), or a strong interest in developing these skills.
• Industry & Role Experience: 2 years+ experience within a commercial or pricing role in personal lines motor insurance, plus a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in a numerate discipline.
• Communication & Presentation: Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex concepts at a level appropriate to the audience.

Responsibilities

• Support the appropriate use of statistical techniques and models to improve the accuracy and stability of burn cost models.
• Support the development of analytical tools and reporting suites to enable efficient testing of new factors and modelling techniques.
• Continually support the development of the rate‑change process to minimise rating errors and efficiently make changes as required by the business.
• Produce timely and accurate information for management decision‑making purposes.
• Liaise with all departments on issues of reporting requirements, data analysis, business process and operational issues.
• Achieve an innovative approach to analysis that drives the business forward by introducing new rating factors and identifying new patterns and key variables.
• Ensure compliance with company and other relevant standards and regulations at all times (including TCF).
• Take responsibility for analytical sections of the team’s major projects.
• Assist with rate changes and have a full understanding of the rate‑change process.

Experience & Knowledge

• Minimum 2:1 in a numerical undergraduate discipline.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience within a relevant commercial and pricing role in the personal lines motor insurance industry.
• Solid experience of SAS, Python or R, and ideally EMBLEM.
• Ideally some modelling experience (EMBLEM, Python, GBM builds in Radar).
• Experience of Radar Base and Radar Live preferable.

Skills

• Excellent data and statistical analysis skills.
• Good numerical skills.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to present complex concepts at a level appropriate for the audience.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with a logical approach to problem solving.
• Good time‑management and organisational skills.
• Strong IT skills.

Behaviours

• Logical thinker with solid reasoning ability.
• Commercially focused.
• Attention to detail and accuracy.
• Quick learner.
• Ability to transfer skills and knowledge to others.
• Self‑motivated and enthusiastic.
• Organised and pro‑active approach.
• Aligned to the values of Ambition, Agility, Ownership and Collaboration.