Lead Data Scientist in Haywards Heath

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.

What’s involved:

• You’ll find opportunities for, scope out and develop data services, including deep learning, predictive analytics and machine learning, that help to solve business problems.
• You’ll perform data analysis and data collection processes that effectively support these services.
• You’ll continuously develop data sources through identification and testing of external data.
• You’ll work individually and with team members, other teams and suppliers to deliver data science solutions.
• Guide and review output of junior team members.
• You’ll help to identify opportunities across the organisation where data science can add value.
• Collaborate with necessary areas to design implementation of data science solutions.
• You’ll support the ongoing development of the Data Science team, and Data Science usage across the organisation.
• You’ll develop and adhere to good coding practices.
• Work within existing risk controls, identify and report potential risks.
• Propose new methods of controlling business risks.
• You’ll comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times.
• You’ll ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/ regulations at all times.

Experience & knowledge:

• High performing experience in data science and data analysis
• Strong understanding of statistical techniques and their application, including GLMs, decision trees, random forest, boosting, natural language processing, distributions, clustering, simulation and scenario analysis
• Knowledge of data platforms, and data processing including batch and real‑time automation, and methods to optimise efficient processing
• Experience of utilising system integration techniques such as APIs, web services
• Knowledge of data structures and schemas, data preparation, and cleansing
• Experience with machine learning techniques and libraries
• Knowledge of data science toolkits and languages, such as R, Python, Scala
• Experience of data exploration and visualisation tools
• Strong knowledge of data query languages, such as SQL, HiveQL, scripting
• Knowledge of data integration services and ETL
• Analytical and problem‑solving aptitude
• Understanding of a service‑based approach to professional services.
• Experience delivering through Agile change framework

Skills & Qualifications:

• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Good time management and organisation skills
• Proven analytical and statistical modelling skills
• Degree in Data Science or other quantitative field

Behaviours:

• Self‑motivated and enthusiastic with the desire to meet or exceed targets
• Determined and passionate, particularly regarding data and technology
• Supports development of peers and wider team capability
• A decision maker with an ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team
• Takes accountability and ownership of problems and solutions
• A flexible approach and positive attitude
• Strives to drive business improvements contributing to the success of the business
• An organised and proactive approach
• Role model for other team members

Unlock the power of data to drive what’s next, bring your expertise, challenge the status quo, and help us turn insight into lasting impact.