Pricing Lead in Manchester

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 were named Insurance Employer of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2024 and our Glassdoor score is positive.

We’re looking for a Pricing Lead who is confident with data, skilled in building models and motivated to shape how we turn insight into positive commercial outcomes while keeping the customer at the centre of every decision. You’ll use your judgement to spot opportunities that others might miss. That could mean improving the way we build models, strengthening our pricing algorithm, or finding smarter ways to optimise performance. You’ll be trusted to challenge how things are done today and introduce changes that create genuine value for the business.

Hybrid working is part of how we operate. You’ll spend most of your time working where you work best, whether that is at home or in one of our offices in Salford Quays, Manchester or Haywards Heath, West Sussex. There are no fixed office days for the Retail Pricing team. You will only be expected to attend wider Pillar or Department meetings, usually once a quarter.

Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:

• Education: BSc or MSc in Maths, Physics, Computer Science, or a similar discipline
• Languages: SQL, Python
• Software: Excel, Emblem, Radar, SAS, Databricks (or equivalent)
• Management: Azure DevOps or Atlassian products, GitHub
• Analytical: Mathematics, statistics, strong problem-solving skills
• Communication: Verbal (stakeholder sign-off meetings) and written (Confluence/PowerPoint)
• Industry: Experience working in personal lines insurance

What’s involved:

• Lead workstreams within the retail pricing team, overseeing model build and advising on long term strategy of the team.
• Solve key company questions, and provide collaboration, insight, and market advantage by producing recommendations and reports that maximise customer satisfaction and profitability.
• Deliver key enablers across the business using project management techniques.
• Implement mathematical and statistical techniques including optimization, generalised linear modelling, and non-linear methods to improve the performance of the company.
• Provide input and advice into company strategy and the effective implementation of that strategy to meet company requirements.
• Perform data enrichment to deliver actionable value-creating insights.
• Manage rate changes and implementation of new models and pricing algorithms.
• Pro-actively seek ways to improve existing processes in the Retail Pricing Team.
• Implement and advise on strategy, with particular focus on customer behaviour and motor insurance market dynamics.
• Recruit, develop & motivate more junior staff, and control workloads.
• Explore / learn new tools and techniques.
• Maintain an ethically-sound workplace culture of inclusivity, openness, ownership, collaboration, innovation, agility, and respect.
• Represent the Senior Leadership team in meetings when required.
• Act as an initial contact for junior analysts.

Experience & knowledge:

• Proven history of mathematical research (either in academia or in industry).
• Proven ability to produce outstanding results based on own initiative.
• Strong background in statistical methods.
• Experience of predictive modelling.
• Experience of Radar, SAS, Emblem.
• Experience of personal lines insurance.
• Experience in people and project management is an advantage.
• Broad knowledge of statistical methods and techniques.
• A good understanding of probability theory.
• Mathematical optimization.
• Knowledge of motor insurance products and the motor insurance industry is an advantage.

Skills & Qualifications:

• MSc/BSc in Maths, Physics, Computer Science, or a similar discipline.
• PhD in Maths, Physics, Computer Science or similar is an advantage.
• Strong mathematical skills.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adopt a logical approach to solving problems.
• Excellent data and statistical skills.
• Strong IT skills (including Excel and ideally programming skills).
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Good time management and organisation skills.

Behaviours:

• Logical thinker with solid reasoning ability.
• An organised and forward-looking approach.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Quick learner and keen to learn new methods and techniques.
• Able to transfer skills and knowledge to others.
• Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy.
• A flexible approach and positive attitude.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
• Commercially focussed.
• Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business.

Think you’re a match? Apply today and step into a role where your expertise drives real results, discover where this opportunity could take you.

What can we do for you?

People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full. Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.