Senior Data Scientist

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 and our Glassdoor score is pretty mega too!

We’re looking for a Senior Data Scientist to join a team of data scientists and specialists focused on delivering a portfolio of innovative services that uncover and create value from the company’s extensive information assets.

In this role, you’ll work both independently and collaboratively to apply data science techniques that drive meaningful outcomes. You’ll work with large and diverse datasets from multiple sources, spanning both structured and unstructured formats. Using strong critical‑thinking and problem‑solving skills, you’ll analyse and interpret data, build predictive models, and develop machine learning algorithms that generate actionable insights.

You’ll propose solutions to business challenges and collaborate with other teams to implement them. Recognising the dependencies Group companies have on in‑house technology, the Senior Data Scientist will work closely and seamlessly with the Group’s in‑house technology provider, along with data presentation/delivery teams based across multiple locations.

This is a flexible hybrid role, with occasional visits to our offices in Salford Quays (Manchester) or Haywards Heath (West Sussex) when required. For those based further afield, we also welcome applications from remote UK based‑workers. We offer excellent flexibility in working patterns and a company‑wide culture you can be proud to be part of.

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

Analytical & Technical Expertise: Proven analytical and statistical modelling skills

Technical Skills: Experience using Python

Machine Learning: Ability to build and train machine learning models

Professional Experience: Current Data Science experience, with Insurance industry exposure being advantageous but not essential

Organisation & Time Management: Strong time‑management and organisational abilities

Education: Degree in Data Science or another quantitative field

What’s involved:

• You’ll 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 testing of external data
• You’ll work individually and with team members, other teams and suppliers to deliver data science solutions. Review output of junior team members
• You’ll help to identify opportunities across the organisation where data science can add value
• You’ll adhere to good coding practices, work within existing risk controls, identify and report potential 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

• Proven experience in data science and data analysis
• Good 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
• Knowledge of data structures and schemas, data preparation and cleansing
• Experience of machine learning techniques and libraries
• Knowledge of data science toolkits and languages, such as R, Python, Scala
• Experience of data exploration and visualisation tools
• Good 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
• A decision maker with an ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team
• A flexible approach and positive attitude
• Strives to drive business improvements contributing to the success of the business
• An organised and proactive approach

If you’ve worked in Data Science, and have experience in the insurance industry or with Databricks, both a bonus but not essential — why not apply today? This is just the beginning. Imagine where you could go next. The journey is yours to shape.

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 here.

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.