Senior Data Scientist in London

Welcome to Hastings Direct. We’re a digital insurance provider with a clear strategy to become the best and biggest player in the UK market. As a company, we’ve made huge investments in our technology, pricing, data and analytics capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture and substantial investment in our people.

Role overview: We are looking for an experienced Data Scientist that wants to break free of the normal and develop real innovation in the Insurance Industry! The Senior Data Scientist will assist in the identification and creation of cutting‑edge data assets and predictive models that feed into Hastings’ market‑leading pricing activities. This role is within a challenger product with a team comprising Data Scientists/Modellers as well as Analysts all championing alternative ways of risk analysis and market pricing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and maintain analytical tools to support in the management of our risk portfolio.
• Develop best in‑class models to predict claims outcomes, fraud and other risk KPIs.
• Engineer powerful new rating factors to be deployed into our rating algorithms.
• Identify, analyse and monetise new data sources.

Essential skills/experience:

• Multiple track record of delivery of ML projects from EDA to deployment, post‑deployment evaluation and model refreshing.
• Experience in liaising with multiple stakeholders to effectively frame problems and build solutions with effective commercial outcomes.
• Keen interest in emerging ML techniques and their commercial value.
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, Azure ML, Git, Azure Cloud Services.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with Data Engineers, Data Scientists, Actuaries and Pricing Analysts.

Personal Attributes:

• Natural problem solver who loves building quality solutions to complex real‑world challenges.
• Focuses on the bigger picture but not afraid to get into the detail when necessary.
• Dynamic, flexible, and delivery‑focused work ethic required to adapt to a fast‑paced environment.
• Takes ownership and accountability for key projects and workstream.

The interview process involves the below:

• Recruiter screening call
• 1st stage interview – Initial Intro with hiring leader
• 2nd interview (Technical) will include panel
• 3rd Short call with Hiring Leader

As a Disability Confident employer, we’re committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are fully inclusive. We also welcome applications through the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS).

Benefits:

• Flexible working – We champion a flexible hybrid working approach.
• Competitive bonus scheme – All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus.
• Physical wellbeing – Hastings pays for you to receive private medical insurance (PMI).
• Financial wellbeing – 4× your salary with our life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, and matched pension contributions up to 10%.
• Mental wellbeing programme – Access to the Thrive mental health app, colleague assistance programme available 24/7, and support groups.
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your weeks.
• Access to health‑care cash‑back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to Work and tech schemes, and social events throughout the year.

Join us and you’ll find a different way of doing things. We call it the 4Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.