Lead Data Scientist

Lead Data Scientist

Full-Time On-site
hastingsdirect

Job Title: Lead Data Scientist

Location: Bexhill/Leicester/London - Hybrid

Role overview

The Lead Data Scientist will play a key role in shaping and delivering advanced Data Science solutions across the business, using machine learning, statistical modelling and innovative data sources to solve complex commercial and customer problems. In this role, you'll lead and develop a team of Data Scientists, taking ownership of projects from initial exploration and model development through to deployment, monitoring and ongoing optimisation. Working closely with stakeholders across the business, you'll help identify where Data Science can have the greatest impact and turn complex data and modelling into practical, scalable solutions. This could involve areas such as telematics, claims, customer behaviour and other applications across the insurance lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

  • Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of Data Scientists, fostering innovation and technical excellence.
  • Shape and deliver the Data Science strategy within your area, ensuring work is aligned to wider business priorities.
  • Lead the development of advanced machine learning and statistical models to solve complex business problems.
  • Take ownership of Data Science projects from initial concept and experimentation through to production deployment and ongoing monitoring.
  • Work closely with senior stakeholders to identify opportunities where Data Science can drive better decisions and business outcomes.
  • Explore and evaluate new data sources, techniques and technologies to improve modelling capability.
  • Ensure models are robust, scalable and appropriately governed, with strong validation and monitoring in place.
  • Partner with Data Engineering and Technology teams to develop effective data pipelines and support deployment into production.
  • Translate complex technical outputs into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Champion best practice across Data Science and help drive innovation and continuous improvement across the wider function.

Essential skills/experience

  • Proven experience leading, mentoring and developing Data Scientists.
  • Strong technical expertise across machine learning, statistical modelling and predictive analytics.
  • Strong Python and SQL skills, with experience developing Data Science solutions in a commercial environment.
  • Experience taking machine learning models through the full lifecycle, from development and experimentation to deployment and monitoring in production.
  • Experience working with large, complex and varied datasets.
  • Experience with modern cloud and Data Science technologies such as AWS, Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, Spark or similar.
  • Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and influence decision-making.
  • Strong commercial awareness and the ability to connect Data Science work to real business problems and outcomes.

Recruitment Process:

  • Recruitment screening call
  • 1st Round Intro with the hiring leader
  • Case Study round - a mix of Technical and Competency

As a Disability Confident employer, we're committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are fully inclusive - what this means to you is if you're applying for a job with us, you'll have fair access to support and adjustments throughout your recruitment journey. We also welcome applications through the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS).For more information on the DCS, please visit our inclusive business page on our career's website

What we offer

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. As one of our colleagues, you'll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we'll give you all the support, training and development you need. Not to mention plenty of recognition and rewards, and the scope to voice your ideas and put them into practice.

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Lead Data Scientist employer: hastingsdirect

Hastings Direct is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, particularly for the Senior Microservices Engineer role. With hybrid working options from Bexhill or Leicester, employees benefit from a flexible environment that encourages professional growth through mentorship and active participation in design discussions. The company prioritises engineering excellence and offers opportunities to lead projects, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in technology.

hastingsdirect

Contact Details:

hastingsdirect Recruitment Team