Principal Data Scientist

Principal Data Scientist

Full-Time 80000 - 100000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Lendable

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead data science strategy for non-lending products and drive impactful projects.
  • Company: Join Lendable, a fast-growing fintech unicorn transforming consumer finance.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, health coverage, retirement plans, and social events.
  • Other info: Exciting career growth opportunities and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with cutting-edge technology.
  • Qualifications: Proven experience in managing data science projects and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.

About Lendable

Lendable is on a mission to build the world's best technology to help people get credit and save money. We're building one of the world’s leading fintech companies and are off to a strong start:

  • One of the UK’s newest unicorns with a team of just over 700 people
  • Among the fastest-growing tech companies in the UK
  • Profitable since 2017
  • Backed by top investors including Balderton Capital and Goldman Sachs
  • Loved by customers with the best reviews in the market (4.9 across 10,000s of reviews on Trustpilot)

So far, we’ve rebuilt the Big Three consumer finance products from scratch: loans, credit cards and car finance. We get money into our customers’ hands in minutes instead of days. We’re growing fast, and there’s a lot more to do: we’re going after the two biggest Western markets (UK and US) where trillions worth of financial products are held by big banks with dated systems and painful processes.

Join us if you want to:

  • Take ownership across a broad remit. You are trusted to make decisions that drive a material impact on the direction and success of Lendable from day 1
  • Work in small teams of exceptional people, who are relentlessly resourceful to solve problems and find smarter solutions than the status quo
  • Build the best technology in-house, using new data sources, machine learning and AI to make machines do the heavy lifting

About the role

We are looking for the first data scientist to own the data science strategy for non-lending products. You will partner with the managing directors to define what to build from a data science perspective and lead the delivery of the data science projects. So far, we have successfully re-engineered our 'Big Three' of UK consumer finance: Unsecured Loans, Credit Cards, and Auto Finance into high frequency, low latency automated systems. Now, we are diversifying our ecosystem. Car Insurance is our first venture into non-lending products, presenting a sophisticated new domain for our data strategy.

Join us if:

  • You enjoy working with cross functional fast moving teams
  • You are able to think strategically about commercial products and how decisions using data can unlock more value for our customers
  • You enjoy being the thought partner to the managing directors who are in charge of launching and growing the new products
  • You are excited about getting your hands dirty and getting the work done

You will directly report to the Head of Data Science (Catherine Chen) who is managing the data science team. You will start as an IC and potentially have people management responsibilities in the future.

What you’ll be working on:

  • Own the data science roadmap to contribute to new product expansion
  • Build trust and influence a diverse range of leaders and stakeholders
  • Gather requirements internally and externally to define the success of the data science projects
  • Drive exciting data science projects from both strategic level and tactical level
  • Clearly communicate results to stakeholders through verbal and written communication
  • Share ideas with the wider team, learn from and contribute to the body of knowledge
  • Be a great mentor to a team of talented data scientists and the broader analytics community

Key Skills:

  • Successful track record of managing data science projects, with cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders
  • Confident and effective communication both internally and externally
  • Extensive knowledge of the financial services industry, including the products, data, typical ML applications, and related regulations
  • Excellent technical skills in Python, SQL, and statistics
  • Hands-on experience across the model lifecycle from scoping and model development to deployment and monitoring

Nice to have:

  • Experience of working in insurance, telco or consulting in financial services industry

The interview process:

  • Recruiter call
  • Hiring Manager Interview
  • Technical Interview/ Case study
  • Final interviews with Head of Data Science and Chief Risk Officer

Life at Lendable:

  • Winning team: the opportunity to scale up one of the world’s most successful fintech companies
  • Flexible working: flexible approach tailored to each role. Hybrid roles require three days in-office weekly; fully remote roles include regular opportunities for in-person connection through socials and off-sites
  • Socials & connection: opportunities and events to come together, socialise, and get to know each other beyond the office walls
  • Health coverage: support for your physical and mental wellbeing, including private health cover
  • Retirement & savings: long-term financial wellbeing through retirement savings plans
  • Employee referral programme: earn a competitive bonus when you refer successful new team members
  • Office meals & snacks: enjoy a fully stocked kitchen, plus complimentary lunches prepared by in-house chefs on in-office days at select locations
  • Sustainable commuting: cycle-to-work and electric vehicle salary sacrifice schemes available in select locations

Please note: The availability and details of specific benefits vary by location and role. For more information, please speak to your Talent Partner.

Principal Data Scientist employer: Lendable

Lendable is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture where innovation thrives and employees are empowered to make impactful decisions from day one. With a strong focus on employee growth, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive health coverage, Lendable fosters a supportive environment that prioritises both professional development and personal wellbeing, making it an ideal place for those looking to contribute to the future of fintech.

Lendable

Contact Details:

Lendable Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Principal Data Scientist

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at Lendable on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. It’s all about making connections that can help us stand out.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by brushing up on your technical skills. Since this role involves Python, SQL, and statistics, make sure we can confidently discuss our experience with these tools. Practice common data science problems to show off our expertise!

Tip Number 3

Showcase our strategic thinking! During interviews, be ready to discuss how we’ve used data to drive decisions in past projects. Lendable is looking for someone who can think commercially, so let’s highlight our ability to unlock value through data.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to express our enthusiasm for the role and the company! Lendable is all about innovation and growth, so let’s share why we’re excited about contributing to their mission. A genuine passion can really set us apart from other candidates.

We think you need these skills to ace Principal Data Scientist

Data Science Strategy
Project Management
Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Python
SQL

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Principal Data Scientist role. Highlight your experience with data science projects, especially in financial services, and show how your skills align with Lendable's mission.

Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since effective communication is key in this role, use your written application to demonstrate your ability to convey complex ideas clearly. This will help us see how you can engage with stakeholders and team members.

Highlight Your Technical Expertise:Don’t forget to mention your technical skills in Python, SQL, and statistics. We want to know about your hands-on experience across the model lifecycle, so be specific about your achievements and projects.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Lendable

Know Your Data Science Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially in Python, SQL, and statistics. Be ready to discuss your experience with the model lifecycle, from scoping to deployment. This role is all about owning the data science strategy, so show them you know your stuff!

Understand the Fintech Landscape

Familiarise yourself with the financial services industry, particularly the products and regulations relevant to Lendable. They’re looking for someone who can think strategically about commercial products, so be prepared to discuss how data can unlock value for customers.

Communicate Like a Pro

Effective communication is key, both verbally and in writing. Practice explaining complex data science concepts in simple terms, as you'll need to share results with stakeholders. Show them you can build trust and influence across diverse teams.

Be Ready to Get Hands-On

This role requires a proactive approach, so be prepared to discuss times when you've rolled up your sleeves and tackled challenges head-on. Lendable values resourcefulness, so share examples of how you've solved problems creatively in fast-paced environments.