At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative credit decisioning models for SME lending.
- Company: Join Lovey, one of the UK's fastest-growing finance companies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £90,000, annual bonus, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of lending with impactful models and flexible work.
- Qualifications: Experience in machine learning, Python, SQL, and SME lending required.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
Location: UK | Hybrid - 2 days per week in our Central Birmingham office
Salary: Up to £90,000 + Annual Bonus
About Lovey
Lovey (formerly Love Finance) is a fast-growing UK SME lender and broker, founded in 2016 by Jack Smith with a simple goal: to make business lending simple and fast. Since then, we've funded more than £500 million in loans for over 10,000 SMEs across the UK. We've been recognised by organisations including EY, Deloitte, The Sunday Times, Financial Times, UK Growth Index, FeBe and Sifted as one of the UK's fastest-growing companies. By combining direct lending with brokerage services, Lovey provides businesses with fast, flexible and tailored funding solutions.
The Role
We’re looking for a Senior Decision Scientist to lead the development of cutting-edge credit decisioning models across SME lending. You’ll own the end-to-end model lifecycle, from problem framing through to deployment and monitoring, while working at the intersection of data and risk, to shape the future of our lending strategy. The role offers the flexibility to work remotely for most of the week, with 2 days per week in our Central Birmingham office, working closely with our Data and risk teams. While we’re open to candidates across the UK, we’re looking for someone who values both the flexibility of remote working and the collaboration that comes from spending time together in the office.
What You’ll Do as Senior Decision Scientist
- Build and deploy ML and statistical models for credit risk, affordability, and pricing
- Own the full model lifecycle, including data, feature engineering, modelling, validation, deployment and monitoring
- Develop monitoring frameworks and performance dashboards
- Drive innovation through new data sources, challenger models and experimentation (A/B testing)
- Translate complex models into clear, actionable business insights
- Work closely with Data and Risk teams to influence lending strategy and decision-making
Requirements
- Strong experience in machine learning within lending (SME lending essential)
- Strong consumer lending experience
- Proficiency in Python and SQL
- Proven end-to-end model development experience
- Background in fintech and automated decisioning environments
- Solid understanding of UK credit risk and regulation
- Experience with model governance and monitoring frameworks
- Ability to communicate effectively with both technical and business stakeholders
- Strong commercial mindset and ownership attitude
Why Join Lovey?
- Be part of a high-growth fintech shaping the future of SME lending
- Work on high-impact models used in real underwriting decisions
- Have a direct influence on our lending strategy and decisioning approach
Senior Decision Scientist (Lending) in Birmingham employer: Love Finance Limited
Lovey is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture in the heart of Central Birmingham where ambition and performance are celebrated. With structured training, clear performance expectations, and a commitment to employee growth, we empower our Collections Advisors to excel in their roles while enjoying the benefits of being part of one of the UK's fastest-growing finance companies. Join us and be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional development in a dynamic, target-driven environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Decision Scientist (Lending) in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1: Tap Into Professional Networks
The finance world loves a good connection, so jump into industry-specific groups on platforms like LinkedIn where you can find discussions on financial controlling. Engaging in these communities can expose you to hidden job leads that aren't openly advertised!
✨Tip Number 2: Attend Finance Events and Conferences
Make it a mission to attend finance-related events and conferences, even virtual ones! This is a golden opportunity to network face-to-face with people from companies like Love Finance Limited. You never know who might be your next boss or a crucial contact!
✨Tip Number 3: Showcase Your Expertise
Consider writing articles or sharing insights related to financial controlling or industry trends. Publish these on platforms like LinkedIn to establish yourself as a knowledgeable player in the field. This not only increases your visibility but also catches the attention of recruiters from Love Finance Limited.
✨Tip Number 4: Apply Directly on Company Websites
Since you're going for a full-time gig, don't forget to keep an eye on the careers page of companies you're interested in, like Love Finance Limited. Many companies prefer candidates who apply through their website as it shows genuine interest and makes your application stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Decision Scientist (Lending) in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers Game:In financial controlling, detail is everything! Make sure your CV showcases your proficiency with numbers—highlight any relevant experience in budgeting, forecasting, or working with financial software. Quantifying your past achievements will make you stand out, so don’t be shy about flaunting those impressive percentages or cost savings you've implemented.
Tailored Cover Letter is Key:Your cover letter is a chance to shine, especially for a full-time role. Use it to express your genuine interest in Love Finance Limited and the specific impact you hope to make in financial controlling. Mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that align with the company’s goals, and don’t forget to show that you're ready for a long-term commitment!
Certifications Matter:List relevant certifications such as ACCA or CIMA on your CV. These qualifications not only showcase your dedication to the field but also your technical competence in financial principles. If you have any ongoing training or courses, make sure to mention those as well to demonstrate your commitment to continual learning in financial controlling.
Don’t Overlook Soft Skills:While numbers are crucial, so are those soft skills! Financial controllers need strong communication and analytical reasoning abilities. We recommend embedding examples of these skills in your CV and cover letter, like how you’ve successfully delivered financial reports to stakeholders or collaborated with teams to improve processes. Let’s show Love Finance Limited how you can be a team player!
How to prepare for a job interview at Love Finance Limited
✨Brush Up on Technical Skills
Make sure you're comfortable with key financial concepts, especially around forecasting, budgeting, and variance analysis. Sometimes, interviewers may throw in technical questions or case studies, so practicing these types of scenarios will help you shine!
✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen
If you've had experience with specific financial software like SAP or Oracle, make it known! Be ready to discuss how you used these tools to improve processes or reporting, as this hands-on knowledge can really set you apart in a full-time role with Love Finance Limited.
✨Know Your Numbers
In full-time interviews, especially in financial controlling, be prepared for numerical reasoning tests or questions. Brush up on your mental maths and understand how to interpret and analyse financial statements on the spot, as this may come up during the assessment.
✨Connect with Company Goals
Familiarise yourself with Love Finance Limited's financial objectives and any recent developments. During the interview, try to weave your understanding of their business model and challenges into your answers—this shows your genuine interest and alignment with their goals!
