At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead analytics projects and refine underwriting logic to enhance decision-making.
- Company: Dynamic InsurTech firm revolutionising the UK motor insurance market.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, remote work options, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and learning opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on live policies and drive innovative underwriting decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in underwriting analytics, data science, and strong technical skills in Python or R.
Location: London or Hampshire (2 days a week in-office)
Salary: £80k - £105k + 10% bonus
Who are they?
A well-backed InsurTech leading the UK short-term motor insurance market, one hour to one month cover, at serious volume. They feel like a start-up in the best sense, small team, real ownership, people who care about doing good work. Collaborative but autonomous, they hire people who take ownership and get things done.
What's the role?
You'll sit in the underwriting team, working closely with the underwriting manager and Chief Underwriting Officer, building and refining the analytical logic that helps their panel of underwriters make better decisions on coverage, rates, and portfolio footprint. Around 70% heads-down individual contribution, 30% leading projects and developing junior analysts.
On any given week you might be:
- Analysing portfolio performance and identifying where coverage, rates or footprint need adjusting
- Building fraud detection models and identifying new risk signals at point of quote
- Working with the panel of underwriters to improve how they assess and select risk
- Exploring non-traditional data sources to sharpen underwriting decisions
- Getting models into production so they're shaping live underwriting decisions every day
- Helping junior analysts develop their thinking and technical skills
It's a role where your work ends up in the product, driving real underwriting decisions on live policies every day.
Who are they looking for?
This is a rare role and they know it. They're looking for someone who brings genuine breadth across underwriting analytics, pricing, and data science, someone who understands how insurance portfolios actually behave and can work credibly with underwriters, not just alongside them.
Your background might span underwriting analytics, actuarial work, pricing, or a mix of all three. What matters is that you think rigorously about risk, can build and deploy models that shape real decisions, and can explain complex findings clearly to senior stakeholders.
On the technical side, Python or R, SQL, and experience with modelling techniques like GBMs are important. Fraud analytics experience is a plus, as is data enrichment, though fresh thinking on both counts matters just as much as direct experience. Cloud data warehouse experience such as BigQuery or Azure is useful but not essential.
And the good stuff!
- 10% discretionary bonus + annual pay reviews
- Up to 22 "work from anywhere" days per year
- Private medical cover + critical illness insurance
- Employer pension matching up to 7.5%
- 25 days holiday, rising to 30 with tenure, plus 2 "my time" days
- £300 one-off WFH setup budget
- EV scheme + cycle to work
- Market-leading parental leave across all types
- Dedicated learning and training budget
If this sounds like your kind of place, we'd love to hear from you.
Lead Underwriting Data Scientist | Portfolio Analytics | InsurTech | Up to £105k + bonus in Slough employer: Skillful
Skillful is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, perfect for those looking to make a significant impact in the InsurTech space. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have opportunities to mentor junior analysts while utilising cutting-edge tools like Python and R in a hybrid work environment. Join us to be part of a team that values analytical excellence and supports your professional development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Underwriting Data Scientist | Portfolio Analytics | InsurTech | Up to £105k + bonus in Slough
✨Dive Into Industry Networking Events
Get your foot in the door by attending insurance industry events and conferences. Not only will you learn about the latest trends, but you'll also meet potential employers and industry peers. Check out local chapters of professional bodies like the Chartered Insurance Institute for valuable meetups.
✨Use LinkedIn to Your Advantage
Don’t underestimate the power of LinkedIn in the insurance world. Engage with industry content, join relevant groups, and connect with professionals at companies you admire (like Skillful). A thoughtful message explaining your interest can really make a difference!
✨Look Out for Graduate Schemes
Many firms in insurance have structured graduate programmes. Keep an eye on application windows and utilise your university's career services for insider tips. These schemes are designed to develop talent and often lead to permanent roles after your initial training.
✨Leverage Your Current Connections
Got friends or family in the industry? Now’s the time to reach out! Personal referrals can give you a head start, so let them know you're on the lookout for full-time opportunities at places like Skillful. Don’t shy away from asking for a coffee chat; you never know what doors it might open!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Underwriting Data Scientist | Portfolio Analytics | InsurTech | Up to £105k + bonus in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Analytical Skills:In insurance, we love a candidate who can crunch numbers and analyse data effectively. When crafting your CV, make sure to showcase any relevant coursework or experiences that highlight your analytical abilities, especially if you’ve tackled risk assessment or financial modelling.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Don’t be shy about your knowledge of the insurance sector! We want to see that you've done your homework on current trends, regulations, and challenges in the industry. Mention any relevant projects or studies you’ve completed that demonstrate your understanding of the field in your cover letter.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about insurance. Share any personal experiences or what drew you into this profession. We’re looking for enthusiasm and a clear motivation for why you want to be part of our team at Skillful.
Tailor Your CV for the Role:Don't just send a generic CV! Focus on tailoring it specifically for the insurance role at Skillful. Highlight relevant skills such as risk management, customer service experience, or any certifications you've earned in the industry to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at Skillful
✨Know Your Numbers: Insurance Fundamentals
Brush up on your understanding of key insurance concepts, like underwriting principles and risk assessment. Expect the interviewer at Skillful to throw some technical questions your way, so be ready to demonstrate your grasp of these essentials.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Side
In the insurance world, it's all about data. Prepare to discuss any analytical tools or methodologies you've used in past experiences. If you have a portfolio of projects where you've tackled complex data, bring that along to impress the team!
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
As a full-timer at Skillful, they'll want to know how you handle real-life scenarios, not just theory. Think about challenges you've faced in teamwork or customer service, and how those experiences can relate to a career in insurance.
✨Know the Company Culture Inside Out
Understanding Skillful's values and workplace culture is essential. Don’t just memorise their mission statement; think about how your personal values align with theirs. This will show your genuine interest in being part of their team long-term.
