At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead data science strategy and develop predictive models to enhance customer experiences.
- Company: Pikl, a growing tech company revolutionising digital marketplaces.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 28 days holiday, training opportunities, and wellbeing services.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a focus on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-growth environment with innovative data solutions.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in data science, Python/R, and SQL skills required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 € per year.
About Pikl
Pikl is on a mission to enable the growth of digital marketplaces, starting with vacation rentals. We design and deliver insurance-enabled solutions that help platforms, property managers and owners unlock new revenue and deliver better customer experiences. Founded in 2016, we began by protecting individual hosts and homeowners with specialist holiday-let cover. That experience now powers our insurance-enabled products, which increase participation, lift conversion and drive revenue across the marketplace value chain: platforms, homeowners and guests. With offices in Norwich and London, and plans for international expansion, we work with some of the most recognised brands in travel as well as major insurance aggregators.
About the role
The Head of Data Science will lead Pikl’s data science strategy, advanced analytics capability, and decision intelligence roadmap. This is a technical leadership role with a strong emphasis on hands-on model development and advanced analytics while building and scaling a high-performing, multidisciplinary team. You will oversee the end-to-end development and deployment of machine learning models and predictive analytics, while also managing the Business Intelligence (BI) and Data Analysis functions. This is a high-impact role requiring a balance of rigorous technical execution and strategic leadership to ensure Pikl harnesses data to optimise pricing, enhance customer experiences, and support international expansion.
Key Responsibilities
- Technical Leadership & Data Science Execution
- Design, build and deploy predictive models, pricing algorithms, and segmentation frameworks.
- Apply statistical modelling, machine learning and experimentation techniques to real-world business problems.
- Use Python, R and SQL for data exploration, feature engineering, modelling and evaluation.
- Select appropriate techniques such as regression, tree-based methods, clustering, time-series analysis and experimentation.
- Ensure models are robust, interpretable and suitable for use in regulated decision-making.
- Monitor model performance, manage iteration and refine approaches as data, markets and products evolve.
- Strategy & Functional Leadership
- Build, mentor, and lead a team comprising Data Scientists, BI Analysts, and Data Analysts.
- Define and own an enterprise-wide strategy that aligns advanced data science with core BI reporting and MI frameworks.
- Champion a culture of experimentation, evidence-based decision-making, and continuous technical improvement across the data function.
- Champion a commercial mindset ensuring technical development is tethered to clear business KPIs and Pikl’s core growth strategy.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration & Decision Support
- Act as a key technical partner to Pikl’s Exec Team and Underwriting, Pricing, Product, and Finance functions to provide actionable decision-support solutions.
- Oversee the delivery of strategic dashboards and MI that empower stakeholders with clarity on business performance.
- Support market expansion and operational scaling by providing analytical expertise and performance optimisation insights.
- Data Infrastructure & Compliance
- Partner with Engineering and Technology teams to ensure data pipelines and tooling to support scalable analytics and product development.
- Drive best practices in data ethics, privacy, and quality assurance, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
About you
- Significant experience in hands-on data science roles, with strong grounding in statistics, machine learning and analytical problem-solving.
- Expert capability in Python and/or R, with strong SQL skills and experience working with complex datasets.
- Experience owning analytical problems end-to-end, from data exploration through to recommendation and impact.
- Demonstrated ability to provide technical leadership, mentoring and direction to other data scientists or analysts.
- Strong communication skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders and executive leadership.
- Highly analytical, commercially aware and pragmatic, with sound judgement and decision-making ability.
- Able to be in our Norwich office 2-3 days per week.
Desirable but not essential
- Relevant academic or professional background in data science, mathematics, statistics, economics or a related field.
- Experience applying data science in insurance, travel, platform or marketplace businesses.
- Background in startups, scaleups, MGAs or digitally-led regulated environments.
- Experience building or operating pricing, risk or decisioning models in production.
Our Values
- Possibility: We think big and are fearless in turning challenges into opportunities. We stay curious, test ideas and learn quickly.
- People: We put people first, building relationships rooted in empathy and trust. We respect, include, and learn from one another. We celebrate progress.
- Progress: We unlock growth opportunities for our customers and each other yet make it our personal responsibility to own actions and see them through.
Why work at Pikl
- Flexible working conditions, access to an incredible in-person working space.
- Support from an awarding-winning CEO & Founder.
- Annual holiday entitlement of 28 days plus bank holidays.
- 35 hour working week.
- Death in service scheme.
- Access to wellbeing services.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Social events.
Head of Data Science in London employer: Whatsoninnorwich
Pikl is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation and employee growth, making it an ideal place for the Head of Data Science role. With a flexible working environment in Norwich, a commitment to professional development, and a culture that values collaboration and experimentation, Pikl empowers its team to drive meaningful impact in the digital marketplace sector. Employees enjoy generous holiday allowances, wellbeing services, and the opportunity to work alongside an award-winning leadership team dedicated to fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Data Science in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend meetups, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your data science projects, especially those that relate to pricing algorithms or predictive models. This will give you an edge and demonstrate your hands-on experience to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical skills and understanding Pikl's mission. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around enhancing customer experiences and optimising pricing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Pikl team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Data Science in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Data Science role. Highlight your experience with Python, R, and SQL, and showcase any hands-on data science projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Pikl!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about data science and how you can contribute to Pikl's growth. Don't forget to mention your leadership experience and how you can mentor a multidisciplinary team.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In your application, provide examples of how you've tackled complex analytical problems in the past. We love seeing candidates who can apply statistical modelling and machine learning techniques to real-world business challenges, so share those success stories!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Pikl!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whatsoninnorwich
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially in Python, R, and SQL. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've designed and deployed predictive models or pricing algorithms. They’ll want to see how you apply statistical modelling and machine learning techniques to real-world problems.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team, be prepared to share examples of how you've mentored others in data science. Talk about your experience in building high-performing teams and how you foster a culture of experimentation and evidence-based decision-making.
✨Understand the Business Impact
Pikl is all about optimising pricing and enhancing customer experiences. Be ready to discuss how your analytical work has directly contributed to business KPIs. Show them you can connect technical development with clear commercial outcomes.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Prepare to demonstrate how you've effectively engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. Think of examples where your insights have influenced decision-making at a high level, especially in cross-functional collaborations.
