Head of Data Science

About the Role

The Head of Data Science / Lead Data Scientist will join a global Fintech / InsurTech company. This role involves remaining hands-on in lead data programming, statistical, and data modelling capacities, while also assuming line management duties for a team of three Data Scientists. The primary responsibility will be to assist insurance product teams in understanding their data and driving output across multiple products. The Lead Data Scientist will guide the team through all stages of the data science project lifecycle, from design and architecture to programming and data engineering (including data modelling, statistical data analytics, predictive analytics, and ETL). The core objective is to build predictive models and analytical solutions to support the global underwriting function.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of Data Scientists while maintaining a hands-on approach to data science.
• Engage with various stakeholders including underwriters, insurance product line managers, and actuaries to identify profitable growth areas and optimize portfolio performance.
• Independently extract and manipulate data using data management techniques and tools from both internal and external sources.
• Undertake text mining and data mining techniques, performing statistical analysis and multivariate procedures using Data Science programming methods and tools like R, Python, SAS, and SQL.
• Present findings to senior-level stakeholders and develop data models and solutions for production across multiple departments.
• Work with large datasets from various sources to develop advanced data analysis techniques and customized modelling solutions.
• Leverage Big Data from a data science perspective and integrate analytical capabilities into the ongoing development of business systems worldwide.

Requirements

• Demonstrable experience leading and managing a small team of Data Scientists.
• Comfortable with contemporary data science languages including R, Python, and SQL.
• In-depth knowledge of data modelling, predictive analytics, and multivariate procedures.
• Highly beneficial (but non-essential) experience in text mining, machine learning, natural language processing, and AI.
• Ability to engage with and present to senior-level stakeholders to develop solutions.
• Experience within the Insurance / Reinsurance sector is highly desirable, with experience in Financial Services or related sectors preferred.
• Degree-level education is sought.
• Excellent communication skills are a prerequisite.

Benefits

This exceptional opportunity offers a competitive salary, significant bonus, and long-term incentive plans with stock options, along with flexible, hybrid working arrangements based in City of London offices.