Lead Data Scientist

• Provide technical leadership and day-to-day direction to a team of 4-5 Data Scientists (no formal line management).
• Define and enforce coding standards, modelling best practices, and governance frameworks.
• Design, build, and deploy production-grade machine learning models (predictive and risk-focused).
• Develop scalable ML pipelines in Python.
• Implement robust model validation, monitoring, and performance tracking frameworks.
• Translate complex business and risk requirements into advanced analytical solutions.
• Collaborate closely with risk, actuarial, and engineering teams to operationalise models.

• Proven experience building and deploying machine learning models into production (end-to-end ownership - not just experimentation).
• Mandatory background in Financial Services or Insurance
• Advanced Python expertise
• Strong knowledge of predictive modelling techniques (regression, classification, ensemble methods).
• Strong SQL skills and experience with large-scale enterprise datasets.
• Experience providing technical leadership, including code and model review.
• Ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders.

Experience with risk modelling (e.g. pricing, credit risk, underwriting, claims) would be highly desirable Reasonable Adjustments

A leading Financial Services organisation is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to provide hands-on technical leadership across a high-impact transformation programme. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys leading from the front-guiding a small team while remaining deeply involved in model development, validation, and deployment within a regulated environment.