Lead Data Scientist

We’re looking for a Lead Data Scientist to drive the development of predictive models and analytical products in a highly regulated environment. Working closely with senior leadership, you’ll take ownership of the full data science lifecycle-from data exploration and feature engineering through to model deployment, monitoring, and governance. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving complex business problems, building production-grade models, and delivering tangible commercial impact., * Develop and deploy predictive models to support commercial, risk, and strategic decision-making.

• Build and maintain modelling datasets using large-scale structured data sources.
• Lead exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, model selection, validation, and performance monitoring.
• Design and execute forecasting, simulation, and scenario analysis to support business planning.
• Ensure models are robust, explainable, and compliant with governance and regulatory requirements.
• Implement reproducible, version-controlled data science workflows and best practices.
• Collaborate with data engineering and business stakeholders to deliver scalable data products.
• Evaluate and optimise machine learning models, balancing performance, transparency, and business value., This is an opportunity to join a highly visible, strategically important team where you’ll have significant influence over the direction of analytics and data products. You’ll work on complex, high-value challenges, collaborate directly with senior decision-makers, and help build capabilities that will drive long-term business growth.

• Strong experience developing predictive models within financial services or another highly regulated environment.
• Advanced Python skills (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn) and strong SQL capabilities.
• Experience working with Snowflake or similar cloud-based data platforms.
• Strong background in exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, and model validation.
• Experience developing production-ready machine learning solutions and monitoring frameworks.
• Understanding of model governance, auditability, and regulatory requirements.
• Knowledge of credit risk, forecasting, scorecards, probability models, or related analytical techniques would be highly advantageous.
• Experience using Git and version-controlled development practices.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex analytical concepts to senior stakeholders.

Our client is a leading financial services organisation embarking on a major data and analytics transformation programme. They are investing heavily in advanced analytics, predictive modelling, and data-driven products to unlock the value of a rich and extensive data estate. This is a unique opportunity to join a high-impact team focused on building innovative solutions that will shape the future of the business.