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# Lead Data Scientist

- **Company:** SR2
- **Location:** London, UK
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** £115,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology Consulting, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Software Architecture, Tensorflow, Software Engineering, Pytorch, Large Language Models, Scikit Learn, Information Technology
- **Published:** August 26, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.collegerecruiter.com/job/2815037755-lead-data-scientist

## About the Role

* Strong background in machine learning, statistical modelling, and applied data science.
 * Expert in Python and familiar with standard ML/AI frameworks (e.g. Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow).
 * Solid track record of delivering successful projects within FS - ideally in regulated, enterprise-grade environments.
 * Previous leadership experience and ability to guide strategy, make architectural decisions, and manage technical teams.
 * Excellent comms and stakeholder management skills, comfortable in senior client-facing settings.
 * Bonus points for consulting experience.

## Description

Overview

SR2 | Socially Responsible Recruitment | Certified B Corporation pay range: Up to £115k + equity. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience - talk with your recruiter to learn more.

The Role

Principal AI Recruiter | Founder of The AI Collective

Role focus: Build and scale a brand-new data science function within an established AI company. The function will work exclusively on financial services projects, so prior FS experience is required. This role combines hands-on technical work with leadership, strategy, and client-facing impact. You\'ll work directly with senior decision-makers in banking, fintech, and insurtech, while mentoring and developing a high-calibre data science team.

Key responsibilities:

 * Establish and grow a dedicated data science function focused on financial services use cases.
 * Set technical direction, define best practices, and shape the roadmap for client delivery.
 * Lead projects end-to-end from discovery and experimentation to POC and large-scale deployment.
 * Deliver advanced solutions across ML and AI, including agentic systems and LLM-powered applications.
 * Act as a senior point of contact for FS stakeholders, influencing both technical and commercial outcomes.
 * Hire, mentor, and develop a team of data scientists to a best-in-class standard.

What We're Looking For

 * Strong background in machine learning, statistical modelling, and applied data science.
 * Expert in Python and familiar with standard ML/AI frameworks (e.g. Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow).
 * Solid track record of delivering successful projects within FS - ideally in regulated, enterprise-grade environments.
 * Previous leadership experience and ability to guide strategy, make architectural decisions, and manage technical teams.
 * Excellent comms and stakeholder management skills, comfortable in senior client-facing settings.
 * Bonus points for consulting experience.

Why Join?

 * Shape and lead a new capability from day one.
 * Work on complex, high-impact problems at the frontier of financial services and AI.
 * Combine technical leadership with direct client influence.
 * Join a company where innovation, collaboration, and professional growth are at the heart of how they operate.

If you're motivated by the idea of building something new, leading a team, and driving AI adoption.

Seniority level

 * Mid-Senior level

Employment type

 * Full-time

Job function

 * Finance and Information Technology

Industries

 * IT Services and IT Consulting
 * Software Development
 * Financial Services


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