Lead Data Scientist

Location: London

We’re a digital insurance provider with ambitious plans to become the best and biggest in the UK market. We’ve made huge investments in our pricing and data capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture.

We provide insurance for over four million customers, but we know there’s even bigger opportunity out there – our Pricing, Data and Analytics community value curiosity, collaboration and constructive challenge.

We are always looking for new ideas and diverse perspectives to question established thinking and drive meaningful change. Great pricing is built on trust, innovation and precision, so our aim is to ensure customers receive a fair and accurate price based on their individual risk, supporting fair outcomes, while delivering sustainable and profitable growth for our company.

Pricing is more than just a number – it’s a strategic capability. At the heart of Hastings is deep risk insight – continually improving how we assess, segment and price risk through data and analytics.

Job Title: Lead Data Scientist

Location: Bexhill/Leicester/London – Hybrid

Role overview

The Lead Data Scientist will play a key role in shaping and delivering advanced Data Science solutions across the business, using machine learning, statistical modelling and innovative data sources to solve complex commercial and customer problems.

In this role, you’ll lead and develop a team of Data Scientists, taking ownership of projects from initial exploration and model development through to deployment, monitoring and ongoing optimisation.

Working closely with stakeholders across the business, you’ll help identify where Data Science can have the greatest impact and turn complex data and modelling into practical, scalable solutions. This could involve areas such as telematics, claims, customer behaviour and other applications across the insurance lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing team of Data Scientists, fostering innovation and technical excellence.
• Shape and deliver the Data Science strategy within your area, ensuring work is aligned to wider business priorities.
• Lead the development of advanced machine learning and statistical models to solve complex business problems.
• Take ownership of Data Science projects from initial concept and experimentation through to production deployment and ongoing monitoring.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders to identify opportunities where Data Science can drive better decisions and business outcomes.
• Explore and evaluate new data sources, techniques and technologies to improve modelling capability.
• Ensure models are robust, scalable and appropriately governed, with strong validation and monitoring in place.
• Partner with Data Engineering and Technology teams to develop effective data pipelines and support deployment into production.
• Translate complex technical outputs into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Champion best practice across Data Science and help drive innovation and continuous improvement across the wider function.
• Essential skills/experience
• Proven experience leading, mentoring and developing Data Scientists.
• Strong technical expertise across machine learning, statistical modelling and predictive analytics.
• Strong Python and SQL skills, with experience developing Data Science solutions in a commercial environment.
• Experience taking machine learning models through the full lifecycle, from development and experimentation to deployment and monitoring in production.
• Experience working with large, complex and varied datasets.
• Experience with modern cloud and Data Science technologies such as AWS, Azure, Databricks, Snowflake, Spark or similar.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly and influence decision-making.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to connect Data Science work to real business problems and outcomes.

Recruitment Process

Recruitment screening call

1st Round Intro with the hiring leader

Case Study round – a mix of Technical and Competency

As a Disability Confident employer, we’re committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are fully inclusive – what this means to you is if you’re applying for a job with us, you’ll have fair access to support and adjustments throughout your recruitment journey. We also welcome applications through the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS).For more information on the DCS, please visit our inclusive business page on our career's website

What we offer

Join us and you’ll find a different way of doing things. We call it the 4Cs. We focus on getting it right for our colleagues, customers, company and community. As one of our colleagues, you’ll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we’ll give you all the support, training and development you need. Not to mention plenty of recognition and rewards, and the scope to voice your ideas and put them into practice.

Reward

Salary – Attractive salary based on experience + car allowance (pay reviews also completed each year)

Flexible Working – We champion a flexible and hybrid working approach so please speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail, including days in the office and at home.

Competitive Bonus Scheme - All colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus, which is usually paid in March. The scheme is based on Hastings’ performance against our business goals and your own personal performance.

Physical Wellbeing – as a Band 4 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (also known as PMI) This gives you flexibility and convenience to see a specialist or consultant and allows you to decide when and where you will be seen.

Financial Wellbeing – As well as providing you with 4x your salary with our life assurance cover and income protection at no extra cost, pension contribution match up to 10%, we are proud to provide you with an AWARD WINNING package which includes – discounts and cashback at everyday retailers and on our own products, fee free independent mortgage advice, and free access to financial wellbeing support.

Mental Wellbeing programme – At Hastings Direct we understand that mental health cannot not be scheduled, that’s why we have a range of support to help you keep yourself well. We have the thrive mental health app, our colleague assistance programme available 24/7, our own, in-house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team to make sure we are covering your needs

There's more! – 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your contracted weeks, access to our health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much more ….

Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we’ll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve

We deliver good outcomes for our customers every time by providing great products at the right price with our simple and straightforward service. We treat customers like we want to be treated - fairly, respectfully and with their best interests at heart

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.

At Hastings Direct, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, we encourage you to be open with us. Our recruitment team is here to provide the support you need to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.

Job posting end date

28/10/2026

Additional Locations: Bexhill, Leicester