Senior Data Scientist

Senior Data Scientist – Pricing

London / Leicester / Bexhill

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 values 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.

We are looking for an experienced Data Scientist who wants to break free of the normal and develop real innovation in the Insurance Industry. The Senior Data Scientist will assist in the identification and creation of cutting‑edge data assets and predictive models that feed into Hastings’ market‑leading pricing activities. This role is within a challenger product with a team comprising Data Scientists/Modellers and Analysts all championing alternative ways of risk analysis and market pricing.

We are looking for individuals to leverage a new tech stack that enhances our model deployment capabilities. It is great that you are looking to build your career with us; please invest time in your application and, where appropriate, use your internal network to help support your interest.

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• Create and maintain analytical tools to support the management of our risk portfolio.
  
• Develop best‑in‑class models to predict claims outcomes, fraud and other risk KPIs.
  
• Engineer powerful new rating factors to be deployed into our rating algorithms.
  
• Identify, analyse and monetise new data sources.
  

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• Multiple track record of delivery of ML projects from EDA to deployment, post‑deployment evaluation and model refreshing.
  
• Experience liaising with multiple stakeholders to effectively frame problems and build solutions with commercial outcomes.
  
• Keen interest in emerging ML techniques and their commercial value.
  
• Proficiency in Python, SQL, Azure ML, Git, Azure Cloud Services.
  
• Strong communication skills.
  
• Ability to work cross‑functionally with Data Engineers, Data Scientists, Actuaries and Pricing Analysts.
  

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• Natural problem solver who loves building quality solutions to complex real‑world challenges.
  
• Focuses on the bigger picture but not afraid to get into the detail when necessary.
  
• Dynamic, flexible and delivery‑focused work ethic required to adapt to a fast‑paced environment.
  
• Takes ownership and accountability for key projects and workstreams.
  

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• Recruiter screening call
  
• 1st stage interview – Initial Intro with hiring leader
  
• 2nd interview (Technical) – panel interview
  
• 3rd short call with hiring leader
  

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• Competitive salary and £5k car allowance.
  
• Flexible hybrid working – discuss details with recruiter.
  
• Competitive bonus scheme – all colleagues eligible for annual 4Cs performance bonus.
  
• Physical wellbeing – private medical insurance (PMI) and private specialist access.
  
• Financial wellbeing – life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, pension matching up to 10%, and award‑winning package including discounts, cashback, mortgage advice and financial support.
  
• Mental wellbeing programme – Thrive mental health app, 24/7 assistance programme, in‑house first aiders, support groups and dedicated team.
  
• 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, option to buy or sell one week, health‑care cash‑back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to Work and tech schemes, free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year.
  

Hastings Direct is an equal opportunities employer. We treat people fairly and welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. We provide reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process and encourage applicants to be open with us to ensure a fair and accessible experience.

As a Disability Confident employer, we’re committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are fully inclusive. We also welcome applications through the Disability Confident Scheme (DCS). For more information, visit our inclusive business page on our careers website.

We have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.