Senior Data Scientist

Job title: Senior Data Scientist – Pricing

Location: London / Leicester / Bexhill

Welcome to Hastings Direct. 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, and we value curiosity, collaboration and constructive challenge within our Pricing, Data and Analytics community. Pricing is a strategic capability focused on fair and accurate pricing based on individual risk, supporting fair outcomes while delivering sustainable and profitable growth for the company.

Pricing is more than just a number—it's about deep risk insight and continually improving how we assess, segment and price risk through data and analytics.

We are looking for an experienced Data Scientist who wants to 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 as well as Analysts, all championing alternative ways of risk analysis and market pricing. We are looking for individuals to leverage new tech stack that enhances our potential 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.

• 
  
• Create and maintain analytical tools to support in 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.
  

• 
  
• Multiple track record of delivery of ML projects from EDA to deployment, post deployment evaluation and model refreshing.
  
• Experience in liaising with multiple stakeholders to effectively frame problems and build solutions with effective 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.
  

• 
  
• 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.
  

Our interview process involves the below:

• 
  
• Recruiter screening call
  
• 1st stage interview – Initial Intro with hiring leader
  
• 2nd interview (Technical) will include panel
  
• 3rd Short call with Hiring Leader
  

As a Disability Confident employer, Hastings Direct is committed to ensuring our recruitment processes are fully inclusive. If you’re applying, 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 careers website.

In addition to a competitive salary and £5k car allowance, you will also receive:

• 
  
• Flexible working – we champion a flexible hybrid working approach; speak to your recruiter to discuss in more detail.
  
• Competitive bonus scheme – all colleagues are eligible for our annual 4Cs performance bonus.
  
• Physical wellbeing – as a Band 4 colleague, Hastings pays for private medical insurance (PMI).
  
• Financial wellbeing – life assurance, income protection, matched pension contributions up to 10%, and additional benefits including discounts, cashback, and financial wellbeing support.
  
• Mental wellbeing – Thrive mental health app, 24/7 support, mental health first aiders, and dedicated support teams.
  
• Other benefits – 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, health care and dental plans, cycle to work, tech schemes, onsite facilities, social events, and more.
  

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. We invest in the communities we serve and strive for growth with support, training and development.

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.

Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer. We 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. Please note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.