Data Science Manager

Location: Haywards Heath, Home Office (Remote) or ManchesterSalary: From £80,000 depending on experienceDepartment: UnderwritingWe’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life.Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price. But, it’s the people inside and outside our business that power us. They make us stand out, help us succeed. We’re ambitious. We’re growing. We’ve won awards.Are you an expert in the insurance industry with a strong background in data science? Do you have proven leadership experience and the ability to guide teams to success? If so, we want to hear from youWe’re looking for a Data Science Manager to join our Underwriting team either working remotely or based in our Salford Quays, Manchester or Haywards Heath, West Sussex offices.As our Data Science Manager you’ll work as part of a team of Data Scientists and other specialists to help deliver a portfolio of innovative services, discovering and creating value from the Company’s vast array of information assets. Your main focus will be to manage the delivery of value through the team, balancing proposed projects with explorative research to push the company forward.You’ll develop initiatives designed to deliver value through data science, planning these into delivery plans and wider books of work. You will be an advocate of continuous improvement, and be keen to promote education and development opportunities, both within the Data Science team, and with wider stakeholders.Recognising the dependencies Group companies have on technology provided in-house, you will work collaboratively and seamlessly with the Group’s in-house technology provider along with data presentation/delivery teams located in multiple locations.Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:Knowledge of the Insurance spaceData Science ExpertiseExperience in a leadership roleNice to have skills, but optional:Knowledge of PythonExperience using Agile/Change methodologiesWhat’s involved:Find opportunities for, scope out and develop data services, including deep learning, predictive analytics and machine learning, that help to solve business problemsManage a team of Data Scientists, reviewing outputs, planning delivery timelines, developing talent and internal capabilityDevelop data assets that assist with the ongoing ambitions of the team, with defined guidelines for both internal and external data utilizationBuild strong relationships with stakeholders from around the business, keeping abreast of upcoming change, or areas for improvementGrow the impact of Data Science across the Group, increase the number of deployed solutions, identify previously unexplored areas of modelling or analysisRole model best practice, with focuses on efficiency and long term successMonitor the latest techniques and solutions being utilised in the wider industryMaintain departmental risk registers providing evidence and commentary for controls, updates for Mitigation Actions and maintaining control matrices and attestations.Comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all timesEnsure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/ regulations at all times.Any other reasonable dutiesExperience & knowledgeExtensive hands-on experience applying data science techniques to general insurance predictive modelling problemsStrong track record of stakeholder management, modelling projects and successful deploymentDeep understanding and familiarity with a variety of statistical models (eg GBMs, GLMs, clustering techniques, etc)Familiarity with UK open source data and datasets valuable to personal lines insurance pricingExperienced people managerFamiliarity of risks associated with unstructured data, model deployment infrastructure and live deployment of data science solutionsAppreciation of policy and claims processes and conduct risksKnowledge of data science toolkits and languages, such as R, Python, ScalaHigh performing experience in data science and data analysisExperience of utilising system integration techniques such as APIs, web servicesUnderstanding of a service based approach to professional services.Experience delivering through Agile change frameworkStrong technical leader, able to recruit and develop a strong teamGood communication skills, both verbal and writtenGood time management and organisation skillsProven analytical and statistical modelling skillsDegree in Data Science or other quantitative fieldBehavioursSelf-motivated and enthusiastic with the desire to meet or exceed targetsDetermined and passionate, particularly regarding data and technologySupports development of peers and wider team capabilityA decision maker with an ability to work on own initiative or as part of a teamTakes accountability and ownership of problems and solutionsA flexible approach and positive attitudeStrives to drive business improvements contributing to the success of the businessAn organised and proactive approachRole model for other team membersSo, if you’re up for the challenge and would like to join our vibrant and busy team, we want to hear from you today.People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. #J-18808-Ljbffr