Lead Data Scientist | Insurance | London Hybrid | Shaping Greenfield Agentic AI & Automation

Our data function is currently in a phase of significant transformation, elevating data maturity to accelerate business growth and operational efficiency. We are looking for a Lead Data Scientist to join us and bridge the gap between high-level technical strategy and hands-on execution.

This is a unique opportunity to lead a greenfield project focused on automating broker underwriting. Your work will directly impact our operations as we scale this solution to 100 clients over the next 18 months. You will join a collaborative environment that balances commercial focus with a commitment to continuous, product-centric improvement.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of a high-impact, greenfield broker underwriting automation project.
• Mentor and grow a team of 5–8 data scientists and machine learning engineers, fostering their professional development.
• Architect and implement agentic AI workflows and machine learning models, primarily using Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Define and maintain pragmatic technical governance to ensure our solutions are scalable, repeatable, and robust.
• Balance your time between high-level leadership and hands-on contribution (approximately a 75/25 split).
• Engage with stakeholders across the business to translate complex requirements into actionable technical roadmaps.
• Champion a culture of rapid prototyping, experimentation, and iterative delivery across the wider technology group.

What They’re Looking For

Essential

• Strong technical background in Data Science and Machine Learning, with deep Python proficiency.
• Proven experience leading technical projects and mentoring/coaching junior team members.
• Hands-on experience building agentic AI workflows, including prompt/context engineering and RAG.
• Expertise with Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and a track record of deploying production-grade solutions.
• Ability to switch effectively between strategic governance and active technical contribution.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.

Nice to Have

• Previous experience in direct line management.
• Domain expertise within the insurance or financial services industry.
• Familiarity with Azure or BigQuery environments.

Why Join?

You will be joining a team that values independence, flexibility, and tangible impact. Our organization is committed to creating an environment where you can do your best work, supported by a hybrid model that balances structure with personal autonomy.

• Growth & Impact: Lead a greenfield project that is central to the future of our underwriting.
• Supportive Culture: Work alongside a talented, diverse group that prioritizes continuous learning.
• Benefits: Competitive bonus scheme, contributory pension, and private medical coverage for the whole family.
• Well-being: 25 days annual leave plus additional company holidays, and a 4-week paid sabbatical for every 5 years of service.