Lead Data Scientist

Salary: Circa £55,000

An exciting opportunity has arisen in our data science team at Aviva, where you can contribute to shaping the future of insurance through advanced analytics.

As the insurance industry evolves in a technologically dynamic age, Aviva is strategically investing in data science, machine learning, and advanced analytics as a distinctive capability.

A bit about the job:

In this role, you'll play a vital role in advancing automation by contributing to the development and deployment of machine learning models. These models will be instrumental in supporting various functions such as trading strategies, risk-based costing, medical underwriting, and operational efficiency. Your work will be crucial in shaping the landscape of these critical areas.

Collaboration is at the heart of our approach. You'll work closely with cross-functional teams, understanding their specific data science needs. By providing expert guidance on model design and controls, you'll ensure that the solutions developed align seamlessly with the objectives of each team.

As a leader in this domain, you'll take charge of designing and executing control mechanisms for models. This involves enhancing their reliability and robustness, reinforcing the foundation upon which our data science efforts rest.

Moreover, your role extends beyond individual tasks—you'll provide valuable technical mentorship to colleagues, fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within our data science practices.

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

• Demonstrable experience in data science, with a focus on machine learning model development and deployment.
• Proficient in Python, R, or other data science programming languages.
• Strong knowledge and experience in deploying models into business processes, preferably in the insurance or financial sectors.
• Solid understanding of model monitoring and control design.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, capable of collaborating effectively with non-technical colleagues.

Aviva operates a “smart working” policy meaning that we spend approximately half of our time working in an office, with this role is based in York, Norwich, and Bristol.  

What you’ll get for this role:

Our purpose - with you today, for a better tomorrow – is a promise we make to our colleagues too. And one of the ways we live up to that promise is by investing in you. We have so much to offer when it comes to being an Aviva colleague.

• Salary Circa £55,000 (location, skills, experience, and qualifications).
• Bonus opportunity of 10% of annual salary (actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s).
• Generous pension scheme - Aviva will contribute up to 14%, depending on what you put in.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Make your money go further - Up to 40% discount on Aviva products, and other retailer discounts.
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others.
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.

Take a look to learn more.  Put a salary into this calculator to see what your total Aviva Reward could be.

Aviva is for everyone:

We are inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Excited but not sure you tick every box? Research tells us that women, particularly, feel this way.  So, regardless of gender, why not apply. And if you’re in a job share just apply as a pair.

We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working –spending around 50% of their time in our offices every week - combining the benefits of flexibility with time together with colleagues.

To find out more about working at Aviva take a look here

We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Once you’ve applied, please send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability, and we’ll interview you.

We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please give Sahra Abdulla a call on 07775 042 835 or send an email to sahra.abdulla@aviva.com.