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Head of Data Science & AI

AXA UK plc
Tunbridge Wells
3 days ago
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AXA values the contribution of its people and offers benefits designed to empower professional and personal growth. We are committed to fair, equitable hiring and actively promote diversity and inclusion. As an Equal Opportunities Employer, we treat employees and potential hires with respect and without discrimination based on protected characteristics. AXA UK is recognised as a Disability Confident Leader and invites applications from people who may face barriers due to disability or long-term health conditions. We participate in the Disability Confident 'Offer of Interview' scheme to offer interviews to those who meet the essential criteria.


Responsibilities

  • Lead AXA Health\'s Data Science team across the full project lifecycle, from ideation to deployment and value realisation, setting strategic vision and developing roadmaps for AI and ML initiatives that maximise customer value and support business objectives.
  • Drive a data-driven decision-making culture, promoting understanding of the benefits of data and AI, and championing advanced analytics to improve processes and outcomes.
  • Develop and implement Data Science and AI strategies aligned with AXA UK and Group goals, fostering innovation through iterative, fail-fast approaches to validate use cases before scaling.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to identify new opportunities for tools, platforms, and initiatives that enhance the business, promoting best practices, reuse, and collaboration within the data science community.
  • Support the establishment of the Data and Analytics function, including governance, integration, and alignment with wider business strategies, contributing to its development and maturity.
  • Build, lead, and inspire a high-performing data science team by setting objectives, supporting talent development, performance management, and retention.
  • Act as a thought leader in the UK and globally, engaging with industry and academia to stay at the forefront of data science advancements and fostering a community of expertise within AXA.
  • Advocate and communicate the value of data science to stakeholders, making data-driven recommendations to enhance business processes and strategic decision-making.

Requirements

  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in data science, computer science, mathematics, statistics, operations research, or a related technical field.
  • Proven experience in AI, machine learning, data management, or data science roles within large organisations, with a track record of delivering tangible value.
  • Significant practical experience in developing data science solutions that have generated meaningful business impact.
  • Previous leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team of data professionals.
  • Extensive knowledge of machine learning, statistics, and optimisation techniques.
  • Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and an aptitude for identifying business opportunities through data.
  • Understanding of data governance, privacy, and security best practices.
  • Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
  • Experience working with large datasets and distributed computing tools such as Python, SQL, Hadoop, Spark, and optimisation software.
  • As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.

Additional Information

AXA Health emphasises a flexible approach to work location, with optional arrangements to balance time between home and office. The role involves travel away from home as appropriate to the business needs. We provide information and support to prepare for interviews and encourage timely feedback where possible.


Benefits and Rewards

  • Competitive annual salary of up to £135,000 dependent on experience
  • Annual company & performance-based bonus
  • Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions)
  • Life Assurance (up to 10 x annual salary)
  • Private medical cover
  • 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
  • Opportunity to buy up to 5 extra days leave or sell up to 5 days
  • Wellbeing services & resources
  • AXA employee discounts

We reserve the right to close this advert earlier than the listed closing date to manage interest. If you are interested in joining AXA Health, please apply.


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