Head of Data Science -Telematics

Hastings Direct
Bexhill-on-Sea
4 days ago
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Welcome to Hastings Direct – From our Group HR Director Pam Angel


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 data and tech capabilities over the past few years, along with nurturing our 4Cs culture. We’re proud of the journey we’re on as a company and know that our continued success will rely on the contribution of our talented colleagues.


We provide insurance for over four million customers, but we know there’s even bigger opportunity out there. The fact you’re now reading this job advert means we’ve tempted you to find out more about #lifeatHD – we really hope you like what you see, and you’ll join us to share in the success of the exciting chapter that lies ahead.


We understand some people may not apply for jobs unless they feel they tick every box. If you’re excited about joining us and think you have some of what we’re looking for, even if you’re not 100% sure we would love to hear from you.


Job Title

Head of Data Science - Telematics


Department

Telematics


Reporting to

Director of Telematics


Location

Bexhill-on-Sea, London, Leicester


Role purpose

There are 3 major pillars to our success in Telematics - and maximising the value we create from the Telematics data our customers share with us is arguably the biggest. This role is the lead in turning that data into value for our customers by allowing us to out price the market and be profitable. Success in this role is increasing our ability to spot high and low risk drivers across multiple products and limiting our exposure to high risk (maximise exposure to low risk) – and supporting the wider business to use the data we gather to improve pricing in all products.


Background

Telematics sends a shiver up the spine of some – but what’s really worrying is the amount of money people are paying for their insurance because there is a small minority of people doing some seriously bad things whilst they’re driving. Our customers are taking action by signing up to our Telematics products in big numbers and we’re now the biggest Telematics player in the UK.


We’ve got ample data and we’re only scratching the surface of its value. This role will sit on the Telematics leadership team and be responsible for a number of highly skilled data managers and analysts.


Accountabilities

  • Leading a team of 5-10, empowering them to produce great results and making the environment an engaging and interesting place to be.


  • Creating thinking space, encouraging them explore new modelling tools, techniques and being the key escalation point – you’ll be delivering mainly through your people.


  • The main goal: constantly look for opportunity to enhance the predictive power of the data we collect to allow us to improve how competitive our pricing is / areas we can offer a price to without sacrificing margin – and support the group make use of this data too.


  • You’ll have accesses to a huge and powerful dataset to create value in this way.


  • You’ll be setting the strategy and talking through with key stakeholders (inc. ExCo) to gain approvals as needed – flexing that against near terms plans to deliver and demonstrate value creation.


  • You’ll also be hands‑on development of our models using various data sets and techniques to deliver the optimal pricing outcome – flexing in and out of the detail.


  • Responsible for getting the data we need into our business (working with CIO).


  • You’ll do this across a range of our TM products, build models using the data that can be utilised at NB and make all data and learnings available across the business.


  • Be restless – find corelations in multiple sources of data inc. new sources to maximise the value we create.


  • We’ll start to build our own unique driving score that we control fully.


  • We’ll prepare ourselves for consuming data from multiple sources (like OEM) to make sure we stay well ahead as this landscape changes – this will be highly technical.


  • Work collaboratively across all pricing teams to ensure that we achieve our business goals.


  • You’ll be considered the “go to” on Telematics data – helping the group unlock value.


  • Strong governance - thinking about our obligation to our customers – you’ll need clear processes, tracking and principles to make sure we can clearly explain why we do what we do to regulators and customers.



Skills, Knowledge & Experience

  • Commercial awareness and an understanding of what makes a successful and profitable business.


  • Technical coding ability to at least an intermediate level (essential for this role).


  • Evidence in leading and motivating people.


  • Working in an environment where there is governance or regulation and some experience in managing and reporting in these environments.


  • Ability to interact effectively with a wide variety of individuals, both technical and non‑technical.


  • Ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of colleagues and excellent communication skills; the ability to grasp complicated concepts and translate them to meet the needs of a wide range of audiences.


  • Demonstrates relentless curiosity and drives themselves and their teams to deliver results whilst finding opportunities to exceed them.


  • Strong pricing & commercial acumen with a strong desire to deliver commercial outcomes.


  • The ability (when required) to adjust priorities and workloads and manage the associated communication to key stakeholders to achieve our business objectives.


  • The ability to make pragmatic choices/decisions to facilitate to ensure we are succeeding in a rapidly changing marketplace.



The interview process

  • Recruiter screening call


  • Initial interview with hiring leader


  • 2nd interview with Senior HRBP


  • Additional interview with Senior Leadership



Benefits

  • Competitive salary and £6k car allowance.


  • Flexible hybrid working approach – please 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 5 colleague, Hastings pay for you to receive private medical Insurance (PMI) giving you flexibility to see a specialist or consultant.


  • Financial wellbeing – 4× your salary with life assurance cover, income protection at no extra cost, matched pension contributions up to 10%, discounts, cashback, free independent mortgage advice and free access to financial wellbeing support.


  • Mental wellbeing programme – thrive mental health app, colleague assistance programme available 24/7, in‑house mental health first aiders, support groups and a dedicated team.


  • 27 days annual leave + bank holidays, with the option to buy or sell one of your weeks, access to health care cash back plans, dental plans, discounted health assessments, Cycle to work and tech schemes, discounted and free onsite facilities, social events throughout the year and much 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. As one of our colleagues, you’ll be helping to drive our growth, so in return, we’ll give you all the support, training and development you need. Our 4Cs principles are simple: we believe by creating the right culture for our colleagues and giving them the right tools to do their job, we’ll deliver good outcomes for every customer, helping us to grow the company profitably and sustainably and allowing us to invest in the communities we serve.


Hastings Group is an equal opportunities employer which means we treat people fairly. We welcome applications from all suitably skilled persons regardless of their gender, age, race, disability, ethnic background, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or marital/family status. Please also note that we have a thorough referencing process, which includes credit and criminal record checks.


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.


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