Head of Data Science (12m fixed-term contract)

We’re on a mission to make migration easy.

We started building Marshmallow in 2017. Since then, we’ve grown from 3 to 700+ people, gained unicorn status, raised ~£140M over three funding rounds, turned profitable, insured millions of drivers and lent millions in car loans.

But we’re only just getting started. Our goal is to become one of the largest financial services providers in the world. Over the next 10 years we’ll grow exponentially, not only by scaling our existing products, but also by building new ones.

To achieve our goals we need incredibly ambitious, commercially driven people who never settle for ‘good enough’. Marshmallowers are hungry for autonomy and ownership, and would rather improve than coast. Everyone raises standards and has an impact, with a focus on collective success over self-interest.

We’ve created an environment where curious, tenacious people win and grow together. If that sounds motivating, this could be the place for you.

Our data science team supports various business functions across our Product teams and within Pricing and Claims. Working across the full spectrum of data science problems, from traditional machine learning for risk-based decisioning through to generative AI and the automation of complex operational journeys, all within a regulated insurtech/fintech domain.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can bring a team together and ensure it delivers at pace while its foundations strengthen: leading and developing the people, personally holding the bar on technical quality, and partnering closely with engineering and product. It suits a leader who is strong both leading and growing teams as well as a technical decision-maker.

The Data Science team operates as a primary commercial engine for Marshmallow, using data and machine learning to drive tangible business outcomes, from pricing strategy to operational efficiency. The team works closely with senior stakeholders and partners across data, engineering, product and commercial functions to identify the right opportunities and make thoughtful technical trade-offs. We operate with a flat structure, so leaders stay close to the people doing the work and support colleagues at different levels of experience. Our ambition is to keep raising the bar for how data science delivers impact across the business.

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  Excellent leadership and team management skills.

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  A strong background as a senior data science individual contributor, with commercial experience delivering ML solutions end to end

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  Proven ability to influence technical direction across Data Science and Engineering, including shaping scalable model/service integration patterns and challenging proposals to drive robust, long-term solutions.

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  Strong stakeholder management skills, with confidence communicating trade-offs and pushing back constructively to C-suite and senior stakeholders across different functions to ensure high-quality outcomes.

• Experience in insurance, fraud, or another regulated decisioning domain.

• Experience of contributing towards the strategy for Gen AI within an organisation, and leading data scientists to deliver Gen AI solutions that drove measurable business value

1. Recruiter call with the Talent Acquisition team.

2. Past experience interview with Hannah Penfold, Hiring Manager.

3. Technical deep dive or case study focused on technical trade-offs, commercial thinking and influence (2 Senior Stakeholders)

4. Final leadership and values interviews with senior technology and commercial stakeholders, (CTO & Co-Founder)

We review every application and will always let you know the outcome, though we're unable to provide individual feedback at application stage.

We know the best ideas come from having different perspectives in the room - and we're committed to hiring fairly, regardless of background, identity or experience. If you see yourself in this role, we'd encourage you to apply.