Lead Data Scientist

A new transformational adventure awaits you… 

Zurich’s AU & NZ business has three core segments Retail, Group Insurance and General Insurance who have end-to end accountabilities to better serve their customers. They are enabled by Shared Services or enterprise side teams that have a large portfolio of responsibilities.

Zurich’s Data & Analytics Function is accountable for the full end to end Data delivery lifecycle, from Data Governance & Management, Data Platforms, Data Analytics, Data and Process automation, Finance and Regulatory reporting and implementing AI solutions via the use of advanced analytics and machine learning.

The function operates as a Centre of Excellence organised predominately within “platform teams” supporting the entire organisation across all segments.

Let’s create a brighter future together, let’s make a difference  

We are looking for an experienced and forward-thinking Lead Data Scientist to join our AI Platforms team. You will drive the strategic vision for AI and data science initiatives, lead the development of advanced AI solutions, and foster innovation across the organization. This role blends technical expertise, leadership, and a passion for AI-driven transformation to enhance business outcomes.

You will be responsible for the following:

• Take ownership and be able to drive solutions with stakeholders to ensure each prioritised initiative enables intended business value
• Look for continuous improvement and innovation in processes and insights driven by business need and advancements in data science and technology
• Lead the end-to-end development of AI/ML models for applications such as chatbots, fraud detection, risk assessment, customer segmentation, and personalised recommendations.
• Drive innovation by exploring emerging AI technologies such as Generative AI, large language models (LLMs), and advanced predictive analytics.
• Ensure scalability, reusability, and high performance of deployed AI models.
• Work closely with the MLOps team to operationalize and monitor AI solutions
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists.
• Collaborate with AI Platforms team, business units, product managers, and stakeholders to prioritise and deliver AI solutions.
• Advocate for ethical AI practices and data privacy compliance
• Work with data teams to ensure the availability and quality of data for model training and evaluation.

Important to your success - Unlock your potential

In order to be successful, you will have the following: 

• Master’s or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Information Technology, Big Data or Machine Learning (Preferred)
• Proven track record of delivering AI/ML solutions in insurance, banking or similar industries.
• Skilled in statistical and econometric modelling, performing quantitative analysis, and technological data mining and analysis techniques
• Must demonstrate a deep interest in research and data analysis, drawing actionable insights from raw data and information to help further the business’s cause. 
• Experience working with Big Data to provide Diagnostic, Predictive Analytics.
• Experience in statistical and econometric modelling, performing quantitative analysis, and technological data mining and analysis techniques.
• Proficiency in Python, R, or Java; expertise in libraries such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn, or XGBoost.
• Experience in natural language processing, text analytics, and deploying large language models.
• Hands-on experience with Cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud AI/ML services.
• Proficiency with SQL, MySQL, SQLite, Oracle, RDBMS, IBM Db2.
• Experience in building, maintaining reports and data visualisations (Alteryx, BI tools with Power BI and using Informatica tools).
• Experience working with Data via On premise and public cloud infrastructure environment.

Belong. Zurich is here to support you 

There are so many reasons why Zurich is a great place to be and the right choice for you, but here are just a few.

• 5 weeks leave per year for permanent staff through our Z leave initiative, as well as 15 days personal/carer’s leave (as we empower our people to manage their own wellbeing), plus access to Family Care (parental leave)
• Hybrid working arrangement - office 3 days and WFH 2 days p/w standard for FT employees
• Access programs to stay healthy and feel healthier along with receiving a AUD$500 wellbeing payment per year, plus a AUD$295 new starter e-voucher for your WFH set up (flex work - hybrid working), and other great benefits through our Shine portal
• Grow, and thrive in your career (we support and encourage it) with award winning training programs. As our strength is our people and we value your individuality
• Work with global, diverse, and inclusive teams; Explore your passions, fuel innovation, drive equity, collaborate and make a positive difference beyond your role
• Global mobility opportunities across more than 200 countries worldwide
• Volunteer and work in our state-of-the-art Green Star rated offices (when you are in the office) and dress for your day
• We plant a tree for every new employee
• Not to mention our various employer of choice awards/memberships – WGEA; Family Inclusive workplace; Silver AWEI employer, Pride in diversity… to name a few.

We could go on, but the main point is that Zurich is a great place to be, where you can truly belong, be yourself, have work/life balance, and thrive in a supportive environment.

Zurich is an equal opportunity employer.  We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is fair and accessible for all candidates. If you require any special accommodations to participate in our recruitment process, we encourage you to please let us know at the time of your application.  

So, if you want to come on an adventure that will build a brighter future together, and feel a sense of togetherness, then please apply today to start your adventure!