Lead Data Scientist

Job Description

At AJ Bell, data is at the heart of how we deliver market-leading investment platform services. We use it to gain insights into customer behaviour, investment trends, and market dynamics. As we continue to invest in our data science capabilities, we’re looking for a strategic, hands-on data expert to help shape our future.

We’re seeking a customer-focused problem solver who combines deep technical expertise with the ability to lead and inspire teams. You’ll thrive in a fast-growing, agile business where your work has real impact – and where your entrepreneurial mindset will help unlock new value at every turn.

This is an ideal role for a senior data scientist or data leader looking to step into a high-impact position that blends leadership, strategy, and hands-on data science in a dynamic industry.
 

What you’ll do:

• Design and deploy advanced machine learning models and statistical techniques to tackle real business challenges
• Build and maintain robust, scalable data pipelines for efficient processing and analysis
• Communicate insights clearly with compelling visualisations and narrative, tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Mentor junior data scientists, fostering innovation and continuous improvement
• Champion best practices across the data science function, ensuring quality, reproducibility, and ethical use of data
• Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable strategies for business stakeholders
• Manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Stay current with the latest developments in data science and machine learning, bringing fresh ideas into the team

What we’re looking for:

• A strategic thinker with strong technical hands-on skills
• Proven experience in leading data science initiatives
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence across business and technical functions
• A proactive, entrepreneurial mindset with a focus on driving measurable value

Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in data science or related field
• Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis and machine learning techniques
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL
• Familiarity with database management systems, experience of cloud-based systems such as Snowflake
• Expertise in data visualisation tools such as Tableau or Power BI
• Strong project management skills with the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences
• Proven track record of delivering impactful data science projects
• Understanding of business intelligence and data-driven decision making
• Experience in mentoring and developing data science talent
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment

About us:

AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers, to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 561,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £89.5 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures.

Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company.

Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,450 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For’ for six consecutive years and in 2024 named a Great Place to Work®.

At AJ Bell you can expect a friendly working environment with a strong sense of teamwork, we have a great sense of pride in what we do, and this is reflected in our guiding principles.

What we offer:

• Starting holiday entitlement of 25, increasing up to 31 days with length of service and a holiday buy and sell scheme
• A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 6%
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Annual free share awards scheme
• Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
• Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth
• Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan
• Free onsite gym
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Bike loan scheme
• Sick pay+ pledge
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
• Loans for travel season tickets
• Death in service scheme
• Paid time off for volunteer work
• Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
• Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
• Personal development programmes built around you and your career goals, including access to personal skills workshops
• Ongoing technical training
• Professional qualification support
• Talent development programmes
• Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
• Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
• Casual dress code
• Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals

Hybrid working:

At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.

AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need.

If you like the sound of the above, or just want to know more about the company and the role, we'd love to speak to you.