Graduate Data Scientist

We’re First Central Insurance & Technology Group (First Central for short), an innovative, market-leading insurance company. We protect the things customers love so they can get on with what matters to them in life. 

Data drives us. It fuels our outstanding distribution, finance, technology and legal services. Our underwriting skills are built on data expertise; it creates the insights we need to give the right cover to the right customers at the right price. But, it’s the people inside and outside our business that power us. They make us stand out, help us succeed. We’re ambitious. We’re growing. We’ve won awards.   

Are you passionate about data science and ready to take your expertise to the next level? We are looking for a talented professional with a degree in Data Science or a similar quantitative field, proficiency in Python and knowledge of machine learning. If you have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities, and a desire to tackle complex challenges in a dynamic environment, we'd love to hear from you!

We’re looking for a Graduate Data Scientist to join our Underwriting team either working remotely or based in our Salford Quays, Manchester or Haywards Heath, West Sussex offices. 

In this role you’ll work as part of a team of Data Scientists and other specialists to help deliver a portfolio of innovative services that will discover and create value from the Company’s vast array of information assets. The main focus of the role will be to work individually and with others by applying data science techniques and solutions to deliver this value.

You will work with large amounts of data from a range of sources and in a variety of structured and unstructured formats. You’ll then apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to analyse and interpret data. You’ll also help to build predictive models and generate machine learning algorithms to extract actional insights.

As a Graduate, when you join us you’ll embark on a structured 2 year Graduate ‘career roadmap’.

Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:

• A degree in Data Science or similar quantitative field

• Proficiency in Python for developing quality code
• Knowledge of machine learning algorithms and tools
• Strong analytical and problem solving ability

What’s involved:

• Develop data services that include deep learning, predictive analytics and machine learning
• Perform data analysis and data collection processes that effectively support these services
• Work individually and with team members and other teams to deliver data science solutions
• Adhere to good coding practices, work within existing risk controls, identify and report potential risks
• Comply with the requirements, and act in accordance with, the Group Code of Conduct and Fitness and Propriety policies at all times
• Ensure compliance with Company Policies, Values and guidelines and other relevant standards/ regulations at all times.
• Any other reasonable duties

Experience & knowledge

• Good understanding of statistical techniques and their application, including GLMs, decision trees, random forest, boosting, natural language processing, distributions, clustering, simulation and scenario analysis
• Knowledge of data platforms, and data processing
• Knowledge of data structures and schemas, data preparation and cleansing
• Experience of machine learning techniques and libraries
• Knowledge of data science toolkits and languages, such as R, Python, Scala
• Experience of data exploration and visualisation tools
• Good knowledge of data query languages, such as SQL, HiveQL, scripting
• Knowledge of data integration services and ETL
• Analytical and problem-solving aptitude
   

Skills & qualifications

• Good communication skills, both verbal and written
• Good time management and organisation skills
• Proven analytical and statistical modelling skills
• Degree in Data Science or other quantitative field

Behaviours

• Self-motivated and enthusiastic with the desire to meet or exceed targets
• Determined and passionate, particularly regarding data and technology
• A decision maker with an ability to work on own initiative or as part of a team
• Team player who collaborates and learns from peers and leaders
• A flexible approach and positive attitude
• Strives to drive business improvements contributing to the success of the business
• An organised and proactive approach

So, if you’re up for the challenge and would like to join our vibrant and busy team, we want to hear from you today.

We pride ourselves on being a great place to work. Check out our Glassdoor page to see what our colleagues think about working here.

What can we do for you?

People first. Always. We’re passionate about our colleagues and know the best people deserve an extraordinary working environment. We owe it to them so that’s what we offer. Our workplaces are energetic, inspirational, supportive. To get a taste of the advantages you’ll enjoy, take a look at all our perks in full here. 

Intrigued? Our Talent team can tell you everything you need to know about what we want and what we’re offering, so feel free to get in touch.