Data Scientist

Job Title: Data Scientist

Location: London/Hybrid (Typically 2/3 days in the office)

Type: Full time – Permanent (If you are a job share partnership, work reduced hours, or any other way of working flexibly, please do still get in touch)

At Ardonagh Specialty, we provide much more than just a workplace. We are dedicated to fostering skill development and knowledge within a team that is passionate about their work, values their Employees, and truly celebrates diversity.

Working at Ardonagh Specialty means you’ll be part of The Ardonagh Group. We are proud of our innovative environment offering many opportunities for growth across the wider group. Employees regularly move between our united teams, and we encourage you to make your role your own.

Our offices are lively and exciting places to be, but we understand that life needs flexibility, and offer a genuinely flexible approach to working. If you are looking to join a thriving, energetic business with exciting plans, this role could be an ideal fit for you.

What We Can Offer:

We offer much more than just an inclusive culture with apprenticeships, study support, participation in our annual Spotlight Awards, Community Trust, Sports Teams, office socials, events and so much more. All of this with a supportive management team as well as working alongside some of the industry’s top talent.

You’ll have access to wellbeing programs, fantastic discounts across many big-name businesses including supermarkets, gym memberships, restaurants, and healthcare cash plans etc.

Further perks of working with us (Fixed benefits):

• Employer pension contribution of 10% (providing you, the Employee provides 5%).
• Good work life balance - flexibility to suit you.
• Competitive salary.
• Life Assurance at X4 of your base salary.
• Group Income Protection.
• Generous Annual Leave entitlement.
• Private Medical Insurance.
• Group annual bonus scheme.

About The Role

We are seeking a talented Data Scientist to join our dynamic team at Ardonagh Specialty, where you'll play a crucial role in developing cutting-edge analytics solutions and AI-driven products for our clients. This position offers an exciting opportunity to report directly to, and work closely with, the Head of Actuarial and Analytics.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with Catastrophe modellers to develop sophisticated risk assessment and predictive models
• Design, build, and deploy AI and analytics solutions for various stakeholders across the organization
• Develop and maintain data visualization dashboards using PowerBI to provide actionable insights
• Build and maintain APIs using FastAPI/Flask for seamless data integration and service delivery
• Design and implement RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) systems for enhanced AI capabilities
• Work with cloud technologies, particularly Azure, to deploy scalable data solutions
• Communicate findings and recommendations effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Essential Skills & Experience

Technical Requirements

• Python: Strong proficiency with at least 2+ years of hands-on experience in data manipulation, analysis, and machine learning
• PowerBI: Expertise in creating interactive dashboards and data visualizations
• Cloud Technologies: Experience with cloud platforms, with Azure strongly preferred
• API Development: Proven experience building and maintaining APIs using FastAPI, Flask, or similar frameworks
• AI Services: Knowledge of AI/ML services and frameworks for model deployment and management
• RAG Systems: Understanding of Retrieval-Augmented Generation architectures and implementation
• Version Control: Proficiency with Git and collaborative development practices
• Database Management: Strong SQL skills for data extraction and database maintenance

Personal Attributes

• Adaptability: Willingness and enthusiasm to learn new tools, languages, and frameworks as business needs evolve
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to explain complex technical concepts to diverse audiences
• Problem-Solving: Strong analytical mindset with ability to tackle complex, ambiguous challenges
• Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams
• Innovation: Drive to explore new technologies and approaches to enhance existing solutions

Desirable Qualifications

• Educational Background: Degree in Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, or related quantitative field
• Insurance Industry Knowledge: Understanding of insurance markets, products, and regulatory environment (highly valued but not essential)
• Additional Tools: Familiarity with Excel for business stakeholder collaboration

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI and analytics projects with real business impact
• Collaborative environment with exposure to diverse, challenging problems
• Professional development opportunities and support for continuous learning
• Direct interaction with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams
• Involvement in the complete product development lifecycle

Hiring Process

Our structured interview process is designed to assess both your technical capabilities and cultural fit:

1. Introductory Call (30minutes)

Initial conversation with the hiring manager to discuss your background, motivations, and the role requirements. This is an opportunity for both parties to assess mutual fit and answer initial questions.

2. Technical Task

You'll be given a practical data science challenge that reflects real work scenarios. This take-home assignment allows you to demonstrate your technical skills, problem-solving approach, and ability to communicate results effectively.

3. Technical Interview (60-90 minutes)

Deep dive into your technical expertise, including:

• Discussion of your submitted task and approach
• Technical questions covering Python, data science methodologies, and relevant technologies
• Problem-solving scenarios related to our business context
• Architecture and design discussions for AI/ML systems
• Cultural fit and alignment with company values
• Career aspirations and development goals

Think you don’t meet every requirement?

We are dedicated to creating a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace where everyone can thrive . If you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t perfectly match what we are looking for, please apply anyway. You might just be the right fit for the job, or other opportunities we may have within the wider Group.

• Interview Process:
• At Ardonagh Specialty, we have a straightforward interview process to ensure the best fit for both you and the company:
• Submit your application with your CV, emphasising your skills and experience related to the job.
• Our Talent Acquisition team will then arrange a call where they can tell you more about the role and the team. We want to learn about your motivation and goals, what you can bring to Ardonagh Specialty, and answer any immediate questions.
• If successful, you will generally be invited to engage in a 1-hour interview with the Hiring Manager and selected team members, via teams or in person. We will discuss our technologies, key skills, and team dynamics and provide further opportunity to ask any questions. This is your chance to voice your thoughts on the role and we will outline our expectations and ensure this role aligns with your ambitions for the future.
• Depending on the role, you may be invited to attend a second stage interview with further members of the team.

If successful or unsuccessful, we always try and move quickly in presenting an offer or providing feedback.

We truly value the diversity of our teams and as a Group, we are committed to supporting and welcoming individuals from all backgrounds, as we appreciate every perspective is a significant part of our success. Should you require any reasonable adjustment throughout the recruitment process, please do not hesitate to let a member of the Talent team know.

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