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 an experienced data modeller? Have you worked with R, Python or SAS? If so, we need you!
We’re looking for someone to join our Retail Pricing team as a Lead Analyst either working remotely or based in our Salford Quays, Manchester or Haywards Heath, West Sussex office.
Analytical and inquisitive? Lets do this, together!
In this role you’ll lead and coordinate research to improve retail pricing performance.
You will apply mathematical and statistical techniques including optimization, generalised linear modelling, and non-linear methods to improve the performance of the company. You’ll perform data enrichment to deliver actionable value-creating insights, managing rate changes and implementation of new models and pricing algorithms.
You will solve key company questions, providing analysis, insight, and competitive advantage by producing recommendations, analysis and reports that maximise customer satisfaction and profitability.
You will also oversee the process of translating data into market-ready insights which can be used in our advanced pricing strategies through cross-functional leadership as well as effective team and project management. You’ll keep up to date with the motor insurance market and the relevant standards and regulations.
We’re all about people and we’re passionate about continuous improvement, so you’ll pro-actively seek ways to improve existing processes in the Retail Pricing Team. You’ll implement and advise on analysis strategy, with particular focus on customer behaviour and motor insurance market dynamics.
Developing the best talent means a lot to us, so you’ll play a vital part in recruiting, developing & motivating junior staff whilst also controlling workloads.
Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:
1. Experience working with data / data modelling
2. Knowledge of R / Python / SAS
Nice to have skills, but optional:
3. Experience with Radar
4. Previous experience in the Insurance industry
What's involved:
5. Lead and coordinate research to improve retail pricing performance
6. Manage a team of analysts within the Retail Pricing Project Team ensuring delivery to targets
7. Apply mathematical and statistical techniques including optimization, generalised linear modelling, and non-linear methods to improve the performance of the company
8. Create an innovative approach which drives the business forward by introducing new analytical methods, making use of new data sources, and producing reporting suites to track performance
9. Build predictive models using SAS, RADAR, EMBLEM, and other software packages
10. Monitor, maintain, update, and improve existing predictive models
11. Manage rate changes and implementation of new models and pricing algorithms
12. Produce timely and accurate information for management decision-making purposes
13. Liaise with other departments on data issues, processes, and operational issues
14. Analyse business issues to find solutions to and make recommendations to improve customer outcome and profitability
15. Present findings and results in a clear and logical manner
16. Produce written reports and documentation of work completed
17. Provide input and advice into company analysis strategy and the effective implementation of that strategy to meet company requirements
18. Continuously learn new tools and techniques to stay ahead of competition
19. Develop and implement best practices for experimental design
20. Implement department timescales on standard report production, and ad hoc business queries
21. Ad hoc project work providing analysis to the business
22. Recruit, train, develop, and guide a team of analysts and graduate analysts
23. Manage workloads and motivate direct reports to ensure engagement and productivity
24. Maintain an ethically-sound workplace culture of inclusivity, openness, ownership, collaboration, ambition, innovation, agility, and respect
25. Represent the pricing department in meetings as and when required
26. Ensure compliance with company and other relevant standards / regulations
27. Complete all mandatory training
28. Travel to group locations on an ad hoc basis (currently Manchester, Gibraltar, and Guernsey)
29. Any other reasonable duties as required
Experience & knowledge
30. Proven history of mathematical research (either in academia or in industry)
31. Proven ability to produce outstanding results based on own initiative
32. Strong background in statistical methods
33. Experience of predictive modelling is an advantage
34. Experience of Radar, SAS, Emblem is an advantage
35. Experience of personal lines insurance analysis is an advantage
36. Experience in people and project management is an advantage
37. Broad knowledge of statistical methods and techniques
38. A good understanding of probability theory
39. Mathematical optimization
40. Knowledge of motor insurance products and the motor insurance industry is an advantage
Skills & qualifications
41. MSc in Maths, Physics, Computer Science, or a similar discipline
42. PhD in Maths, Physics, Computer Science or similar is an advantage
43. Strong mathematical skills
44. Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adopt a logical approach to solving problems
45. Excellent data and statistical analysis skills
46. Strong IT skills (including Excel and one of Python/R/SAS)
47. Good communication skills, both verbal and written
48. Good time management and organisation skills
Behaviours
49. Logical thinker with solid reasoning ability
50. An organised and pro-active approach
51. Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
52. Quick learner and keen to learn new methods and techniques
53. Able to transfer skills and knowledge to others
54. Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy
55. A flexible approach and positive attitude
56. Self-motivated and enthusiastic
57. Commercially focussed
Interested? Apply today and take the next step in finding your dream job.
We’ve received some great feedback from colleagues on Glassdoor. Don’t believe us? for yourself!
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 .
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.