We’re 1st Central, a market-leading insurance company utilising smart data and technology at pace. Rapid growth has been based on giving our 1.4 million customers exactly what they want: great value insurance with an excellent service. And that’s the same for our colleagues too; we won Insurance Employer of the Year at the British Insurance Awards 2024 and our Glassdoor score is pretty mega too!
We’re looking for a Pricing Lead who is confident with data, skilled in building models and motivated to shape how we turn insight into positive commercial outcomes while keeping the customer at the centre of every decision.
You’ll use your judgement to spot opportunities that others might miss. That could mean improving the way we build models, strengthening our pricing algorithm, or finding smarter ways to optimise performance. You’ll be trusted to challenge how things are done today and introduce changes that create genuine value for the business.
Hybrid working is part of how we operate. You’ll spend most of your time working where you work best, whether that is at home or in one of our offices in Salford Quays, Manchester or Haywards Heath, West Sussex. There are no fixed office days for the Retail Pricing team. You will only be expected to attend wider Pillar or Department meetings, usually once a quarter.
Core skills we’re looking for to succeed in the role:
Education: BSc or MSc in Maths, Physics, Computer Science, or a similar discipline
Languages: SQL, Python
Software: Excel, Emblem, Radar, SAS, Databricks (or equivalent)
Management: Azure DevOps or Atlassian products, GitHub
Analytical: Mathematics, statistics, strong problem-solving skills
Communication: Verbal (stakeholder sign-off meetings) and written (Confluence/PowerPoint)
Industry: Experience working in personal lines insurance
What’s involved:
1. Lead workstreams within the retail pricing team, overseeing model build and advising on long term strategy of the team.
2. Solve key company questions, and to provide collaboration, insight, and market advantage by producing recommendations and reports that maximise customer satisfaction and profitability.
3. Deliver key enablers across the business using project management techniques
4. Implement mathematical and statistical techniques including optimization, generalised linear modelling, and non-linear methods to improve the performance of the company
5. Provide input and advice into company strategy and the effective implementation of that strategy to meet company requirements
6. Perform data enrichment to deliver actionable value-creating insights.
7. Manage rate changes and implementation of new models and pricing algorithms.
8. Pro-actively seek ways to improve existing processes in the Retail Pricing Team.
9. Implement and advise on strategy, with particular focus on customer behaviour and motor insurance market dynamics.
10. Recruit, develop & motivate more junior stuff, and control workloads.
11. Explore / learn new tools and techniques.
12. Maintain an ethically-sound workplace culture of inclusivity, openness, ownership, collaboration, innovation, agility, and respect
13. Represent the Senior Leadership team in meetings when required
14. Act as an initial contact for junior analysts
Experience & knowledge
15. Proven history of mathematical research (either in academia or in industry)
16. Proven ability to produce outstanding results based on own initiative
17. Strong background in statistical methods
18. Experience of predictive modelling
19. Experience of Radar, SAS, Emblem
20. Experience of personal lines insurance
21. Experience in people and project management is an advantage
22. Broad knowledge of statistical methods and techniques
23. A good understanding of probability theory
24. Mathematical optimization
25. Knowledge of motor insurance products and the motor insurance industry is an advantage
Skills & Qualifications
26. MSc/BSc in Maths, Physics, Computer Science, or a similar discipline
27. PhD in Maths, Physics, Computer Science or similar is an advantage
28. Strong mathematical skills
29. Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to adopt a logical approach to solving problems
30. Excellent data and statistical skills
31. Strong IT skills (including Excel and ideally programming skills)
32. Good communication skills, both verbal and written
33. Good time management and organisation skills
Behaviours
34. Logical thinker with solid reasoning ability
35. An organised and forward-looking approach
36. Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
37. Quick learner and keen to learn new methods and techniques
38. Able to transfer skills and knowledge to others
39. Emphasis on attention to detail and accuracy
40. A flexible approach and positive attitude
41. Self-motivated and enthusiastic
42. Commercially focussed
43. Strives to drive business improvements to contribute to the success of the business
Think you’re a match? Apply today and step into a role where your expertise drives real results, discover where this opportunity could take you.
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.