Head of Data Science & AI
AXA Health – Royal Tunbridge Wells, England, United Kingdom
Are you passionate about harnessing the power of data and AI to make a real difference in healthcare? The Health Data and Analytics team is dedicated to transforming health outcomes through innovative data‑driven solutions. Our goal is to optimise operations, improve patient care, and deliver measurable value across the organisation by leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI techniques. We’re committed to building a culture where data is at the heart of decision‑making, enabling better efficiency, cost savings, and customer outcomes.
As the Head of Data Science and AI, you will sit at the forefront of this mission, providing strategic leadership and shaping the future of our data capabilities. You will set the vision for how AI and machine learning can unlock value across the organisation, develop a clear roadmap to turn that vision into reality, and lead a talented team of data scientists. Your role involves building end‑to‑end data science solutions, leveraging our cloud‑based data lake, and working closely with stakeholders to embed a data‑driven approach into every aspect of our work.
At AXA, we work smart, empowering our people to balance their time between home and the office in a way that works best for them. You will work at least two days a week (40%) away from home, moving to three days a week (60%) in the future, with flexible arrangements available where appropriate.
What you’ll be doing
* Lead the AXA Health Data Science team across the full project lifecycle, from ideation to deployment and value realisation, setting the strategic vision and developing roadmaps for AI and ML initiatives.
* Drive a data‑driven decision‑making culture within the organisation, promoting the benefits of data and AI and championing advanced analytics to improve processes and outcomes.
* Develop and implement Data Science and AI strategies aligned with AXA UK and Group goals, fostering innovation through iterative, fail‑fast approaches to quickly validate use cases before scaling.
* Collaborate with stakeholders to identify new opportunities for tools, platforms, and initiatives that enhance the business, while actively promoting best practices, reuse, and collaboration within the data science community.
* Support the establishment of the Data and Analytics function, including governance, integration, and alignment with wider business strategies, contributing to its development and maturity.
* Build, lead, and inspire a high‑performing data science team by setting objectives, supporting talent development, performance management, and retention.
* Act as a thought leader in the UK and globally, engaging with industry and academia to stay at the forefront of data science advancements and fostering a community of expertise within AXA.
* Advocate and communicate the value of data science to stakeholders, making data‑driven recommendations to enhance business processes and strategic decision‑making.
What you’ll bring
* Bachelor’s, Master’s, or PhD in data science, computer science, mathematics, statistics, operations research, or a related technical field.
* Proven experience in AI, machine learning, data management, or data science roles within large organisations, with a track record of delivering tangible value.
* Significant practical experience in developing data science solutions that have generated meaningful business impact.
* Previous leadership experience, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team of data professionals.
* Extensive knowledge of machine learning, statistics, and optimisation techniques.
* Strong strategic thinking, problem‑solving skills, and an aptitude for identifying business opportunities through data.
* Understanding of data governance, privacy, and security best practices.
* Ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
* Experience working with large datasets and distributed computing tools such as Python, SQL, Hadoop, Spark, and optimisation software.
What we offer
* Competitive annual salary of up to £135,000, dependent on experience.
* Annual company and performance‑based bonus.
* Contributory pension scheme (up to 12% employer contributions).
* Life Assurance (up to 10× annual salary).
* Private medical cover.
* 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
* Opportunity to buy or sell up to 5 extra days of leave.
* Wellbeing services and resources.
* AXA employee discounts.
As a precondition of employment for this role, you must be eligible and authorised to work in the United Kingdom.
We’re proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and do not discriminate against employees or potential employees based on protected characteristics. If you have a long‑term condition or disability and require adjustments during the application or interview process, we’re proud to offer access to the AXA Accessibility Concierge. For support, please email leanne.white@axa-insurance.co.uk.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Engineering and Information Technology
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