Head of Data Science

Who are we?

Howden is a collective – a group of talented and passionate people all around the world. Together, we have pushed the boundaries of insurance. We are united by a shared passion and no-limits mindset, and our strength lies in our ability to collaborate as a powerful international team comprised of 18,000 employees spanning over 100 countries.

People join Howden for many different reasons, but they stay for the same one: our culture. It’s what sets us apart, and the reason our employees have been turning down headhunters for years. Whatever your priorities – work / life balance, career progression, sustainability, volunteering – you’ll find like-minded people driving change at Howden.

Job Title: Head of Data Science – AI and Machine Learning Applications

Location: London

Company: Howden Group Holdings

Job Description:

Howden Group Holdings, a leading international insurance broker operating in over 100 countries, is seeking a visionary Head of Data Science to lead our AI and data science initiatives across the group. At Howden, our culture is built on employee ownership, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to innovation. This role offers a unique opportunity to develop and deploy cutting-edge AI applications, including Generative AI, conversational AI, and traditional machine learning, to address complex business challenges and drive measurable impact across our global operations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and Lead AI Strategy: Design and execute a comprehensive AI and machine learning strategy that aligns with Howden’s entrepreneurial culture and employee ownership model, leveraging our global reach and diverse data assets to address complex business challenges through innovative solutions like Generative AI.

• Generative AI and Beyond: Drive the design and implementation of Generative AI models and applications, alongside conversational AI, predictive analytics, and traditional machine learning techniques, to deliver impactful solutions across business units.

• Manage a Portfolio of Use Cases: Oversee the execution of multiple AI and analytics projects simultaneously, prioritizing initiatives to maximize strategic value and ROI.

• Translate Business Challenges: Collaborate with global business leaders to translate complex processes and problems into actionable AI and data science solutions that align with local and global objectives.

• Collaborate Across Borders: Work closely with stakeholders across 100+ countries to identify opportunities for AI-driven transformation and tailor solutions to meet unique market and client needs.

• Lead and Inspire Teams: Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing team of data scientists, AI engineers, and citizen data scientists. Foster a collaborative, innovative environment that encourages professional growth.

• Champion Advanced Tools: Advocate for and lead the adoption of platforms like Azure AI Studio, Azure Databricks, and other cutting-edge analytics tools to enhance productivity and scalability of AI initiatives.

• Seamless Deployment: Lead the end-to-end implementation of Generative AI applications, conversational systems, predictive models, and analytics solutions, ensuring seamless integration into business workflows.

• Promote a Data-Driven Culture: Evangelize the power of data and AI across Howden Group, inspiring teams to adopt data-driven practices and encouraging cross-functional collaboration.

• Optimize and Scale AI Solutions: Oversee the refinement, scalability, and performance optimization of AI models to ensure they deliver sustained business value across Howden’s global operations.

• Stay Ahead of Innovation: Continuously monitor advancements in AI, Generative AI, and data science technologies, integrating emerging trends into Howden’s analytics and AI capabilities.

Requirements:

• Advanced degree (Master’s/PhD) in Data Science, Computer Science, AI, or a related field.

• 10+ years of experience in data science, machine learning, or AI, with a proven track record of delivering impactful business solutions.

• Expertise in machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and programming languages (e.g., Python, R).

• Strong experience with cloud platforms, specifically Azure AI Studio, Azure Databricks, and other Azure services.

• Proven ability to manage and execute multiple AI and analytics use cases simultaneously in complex, global environments.

• Demonstrated expertise in Generative AI and other advanced AI technologies, including NLP, conversational AI, and predictive modeling.

• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and align teams around a shared vision.

• Strong leadership experience, with a proven ability to mentor and manage technical teams while fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation.

• Experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders across different geographies and functional areas.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in the insurance or financial services industry.

• Familiarity with MLOps practices and the deployment of AI models at scale.

• Expertise in advanced analytics methodologies, including optimization, forecasting, and decision science.

Why Join Howden Group Holdings?

At Howden, our culture is built on employee ownership, entrepreneurial spirit, and a commitment to innovation. As the Head of Data Science, you will have the opportunity to lead high-impact AI initiatives that align with our core values and drive meaningful change across our global operations. You will work alongside a diverse team of professionals who are passionate about leveraging data and AI to transform the insurance industry. This role offers a chance to shape the future of insurance at one of the world’s most dynamic and innovative organizations.

Apply now to lead AI-driven transformation on a global scale at Howden Group Holdings!

What do we offer in return?

A career that you define. At Howden, we value diversity – there is no one Howden type. Instead, we’re looking for individuals who share the same values as us:

• Our successes have all come from someone brave enough to try something new

• We support each other in the small everyday moments and the bigger challenges

• We are determined to make a positive difference at work and beyond

Reasonable adjustments

We're committed to providing reasonable accommodations at Howden to ensure that our positions align well with your needs. Besides the usual adjustments such as software, IT, and office setups, we can also accommodate other changes such as flexible hours* or hybrid working*.

If you're excited by this role but have some doubts about whether it’s the right fit for you, send us your application – if your profile fits the role’s criteria, we will be in touch to assist in helping to get you set up with any reasonable adjustments you may require.

*Not all positions can accommodate changes to working hours or locations. Reach out to your Recruitment Partner if you want to know more.

Permanent