Head of Data Science & AI

We're looking for a Head of Data Science & AI to lead iwoca's data science function, building probabilistic and statistical models for real-time lending decisions, and embedding AI across the wider business.

Requirements

• High AI agency: actively experiment with AI in analytical and technical workflows.
• Transformation track record: led a meaningful shift in how an analytical or data science team works.
• Technical background: background in probability, statistics, or a related quantitative field, with hands-on experience building and overseeing probabilistic ML models on structured commercial or financial data.
• Production experience: managed the full lifecycle of models in production – deploying, monitoring, and retiring them.
• Commercial acumen: understand how modelling supports business decisions and know when to make trade-offs between depth, delivery time, and value.
• Strategic leadership: experience setting data science strategy, aligning work with commercial goals, and translating technical modelling for senior stakeholders.
• People and team: experience managing a data science team, setting clear standards, and developing people.

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Medical insurance from Vitality
• Private GP service
• 25 days' holiday per year
• Extra day off for birthday
• Option to buy or sell annual leave
• Unlimited unpaid leave
• One-month, fully paid sabbatical after four years
• Instant access to external counselling and therapy sessions
• 3% Pension contributions on total earnings
• Employee equity incentive scheme
• Generous parental leave
• Nursery tax benefit scheme
• Electric car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Company retreats