Head of Machine Learning

Senior Recruiter @ Aviva UK | Passionately sourcing top‑tier talent to fuel Aviva’s revolutionary growth

Head of Machine Learning

Locations: London / Bristol (UK)

This is a great job for someone who is energized by defining and executing Machine Learning (ML) strategy at scale, shaping how Aviva connects with millions of customers. The ideal candidate excels at leading high‑performing ML and Data Science teams to solve complex, impactful problems, delivering measurable benefits for both customers and the business.

This person will be a key contributor to Aviva’s data‑driven transformation, influencing senior decision‑makers and upholding high standards for responsible, ethical data science in a FTSE 100 company. They will be passionate about fostering innovation, experimentation, and continuous learning, inspiring their team and stakeholders to embrace new approaches and technologies.

A bit about the job

Within Aviva’s Customer & Marketing (C&M) function, the Customer Science team uses data to understand customers so we can be more relevant and take better actions. We are multi‑award‑winning, and passionate about driving better customer & commercial outcomes.

As our Head of ML, you’ll be at the heart of our data & AI transformation, powering customer relevance through marketing targeting, personalisation, and digital experiences. You’ll lead the development, deployment, and continuous improvement of a suite of ML solutions that deliver better customer outcomes and sustainable, profitable growth.

You’ll set and execute a multi‑year ML strategy, own financial and resource commitments, and represent ML at senior forums, internally and externally. You’ll champion responsible ML, ensure compliance with data privacy and regulatory standards, and drive adoption across the business.

This is a rare chance to shape the future of customer engagement at Aviva, developing and nurturing a cross‑functional team of outstanding ML scientists, engineers, product owners, and technologists.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the multi‑year ML strategy and roadmap.
• Lead and develop high‑performing, cross‑functional ML teams to build and scale production‑grade ML systems.
• Own financial and resource commitments for the ML function.
• Represent ML at senior forums, both internally and externally, influencing strategy and decision‑making.
• Champion responsible, ethical ML and ensure compliance with data privacy and regulatory standards.
• Drive adoption of ML solutions across the business and promote experimentation and continuous learning.

Qualifications

Skills and experience we’re looking for:

• Proven leadership in ML strategy, execution and value creation, ideally in direct‑to‑consumer businesses.
• Track record of leading and developing high‑performing, cross‑functional teams to build and scale production‑grade ML systems.
• Advanced expertise in ML techniques, frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and end‑to‑end model lifecycle management.
• Proven experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure), MLOps, and managing data‑as‑a‑product, including knowledge of emerging trends, technologies, and responsible ML frameworks.
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and communicate complex ML concepts clearly to all audiences.

What you’ll get for this role

Our purpose – with you today, for a better tomorrow – is a promise we make to our colleagues too. And one of the ways we live up to that promise is by investing in you.

• Salary £110,000 – £140,000 (depending on location, skills, experience, and qualifications)
• Bonus opportunity – 25% of annual salary (actual amount depends on your performance and Aviva’s)
• Generous pension scheme – Aviva will contribute up to 14% of what you put in.
• 29 days holiday plus bank holidays, and you can choose to buy or sell up to 5 days.
• Up to 40% discount on Aviva products and other retailer discounts.
• Up to £1,200 of free Aviva shares per year through our Matching Share Plan and share in the success of Aviva with our Save As You Earn scheme.
• Brilliantly supportive policies including parental and carer’s leave.
• Flexible benefits to suit you, including sustainability options such as cycle to work.
• Make a difference, be part of our Aviva Communities and use your 3 paid volunteering days to help others.
• We take your wellbeing seriously with lots of support and tools.

Aviva is for everyone

We’re inclusive and welcome everyone – we want applications from all backgrounds and experiences. Excited but not sure you tick every box? Even if you don’t, we would still encourage you to apply. We also consider all forms of flexible working, including part time and job shares.

We flex locations, hours and working patterns to suit our customers, business, and you. Most of our people are smart working – spending around 50% of their time in our offices every week – combining the benefits of flexibility, with time together with colleagues.

Learn more about working at Aviva

To find out more about working at Aviva, take a look here.

Accessibility & Disabled Applicants

We interview every disabled applicant who meets the minimum criteria for the job. Once you’ve applied, please send us an email stating that you have a disclosed disability, and we’ll interview you.

Application

We’d love it if you could submit your application online. If you require an alternative method of applying, please give Harjot Kaur a call on +44 7353 138456 or send an email to harjot.kaur@aviva.com.

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