Data Scientist II

Who are we

Western National Insurance Group is a private mutual insurance company with over 120 years of experience serving customers property-and-casualty insurance needs in the Midwestern Northwestern and Southwestern United States. Known as The Relationship Company we define success as a measure of the relationships weve built over everything that we do we know that delivering a friendly and helpful interaction makes for a better experience for everyone involved. Thats the power of nice. At Western National nice is something we work to bring to every person and organization with whom we partner and serve.

Does this opportunity interest you

Western National is seeking a Data Scientist II to join our team!

The individual in this role will have the opportunity to develop statistical models that create predictions of future policy and claim outcomes. They will participate in all phases of the modeling process.

What are the responsibilities and opportunities of this role

• Develops pricing models using internal and external data sets and utilizes knowledge and skillset to interpret and optimize model results and translate the output into a delivery format that can be accessed and understood by the model users.
• Leverages experience for faster model development and less iterations required.
• Understands the data extraction process where the data is sourced from and what each data element represents.
• Understands business line rating methodologies and looks for opportunities to improve our rating sophistication.
• Develops a sound understanding of commonly used model methodologies and clearly articulates the primary benefits and detractors of various methodologies.
• Develops tools to monitor production models based on loss performance usage system performance and data drift.
• Performs feature engineering to transform data into more meaningful predictive features.
• Documents model development process for technical and nontechnical resources.
• Communicates clearly with business partners to explain the model methodology and output and helps troubleshoot issues and / or questions from business partners.
• Designs and executes ad hoc analyses to uncover meaningful trends and patterns partnering with business stakeholders to drive informed decision-making.
• Partners with and mentors data analysts to strengthen skills in SQL analysis design and basic Python and R fostering strong analytical practices across the team.
• Assists Data Scientist III as needed.
• Reviews work with manager or peers to ensure accuracy prior to disbursement.
• Develops work independently while regularly seeking direction clarification on priorities and support when needed.
• Uses advanced analytical and mathematical skills.
• Consistently acts according to our customer experience standards including responding quickly maintaining a positive attitude building rapport demonstrating empathy managing the customers expectations using the proper communication channel for the situation and taking ownership to ensure the customers issue is resolved.
• Performs special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Intermediate understanding of assigned insurance lines.

What are the must-have qualifications for a candidate

• Intermediate understanding of assigned insurance lines.
• Strong presentation skills and the ability to present to technical and nontechnical audiences.
• Strong attention to detail ensuring validity of data and results.
• Ability to take ownership of mistakes and creates solutions that prevent similar mistakes.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to prioritize work to meet project deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of coding languages (e.g. SQL Python R etc.)
• Basic understanding of BI tools (e.g. Tableau Power BI SSRS).
• Bachelors degree required masters degree in science technology mathematics or business preferred.

What will our ideal candidate have

• Three to five years of experience in data science actuarial analysis and / or data analysis.
• Intermediate understanding of one to three insurance lines.

Compensation overview

The targeted hiring range for this role is $93100 - $128040 annually. However the base pay offered may vary depending on the job-related knowledge skills credentials and experience of each candidate as well as other factors such as the scope and location of the role. Candidates looking for compensation outside of the posted range are encouraged to apply and will be considered based on their individual qualifications and / or may be considered for other positions.

Western National Insurance Group reserves the right to fill this position at a level above or below the level included in this posting.

Culture and Total Rewards

Western National has long been known as The Relationship Company and caring for our employees is part of that relationship commitment. We value connectiveness empowerment and accountability and we believe that our employees are our biggest asset.

Currently ranked as the 41st largest private company by revenue in Minnesota (Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal) Western National has earned accolades year-over-year as an employer of choice and garnered multiple awards for wellness in the workplace. Western National has also been named a Top Workplace by the Star Tribune for consecutive addition the Group is consistently recognized as a Wards 50 property-and-casualty insurance company for its outstanding financial results.

Western National offers full-time employees a significant Total Rewards Package including:

• Medical insurance plan options and other standard employee benefits including dental insurance vision benefits life insurance disability insurance and more!
• Health Savings Accounts (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k) Plan (participants are eligible for 100% matching on the first 6% of their contributions)
• Wellbeing Program including onsite fitness studio
• Paid Time Off including holiday vacation and volunteer
• 100% company-paid tuition reimbursement for approved job-relevant coursework and access to The Institutes (Risk and insurance education)
• Paid parental leave
• Bonus opportunities

Western National believes in supporting balance between work and life by providing a flexible work environment which includes a variety of hybrid and remote work arrangements designed to balance individual job department and company needs.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time.

Western National provides employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws.