Data Science Manager

Kuda; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial technology company in the UK is seeking a Data Science Manager to lead a team of data scientists in developing machine learning models for credit scoring, fraud detection, and collections. The ideal candidate will have over 6 years of experience in data science, with a strong emphasis on leadership roles. This position involves collaboration with various teams to deliver innovative data-driven solutions, ensuring high-quality machine learning outputs for customers across Nigeria and beyond. Competitive benefits and a hybrid work model are offered.

Benefits

Competitive annual leave

Career Development & growth

Medical insurance

Well-being package

Award-winning L&D training

Goalr - employee wellness app

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in data science, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Experience in credit risk modeling or financial services is highly desirable.
• Understanding of financial regulations and compliance standards.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a team of data scientists.
• Lead the design and deployment of machine learning models.
• Work with product and engineering teams to integrate models.
• Analyze large datasets for actionable insights.
• Oversee the performance of deployed models.
• Communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Stay updated on industry trends.

Skills

Python

SQL

Machine learning libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)

Cloud environments (AWS, Google Cloud)

Leadership skills

Data analysis

Education

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, or Mathematics

Job description

Overview

Kuda is a money app for Africans on a mission to make financial services accessible, affordable and rewarding for every African on the planet. We are a tribe of passionate and diverse people who dreamed of building an inclusive money app that Africans would love. The name ‘Kuda’ means ‘love' in Shona, a language spoken in the southern part of Africa. We're delivering money transfers, smart budgeting and instant access to credit through digital devices, giving Africans around the world a better alternative to traditional finance. We have raised over $90 million from respected institutional investors, and we’re rolling out our services globally from our offices in Nigeria, South Africa, and the UK.

Role Overview

As the Data Science Manager at Kuda, you will lead a dynamic team of data scientists to develop and deploy machine learning models that drive critical business outcomes across the entire credit lifecycle. Your team will focus on building solutions for credit scoring, fraud detection, and collections, while supporting other business functions with data-driven insights and predictive capabilities. You will work with cutting-edge technologies in data science and machine learning, emphasizing scalable, real-time decisioning systems integrated into our product offerings. Models will be developed and put into production to support live, real-time decisions, enhancing Kuda's ability to serve customers quickly and precisely.

Role Scope

Your role requires collaboration across cross-functional teams—including product, business, technology, and data—to ensure alignment in delivering value through data-driven solutions. As a manager, you will foster continuous learning and improvement, keeping the team ahead of industry trends and effective methodologies in data science. You will translate business challenges into data-driven solutions while balancing technical execution with strategic vision, helping scale Kuda's impact by delivering high-quality, machine learning-based credit solutions to millions of customers in Nigeria and beyond.

This role will be a 50/50 split between leadership and hands-on work; you will guide and mentor your team while remaining deeply involved in technical aspects.

Key Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment
• Model Development: Lead the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models for credit scoring, fraud detection, and collections
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with product, engineering, and compliance teams to integrate models into production systems
• Data Analysis: Analyze large, complex datasets to extract actionable insights and inform business strategies
• Model Monitoring: Oversee the performance of deployed models, ensuring they meet business objectives and regulatory standards
• Stakeholder Communication: Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and other stakeholders
• Continuous Improvement: Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously enhance model performance and team capabilities

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field
• Experience: Minimum of 6 years in data science, with at least 2 years in a leadership role managing teams and projects
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Python, SQL, and machine learning libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch). Strong knowledge of cloud environments and services (AWS, Google Cloud)
• Domain Knowledge: Experience in credit risk modeling, fraud detection, or financial services is highly desirable
• Leadership: Strong ability to lead teams, manage projects, and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Regulatory Awareness: Understanding of financial regulations and compliance standards, particularly in the Nigerian context

Benefits

Why join Kuda?

At Kuda, our people are the heart of our business, so we prioritize your welfare. We offer a wide range of competitive benefits in areas including but not limited to:

• A great and upbeat work environment populated by a multinational team
• Pension
• Career Development & growth
• Competitive annual leave plus bank holidays
• Competitive paid time off (Parental, Moving day, Birthday, Study leave etc)
• Group life insurance
• Medical insurance
• Well-being package (Wedding, Compassionate and etc)
• Perkbox
• Goalr - employee wellness app
• Award winning L&D training
• We are advocates of work-life balance, operating on a hybrid in-office schedule

Kuda is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Kuda is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We do not regard colour, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.