Data Science Manager

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

Job summary

A financial technology company in the UK seeks a Data Science Manager to lead a team in developing and deploying machine learning models for credit scoring and fraud detection. This role requires collaboration across multiple teams and a strong background in data science, with a focus on scalable solutions and leadership. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in data science and a passion for innovation in financial services.

Benefits

Great work environment

Pension

Career development & growth

Competitive annual leave plus bank holidays

Competitive paid time off (e.g., parental, birthday leave)

Group life insurance

Medical insurance

Welfare package (e.g., wedding, compassionate leave)

Perkbox

Employee wellness app

Award-winning training

Work-life balance

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in data science, with at least 2 years in a leadership role managing teams and projects.
• Experience in credit risk modeling, fraud detection, or financial services is highly desirable.
• Understanding of financial regulations and compliance standards, particularly in the Nigerian context.

Responsibilities

• Manage and mentor a team of data scientists.
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models for credit scoring.
• Work with product, engineering, and compliance teams to integrate models into production systems.
• Analyze large datasets to extract actionable insights.
• Oversee the performance of deployed models.
• Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership.
• Stay abreast of industry trends to enhance model performance.

Skills

Python

SQL

Machine learning libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch)

Cloud environments (AWS, Google Cloud)

Team leadership

Education

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

Job description

Role 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 app name ‘Kuda’ means ‘love’ in Shona, a language spoken in the southern part of Africa. We give Africans around the world a better alternative to traditional finance by delivering money transfers, smart budgeting and instant access to credit through digital devices. We have raised over $90 million from respected institutional investors and are rolling out our game‑changing services globally from our offices in Nigeria, South Africa, and the UK.

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 also supporting various other business functions by providing data‑driven insights and predictive capabilities.

You will work with cutting‑edge technologies in data science and machine learning with an emphasis on building scalable, real‑time decisioning systems that are integrated into our product offerings. Your models will not only be developed but also put into production to support live, real‑time decisions, enhancing Kuda’s ability to serve customers with speed and precision.

Your role will require collaboration across multiple cross‑functional teams – product, business, technology, and data – ensuring alignment to deliver value through innovative, data‑driven solutions. As a manager, you will foster an environment of continuous learning and improvement and stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and effective methodologies in data science. Your leadership will scale Kuda’s impact by bringing high‑quality, machine‑learning‑based credit solutions to millions of customers across 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 the 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 closely 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 both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
• Regulatory Awareness: Understanding of financial regulations and compliance standards, particularly in the Nigerian context.

Benefits

• 💜 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‑fare package (Wedding, Compassionate and etc).
• ✅ Perkbox.
• 🏃♀️ Goalr – employee wellness app.
• 🥇 Award winning L&D training.
• 💒 Advocates of work‑life balance, working in a hybrid in‑office schedule.

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 and opportunities for growth. Kuda is proud to be an equal‑opportunity employer. We value diversity and consider applicants based on merit, qualifications, competence, and talent. We do not discriminate on the basis of 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.