Senior Manager | Data Scientist (Data & Analytics)

EPF Malaysia; Petaling Jaya; On-site; MYR 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A public financial institution in Malaysia seeks a Data Science Leader to drive the organization's analytics strategy. This role involves developing AI/ML solutions, enhancing decision-making, and managing a high-performing team. The ideal candidate has at least 15 years of experience in data science, strong leadership skills, and a relevant degree. The position offers a permanent contract with opportunities for strategic influence and innovation.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience in data science or related fields.
• Proven experience delivering analytics programs with business impact.
• Strong leadership experience managing data science teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and operationalize data-driven initiatives.
• Drive end-to-end development of analytics models.
• Build and lead a high-performing data science team.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Leadership

Data science expertise

Stakeholder management

Analytical storytelling

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science or equivalent

Tools

Python

SQL

Spark

TensorFlow

Databricks

Job description

JOB SUMMARY

To lead, architect, and operationalize data-driven initiatives that transform the organization into an insights-led enterprise. The role will champion analytics strategy, drive business value through AI/ML solutions, and build enterprise-wide analytics capabilities that enhance decision‑making, productivity, member experience, and organizational performance.

JOB SCOPE

• Lead the enterprise data science strategy and roadmap, ensuring alignment with business objectives and digital transformation priorities.
• Drive end‑to‑end development of advanced analytics and AI/ML models – from problem framing, data engineering, model development, validation, deployment, and monitoring.
• Act as the thought leader for insights‑driven culture, promoting data‑driven decision‑making across all business domains (investment, operations, finance, HR, risk, member services, etc.).
• Collaborate with senior business stakeholders to identify high‑value use cases, quantify business impact, and prioritize analytics initiatives in line with enterprise strategy.
• Build and lead a high‑performing data science team, including talent development, mentorship, capability building, and knowledge sharing across the organization.
• Oversee analytics platforms, tools, and AI ecosystem, ensuring scalability, governance, model lifecycle management, and alignment with enterprise architecture standards.
• Ensure robust data science governance and ethical AI practices (bias mitigation, explainability, privacy, model risk management, and regulatory compliance).
• Translate analytics into financial and operational value, developing business cases, benefits realization frameworks, performance dashboards, and measurable outcomes.
• Partner with Data Engineering, IT, and Enterprise Architecture teams to ensure data availability, data quality, and production‑grade deployment of models.
• Represent the organization in external forums, industry collaborations, and research partnerships on AI, analytics, and digital innovation.
• Lead enterprise‑level analytics reporting and insights delivery, enabling actionable intelligence for C‑suite, Board, and strategic committees.
• Stay ahead of global AI and analytics trends, benchmarking against international best practices, and advising leadership on future capabilities, investment needs, and emerging risks.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and a strong business value mindset.
• Proven leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Technical mastery in data science and artificial intelligence.
• Awareness of data ethics, governance, and risk management.
• Ability to lead change and drive transformation initiatives.
• Skilled in analytical storytelling and influencing decisions.
• Commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

Attitude

• Demonstrates strong personal drive and alignment with EPF’s vision and mission, with the ability to work independently and proactively.
• Demonstrates high initiative and ownership in work responsibilities.
• Continuously seeks to improve service quality and applies creative thinking to resolve issues and conflicts.
• Leads by example and upholds professional conduct.
• Shows trust in self and team members, fostering a supportive work environment.
• Exercises self‑control and takes responsibility for decisions and actions.
• Actively contributes to teamwork and collaboration.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Malaysian citizen
• Pass Malay Language, including oral test at Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) level or equivalent as recognized by the Government.
• Possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Information Systems, Engineering, or equivalent qualification from an accredited institution.
• Preferred certifications include Microsoft, AWS, or Google AI, along with recognized Data Science specializations.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, machine learning, or applied AI, preferably in large‑scale or regulated organizations.
• Proven track record in delivering enterprise analytics programmes with tangible business impact.
• Strong leadership experience in managing data science teams, vendors, and cross‑functional stakeholders.
• Deep hands‑on knowledge in machine learning, natural language processing, predictive modelling, MLOps, and modern analytics tools (e.g., Python, SQL, Spark, TensorFlow, Databricks).
• Proficient in cloud data platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP), data lakes/warehouses, and model deployment pipelines.
• Excellent communication and business storytelling skills to influence at C‑suite and Board level stakeholders.

JOB STATUS

Permanent

All applications are strictly CONFIDENTIAL and only shortlisted candidates will be called in for interview. Applications are deemed UNSUCCESSFUL if there is no feedback from the EPF 3 MONTHS after the closing date of advertisement.