Senior Data Scientist - Predictive Analytics

Placements24; Queenstown; Hybrid; NZD 130,000 - 195,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonus

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Learning opportunities

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24's client, a fast-growing tech firm focused on data-driven business intelligence, seeks a Senior Data Scientist to lead predictive analytics in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. You'll develop and deploy ML models forecasting market trends, optimizing customer behavior, and boosting operational efficiency.

You'll work with large datasets, applying advanced statistics and machine learning, collaborating with stakeholders, and mentoring junior scientists to foster a data-driven culture.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field.
• 6+ years of professional data science experience focusing on predictive modeling and time-series.
• Proven ability to build and deploy ML models with Python or R.
• Strong stats, hypothesis testing, and experimental design.
• Experience with Spark, Hadoop, and SQL.
• Proficiency in visualization tools such as Tableau/Power BI.
• Excellent analytical and communication skills.
• Experience leading data science projects.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement predictive models.
• Analyze large datasets to identify patterns and opportunities for improvement.
• Develop and deploy forecasting models for sales, demand, churn, and other metrics.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate needs into data solutions.
• Perform feature engineering, model training, and validation.
• Implement A/B testing and experimental designs to evaluate models.
• Communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay up-to-date with data science advances.
• Mentor junior data scientists and promote data-driven culture.
• Ensure data quality and integrity throughout analyses.

Skills

Predictive modeling

Time-series analysis

Python

R

Machine learning

A/B testing

Data visualization

Communication

Mentoring

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science/Statistics/CS/Math

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

SQL

Tableau

Power BI

Matplotlib

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly growing tech firm focused on leveraging data to drive business intelligence, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Data Scientist to lead their predictive analytics initiatives in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role is central to developing and deploying sophisticated machine learning models that forecast market trends, optimize customer behavior, and enhance operational efficiency. You will work with vast datasets, employing advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to extract actionable insights and create significant business value. This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible impact within a dynamic and innovative company situated in the heart of the Eastern Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced predictive models using machine learning and statistical techniques.
• Analyze large and complex datasets to identify patterns, trends, and opportunities for business improvement.
• Develop and deploy robust forecasting models for sales, demand, customer churn, and other key business metrics.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand their needs and translate them into data science solutions.
• Perform feature engineering, model selection, training, and validation to ensure optimal performance.
• Implement A/B testing and other experimental designs to evaluate model effectiveness.
• Communicate complex analytical findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to building a strong data-driven culture.
• Ensure data quality and integrity throughout the analytical process.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 6 years of professional experience in data science, with a strong focus on predictive modeling and time-series analysis.
• Proven expertise in building and deploying machine learning models using languages such as Python or R, and libraries like scikit-learn, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.
• Strong understanding of statistical modeling, hypothesis testing, and experimental design.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and SQL databases.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to explain complex concepts effectively.
• Experience leading data science projects and mentoring junior team members is highly desirable.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a generous performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans are provided.
• A robust retirement savings plan with employer matching is available.
• Opportunities for continuous learning and professional development include access to cutting-edge training, conferences, and advanced analytical tools.
• Join a dynamic team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape , contributing to data-driven innovation and business growth.
• We offer generous paid time off and holidays, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• Relocation assistance may be considered.