Actuarial Business Analyst (Data Science and Machine Learning Focused)

DataFin; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance technology firm in South Africa is seeking an experienced Actuarial Business Analyst to lead a team of Data Scientists in developing and implementing Machine Learning models. Candidates should possess a Degree in Actuarial Science and have at least 7 years of experience in the insurance sector, with proven skills in model development and business impact assessment. Strong proficiency in BI tools is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in the Insurance or Financial Services sector.
• Proven experience in developing statistical and/or Machine Learning models.
• Previous leadership experience within Data Science or Actuarial teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Data Scientists to deliver impactful Machine Learning solutions.
• Oversee development, testing, and deployment of models.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Data Science and business stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Team Management

Model Development

Stakeholder Engagement

Business Impact Assessment

Communication Skills

Education

Degree or Honours in Actuarial Science

Tools

Power BI

Qlik Sense

Tableau

Python

R

SQL

Job description

Overview

ENVIRONMENT: OUR client is redefining how insurance and technology work together and is looking for an experienced Actuarial Business Analyst with a strong focus on leading a team of Data Scientists to design, develop, and implement Machine Learning models. The role involves evaluating and quantifying the business impact of these models, translating complex analytical outputs into clear, actionable insights, and ensuring operational teams fully understand and leverage the results. You will act as the key bridge between Data Science and business, driving measurable value through advanced analytics. The successful incumbent must possess an Honours/Degree in Actuarial Science with 7 years’ experience in the Insurance or Financial Services sector (preferably short-term insurance) including proven experience in developing statistical and/or Machine Learning models. You also require proficiency in BI tools such as Power BI, Qlik Sense, Tableau, or similar platforms.

Duties

• Leadership & Team Management - Lead and mentor a team of Data Scientists to deliver impactful Machine Learning solutions.
• Leadership & Team Management - Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Model Development & Evaluation - Oversee the development, testing, and deployment of Machine Learning models.
• Model Development & Evaluation - Evaluate and quantify the business impact of analytical solutions.
• Model Development & Evaluation - Ensure models are accurate, relevant, and fit-for-purpose.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Serve as the primary liaison between the Data Science team and business stakeholders.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Translate technical concepts into actionable recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stakeholder Engagement - Communicate insights effectively, ensuring operational adoption of model outputs.
• Project & Requirements Management – Gather, define, and document business and technical requirements for Data Science projects.
• Project & Requirements Management – Ensure projects align with strategic business objectives and deliver measurable outcomes.
• Best Practice & Process Improvement - Champion best practices in analytics, modelling, and business integration.
• Best Practice & Process Improvement - Identify opportunities to improve modelling approaches and operational use of analytics.

Requirements

• Qualifications – Degree or Honours in Actuarial Science.
• Experience/Skills – Minimum 7 years’ experience in the Insurance or Financial Services sector (preferably short-term insurance).
• Experience/Skills – Proven experience in developing statistical and/or Machine Learning models.
• Experience/Skills – Demonstrated ability to assess and articulate the business impact of Machine Learning models.
• Experience/Skills – Previous leadership experience within Data Science, Analytics, or Actuarial teams.
• Experience/Skills – Experience with Claims Modelling and Survival Analysis/Modelling in the Insurance industry.
• Experience/Skills – Proficiency in BI tools such as Power BI, Qlik Sense, Tableau, or similar platforms.

Preferred / Advantageous

• Preferred / Advantageous: Familiarity with Python, R, SQL, and cloud data platforms such as Snowflake.
• Preferred / Advantageous: Understanding of data-driven decision-making frameworks.
• Preferred / Advantageous: Experience in capturing and managing both business and technical requirements.

Attributes

• Attributes: Ability to interpret complex model outputs and translate them into clear business recommendations.
• Attributes: Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.