BI Data Scientist

Boardroom Appointments; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance consultancy in Sandton is looking for a Data Scientist to leverage data to drive insights and support decision-making in their operations. The ideal candidate will have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and proven experience in data science within the life and non-life insurance sectors. Responsibilities include analyzing complex datasets, developing machine learning algorithms, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate insights into workflows. This role requires strong communication skills and experience with tools like Power BI and Azure.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a data scientist or similar role in the life/non-life insurance industry.
• Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Java.
• At least 4 years of experience with Power BI, Azure Data Factories, and Azure Synapse Analytics.

Responsibilities

• Analyze, design, and develop reporting and analytics platforms.
• Generate hypotheses and interpret results for actionable insights.
• Build scalable data pipelines and automate recurring processes.

Skills

Data analysis

Machine learning

Effective communication

Statistical concepts

Education

Bachelors degree/diploma in Informatics, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or IT

Tools

Power BI

Azure Data Factories

Azure Synapse Analytics

Python

Microsoft SQL Server

T-SQL

Job description

Role Purpose

As a data scientist, you will play a key role in leveraging data to drive insights, inform decision‑making, and enhance our life and non‑life insurance operations. You will work closely with cross‑functional teams to develop innovative data‑driven solutions that address business challenges and improve overall performance.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree/diploma in one of the following fields: Informatics, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or Information Technology

• Proven experience working as a data scientist or in a similar role, preferably in the life and non‑life insurance industry

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Java, as well as in data analysis and machine learning libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit‑learn)

• At least 4 years working experience in the following:

  • Power BI (essential)

  • Azure Data Factories (essential)

  • Azure Synapse Analytics (essential)

  • Python / R, C++, C#, Java (critical)

  • Microsoft SQL Server (critical)

  • T‑SQL (critical)

• Effective communication skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross‑functional teams and present complex ideas clearly and concisely

• Strong understanding of statistical concepts, data modelling techniques, and experimental design principles

Duties and Responsibilities

• Participate in the analysis, design, development, troubleshooting and support of the reporting and analytics platform

• Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and correlations

• Generate and test working hypotheses and interpret results to provide actionable insights

• Develop, implement and validate machine learning algorithms and statistical models

• Build and operationalize predictive models to unearth hidden insights

• Collaborate with actuaries, underwriters, and other stakeholders to integrate data science solutions into existing workflows and processes

• Develop BI solutions using SQL, ETL scripting, business intelligence tools, database programming and reporting tools on the Microsoft BI Stack

• Build scalable data pipelines and infrastructure for collecting, processing, and analyzing large volumes of structured and unstructured data

• Automation of recurring processes and monitoring thereof

• Must have prior experience developing business intelligence solutions in large or midsize companies

• Must be able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and react to problems quickly

• Must have extensive experience with T‑SQL

• Must be able to develop, maintain, review, and explain predictive models

• Understanding of the financial services industry desired, especially Insurance

• Experience using data visualization tools, e.g., Power BI

• Excellent problem‑solving skills and the ability to translate business requirements into actionable insights

• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Kafka) and cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform)

Competencies

• Business acumen

• Analytical

• Good communication skills