Chapter Lead: Data Science

The HEINEKEN Company; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global brewer seeks a Data Science Chapter Lead in Johannesburg. The role focuses on shaping data science strategy and leading data science initiatives to derive business value. Requires strong leadership and technical skills in machine learning and programming. Join a diverse team and enjoy a hybrid flexible working environment with competitive rewards.

Benefits

Global opportunities

Continuous learning

Hybrid flexibility

Competitive rewards

Qualifications

• Expertise in ML engineering and experimentation.
• Fluent in Python, SQL, and PySpark.
• Experience in mentoring and coaching data scientists.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver end-to-end data science solutions.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to frame problems.
• Design and interpret A/B tests and observational studies.

Skills

Leadership

Machine Learning Engineering

Python

SQL

Strategic Thinking

Tools

Databricks

PySpark

Job description

We Go Places! How about you?

Immediate Superior: AME Analyticfs Hub Lead
Location: Johannesburg
Function: Digital & Technology
Sub Function: Digital & Technology - Other Support
Type of Contract: Permanent
Reference Number: 142065
Closing Date: 15/08/2025

The Africa & Middle East (AME) Analytics Hub is a business-led, value-driven satellite of HEINEKEN’s Global Analytics team. Our mission is to help HEINEKEN become the most connected and data-driven brewer in the world.

As part of our continued growth, we are expanding our capabilities and looking for a Data Science Chapter Leadto shape and drive the data science vision for the region. This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll help define the future of data science across the AME region and contribute to HEINEKEN’s global transformation.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• People-first: You lead with empathy, foster inclusive collaboration, and support the growth of diverse teams.
• Solution-oriented: You bring a pragmatic mindset and a high-degree of ownership and passion for solving real-world business challenges.
• Collaborative by nature: You thrive in cross-functional environments and enjoy working across domains and cultures.
• Strategic and hands-on: You can set a vision, build roadmaps, and also dive into the details when needed.

At HEINEKEN, we believe in creating an environment where people enjoy both the challenges they tackle and the colleagues they work with. We value curiosity, creativity, and reliability. We aim to be a trusted business partner, using data to drive meaningful decisions and build confidence in our solutions.

In this role, you will:

• Lead and deliverend-to-end data science solutions that create measurable business value.
• Collaborate across levels and functions—from country teams to regional and global stakeholders in commercial, supply chain, and analytics—to identify pain points, frame problems, and co-create data-driven solutions.
• Champion implementationthrough effective change management, ensuring adoption and long-term impact.
• Promote engineering excellenceby embedding best practices such as CI/CD, modular design, and rigorous testing.
• Design and interpret experiments, including A/B tests and observational studies, translating insights into scalable machine learning solutions.
• Mentor and coachdata scientists, fostering a culture of inclusion, psychological safety, and agile ways of working.

You are:

• Aseasoned data science leaderwith expertise in ML engineering, experimentation, and causal inference.
• Astrategic thinkerwho translates business priorities into actionable roadmaps across AME.
• Ahands-on engineer, fluent in Python, PySpark, and SQL, with experience in modular ML pipelines (e.g., Databricks).
• Aclear communicator, able to engage both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Comfortable withambiguity and scale, navigating complex data and shifting priorities.
• Passionate about talent, investing in coaching and team growth.
• Bonus: Experience in FMCG, economics/econometrics, and Databricks production deployments.

What we have to offer:

• Global opportunities: Work on diverse projects with career paths across countries and regions.
• Continuous learning: Dedicated time for development through workshops, community sessions, and certifications (Microsoft, Databricks).
• A passionate team: Entrepreneurial, driven, and fun—inside and outside of work.
• Hybrid flexibility: Team members are based in Johannesburg, Cape Town
• Meaningful impact: Tackle real challenges and see the results of your work.
• Competitive rewards: Including salary, retirement benefits, and great social events.

We’re a fun, value-driven team with ambitious goals. This role is strategic, challenging, and offers the chance to make a real difference. If it sounds like a fit, we’d love to hear from you. Best of luck—and we hope you apply!

The Company’s approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply. Heineken Beverages (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd) is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates and values inclusion and diversity. You must be fully eligible to live and work in South Africa to apply.