Data Science Head

Firstrand Bank Limited; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial institution seeks a strategic Head of Data Science to lead a talented team, driving business insights and innovations. This role encompasses developing data strategies, ensuring data quality, collaborating across departments, and generating impactful data-driven solutions that align with organizational objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in Data Science with leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of Data Science principles and tools.
• Experience in model development and project management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute data science strategy aligning with business goals.
• Lead a team of Data Scientists; ensure their professional development.
• Oversee the implementation of data-driven solutions and governance.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Data Visualization

Machine Learning

Statistical Modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Econometrics, Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, or Computer Science

Honours Degree

Tools

SAS

SQL

Python

Job description

The Head of Data Science is a strategic leadership role focused on leveraging data to drive business decisions and innovation.

This involves leading a team of Data Scientists, developing and implementing data science strategies, ensuring data quality and governance, and aligning data initiatives with the bank's overall goals.

The role also requires collaboration with various departments and staying up to date with the latest advancements in Data Science technologies.

Hello, future Data Science Head

Role Purpose: This role is within FNB Retail CDAO, supporting the Internal Advertising Agency, with the Financial Media Network (FMN) being the focus.

They will be responsible for defining and producing contextual customer features and models that support the business in making commercially viable audience segments available to brands and advertising agencies.

The role will also entail collaborating with multiple stakeholders in designing and implementing customer strategies.

The successful candidate will be empowered to think creatively, take ownership of their work, and be accountable for their teams' performance.

They will generate actionable insights and recommendations that influence change, create efficiencies, and optimize outcomes for customers and the business, including generating revenue.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership: Develop and execute a data science strategy that aligns with the FMN's strategic objectives, including defining data goals, establishing data governance policies, and identifying relevant data sources and audience segments for monetization.
2. Team Leadership: Manage and mentor a team of data scientists, ensuring their professional development and providing them with the necessary resources and tools.
3. Solution Development: Oversee the development and implementation of data-driven solutions, such as predictive models, analytics dashboards, and data-powered applications, to address specific business challenges.
4. Collaboration: Work closely with various internal agency teams, external clients, and internal departments, including business units, IT, data governance, and other supporting data disciplines, to understand business needs, translate them into data science projects, and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
5. Data Governance: Ensure data quality, accuracy, security, and compliance with regulatory requirements, including data privacy and security policies.
6. Technology Management: Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science technologies and tools and make recommendations for their adoption within the agency.
7. Performance Management: Evaluate the performance of data science projects and initiatives, identify areas for improvement, and make necessary adjustments.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum Qualification: A relevant bachelor's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Econometrics, Actuarial Science, Applied Mathematics, or Computer Science.
• Preferred Qualification: Honours Degree.
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years' relevant experience within Data Science.
• A minimum of 2 years proven leadership experience in managing and mentoring Data Science teams, setting strategic direction, and driving results.
• Strong knowledge of Data Science principles, methodologies, and tools including Machine Learning, Statistical Modeling, and Data Visualization.
• Deep domain knowledge of the banking industry, business processes, and financial concepts is preferred.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Able to analyze complex data, identify patterns and trends, and develop data-driven solutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with stakeholders and present data insights to diverse audiences.
• Solid project management skills and experience to oversee the development and implementation of Data Science projects.
• End-to-end Model development experience (predictive and prescriptive analytics).
• Intermediate to advanced proficiency in SAS, SQL, or Python.
• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of analytical techniques such as statistical methodologies, segmentation, optimization, and experimental design.

PostLI-AR2

Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards; kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below: 12/07/25.

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group's Employment Equity plan.

The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities.

In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis.

The Bank will keep this information confidential unless required by law to disclose it.