Data Science Manager

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Performance-based bonuses

Medical and retirement benefits

Job summary

Placements24 in Bloemfontein, Free State, is seeking a Data Science Manager to lead a team of data scientists, develop advanced analytical models, and translate insights into strategic business decisions.

The role requires a PhD/Masters, 7–10 years in data science with at least 3 years in management, and strong Python/R, SQL, Spark/Hadoop, plus Tableau/Power BI experience.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or related quantitative field.
• Minimum 7–10 years of experience in data science, with at least 3 years in a management or team lead role.
• Proven experience in developing and deploying machine learning models (regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).
• Strong proficiency in Python and R.
• Expertise in SQL and big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop).
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI).
• Excellent understanding of statistical methods and experimental design.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in the financial services industry is an advantage.
• Ability to translate complex analytical results into business recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists, fostering innovation and technical excellence.
• Develop and implement data science strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee design, development, and deployment of ML models and advanced analytics.
• Extract, clean, and transform large datasets from diverse sources.
• Perform statistical analysis to identify trends and inform business strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to deliver tailored analytical solutions.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Evaluate and adopt new data science tools and methodologies.
• Ensure ethical use of data and privacy compliance.
• Manage data science projects from concept to completion.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Stakeholder management

Mentoring/Team leadership

Education

Master's or PhD in Data Science/related

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Spark

Hadoop

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent financial services institution renowned for its data-driven approach, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Data Science Manager to lead their analytics initiatives in Bloemfontein, Free State . This leadership role is responsible for guiding a team of data scientists, developing advanced analytical models, and deriving actionable insights from complex datasets to support strategic business decisions. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of technical expertise in data science, machine learning, statistical modeling, and proven leadership capabilities to foster innovation and drive value through data across the organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Develop and implement data science strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models and advanced analytical solutions.
• Extract, clean, and transform large, complex datasets from various sources.
• Perform statistical analysis, identify trends, and generate actionable insights to inform business strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across departments to understand their data needs and deliver tailored analytical solutions.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Evaluate and implement new data science tools, technologies, and methodologies.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible use of data and adhere to privacy regulations.
• Manage data science projects from conception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and impact.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7-10 years of experience in data science, with at least 3 years in a management or team lead role.
• Proven experience in developing and deploying machine learning models (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).
• Strong proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science (e.g., Python, R).
• Expertise in SQL and experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Excellent understanding of statistical methods and experimental design.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Experience in the financial services industry is a significant advantage.
• Ability to translate complex analytical results into business recommendations.
• Knowledge of the business environment in Bloemfontein .

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, performance-based bonuses, and professional development opportunities.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits are provided.
• The role offers exposure to challenging and impactful projects within a reputable organization.
• This is a permanent, on-site position based in our Bloemfontein, Free State offices, allowing for direct team collaboration and strategic engagement.