Data Scientist

Old Mutual; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 700 000; Full time

Job summary

A financial services company in Johannesburg is seeking a Data Scientist to join a high-performance team at Old Mutual Insure. In this role, you will modernize the risk function by developing and maintaining statistical and machine learning models, automating reporting processes, and ensuring data integrity. The ideal candidate has a Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years of relevant experience, strong Python and SQL skills, and a passion for leveraging data to drive commercial outcomes. A rewarding opportunity with potential for growth awaits!

Qualifications

• 2+ years of experience in data science, data engineering, risk analytics, or software engineering.
• Strong experience with Python and SQL.
• Comfortable working in a version-controlled environment with review processes.

Responsibilities

• Support lead engineers in building end-to-end solutions for insurance models.
• Build ETL processes for structured and unstructured data ingestion.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and compliance with regulatory standards.

Skills

Action Planning

Business Requirements Analysis

Computer Literacy

Data Compilation

Data Controls

Data Engineering

Data Management

Data Science

Deep Dive Analysis

Machine Learning (ML)

Structured Query Language (SQL)

Unstructured Data

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Science / Data Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Statistics

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Bachelor's degree in Actuarial Science

Bachelor's degree in Engineering

Bachelor's degree in Applied Mathematics

Tools

Python

SQL

Cloud platforms (Azure/AWS)

Generative AI/LLM APIs

Job description

Let's Write Africa's Story Together!

Old Mutual is a firm believer in the African opportunity and our diverse talent reflects this.

Job Description

Are you passionate about using data to fundamentally rethink how insurance works? Are you energized by the idea of designing the future model of insurance—one that’s fast, fair, predictive, and personal? At Old Mutual Insure, we’re building exactly that.

As a Data Scientist, you will be joining a small high-performance team modernising the 2nd-line risk function. We believe in a code-first approach to risk: no manual reporting and no tick box compliance. We are replacing manual oversight with automated pipelines, real-time monitoring, and code-first governance.

Responsibilities will include the following:

• Supporting the lead engineers in building end-to-end solutions that automate the validation and benchmarking of insurance models and monitor risk exposure, such as:
  • Supporting the development and maintenance of statistical and machine learning models to assess credit, market, operational, and emerging risks
  • Building predictive models for early warning indicators of risk events
  • Using LLM-based agents to parse regulatory changes and graph theory for fraud network detection
• Building robust ETL processes to ingest structured and unstructured data
• Ensuring data quality, integrity, and compliance with regulatory standards
• Collaborating with 1st Line and other stakeholders to develop best practice frameworks and policies
• Challenging data lineage and recommend improvements for reliability
• Refactoring legacy processes into clean, automated Python workflows
• Performing deep-dive analysis on specific risk themes (e.g., inflation trends, claim spikes) to support strategic decisions
• Collaborating with the Data Engineer to ensure models are production-ready and integrated into the core platform
• You love taking a raw dataset and turning it into a working model or dashboard
• You care about code quality. You understand that a model isn't finished until the code is clean, versioned, and reproducible
• Comfortable with uncertainty and unstructured complex problems
• Eager to grow, learn, and experiment with new technologies and methodologies
• Understands how data drives commercial outcomes
• Understanding of risk management processes
• Keeps up with new tools, AI trends, and best practices
• Works fluidly across business and technical teams
• Delivers with discipline, quality, and impact
• Brings fresh ideas to complex challenges
• Makes sense of messy, ambiguous data environments
• Follows through and learns from feedback
• Simplifies, automates, and scales where possible
• Handles competing deadlines and tasks with resilience, structure, and delivery focus

Knowledge, Skills and Experience required:

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following (or equivalent experience):

• Data Science / Data Engineering
• Statistics
• Computer Science
• Actuarial Science
• Engineering
• Applied Mathematics
• Advantages – Risk Management
• 2+ years of experience in data science, data engineering, risk analytics, software engineering, or actuarial environments, preferably in financial services
• Strong experience with Python and SQL
• Comfortable working in a version-controlled environment with review processes
• Bonus: Exposure to Cloud platforms (Azure/AWS)
• Bonus: Familiarity with Generative AI/LLM APIs

The Recruitment Process:

• TA Interview: This will be a discussion with our Senior Talent Acquisition Specialist to give you an understanding of our business, our culture & values and more context on the role. It will also allow us the opportunity to get to know you more and ensure OMI can meet your career aspirations.
• Panel Interview: This will be with 2 members of the Senior Leadership of the Hiring Team and 1 member of the HC Leadership Team.
• Technical & Psychometric Assessments: These will depend on the role and will sometimes happen concurrently with Vetting through an external service provider & Internal Verification.
• Final Feedback.

All About OMI:

https://www.oldmutual.co.za/about/old-mutual-insure/

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/old-mutual-insure_i-work-at-old-mutual-insure-of-course-activity-7161674472469524483-w0j6?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop

Please note that, unfortunately, we cannot accept any applications after the closing date.

Skills

• Action Planning
• Business Requirements Analysis
• Computer Literacy
• Data Compilation
• Data Controls
• Data Engineering
• Data Management
• Data Science
• Deep Dive Analysis
• Executing Plans
• IT Architecture
• IT Network Security
• Machine Learning (ML)
• Policies & Procedures
• Structured Query Language (SQL)
• Unstructured Data

Competencies

• Action Oriented
• Collaborates
• Cultivates Innovation
• Customer Focus
• Drives Results
• Ensures Accountability
• Manages Ambiguity
• Manages Complexity

Education

Bachelor of Commerce (BCom): Computer Science And Engineering (Required), NQF Level 7 - Degree, Advance Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate or equivalent

Closing Date

13 January 2026, 23:59

The appointment will be made from the designated group in line with the Employment Equity Plan of Old Mutual South Africa and the specific business unit in question.

The Old Mutual Story!