Data Scientist

FirstRand Corporate Centre; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Job summary

FirstRand Corporate Centre is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to plan, build, optimise, and implement quantitative models and analytics solutions that address business opportunities and strategic goals. You will work with diverse teams to deliver data-driven insights, steward data quality, and drive AI-enabled improvements.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in senior data science roles, strong analytics capabilities, and a track record of delivering AI and automation initiatives while ensuring

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience in a Senior Data Science role in a data environment.
• Proven experience with AI initiatives or platform-driven change.
• Strong skills in stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced analytical models.
• Collaborate with global and regional teams to achieve common objectives.
• Translate business questions into analytics solutions and measurable outcomes.
• Assess data quality and availability to inform decisions.
• Mentor junior analysts and foster sharing of insights.
• Ensure governance, privacy and compliance in analytics projects.

Skills

AI initiatives

Automation

Stakeholder management

Advanced analytics

Data management

Emerging trends

Team collaboration

Curiosity for tech

Education

B. Degree in Mathematical Sciences, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, Econometrics, Physics or Actuarial Science

Honours/Master’s Degree

Job description

Job Description

The purpose of the role is as follows:
To plan, build, optimise and implement innovative quantitative analytical methodologies, procedures, products and advanced mathematical models that provide analytical support and interpret insights, using advanced analytics technologies, to address business opportunities and problems and implement business strategy.

Are you someone who can do the following:

• Identify optimal solutions tailored to specific scenarios, focusing on flexible delivery and customisation for efficiency.
• Support localisation and integration of model policies, standards, governance, and analytics.
• Comply with modelling frameworks and ensure ethical data use according to privacy and sensitivity guidelines.
• Implement and uphold privacy requirements, laws, and policy; report privacy-related incidents appropriately.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to create delivery plans, define metrics, and address business information needs.
• Analyse data to uncover new opportunities for commercialisation and revenue generation.
• Translate technical data into actionable business insights within approved architecture.
• Assess data quality and availability to inform management decisions.
• Develop core analytical capabilities using advanced statistical and econometric techniques.
• Work with various departments to optimise data use for operational results.
• Contribute to analytical projects and serve as a subject matter expert.
• Build models to recommend process optimisations for cost savings, revenue, and efficiency.
• Document, audit, and implement models for business needs.
• Manipulate and analyse data proactively to ensure reliability and meet future business needs.
• Apply statistical methods and technical concepts for experimentation and decision-making.
• Use machine learning algorithms, automation, and predictive modelling in open-source platforms like R or Python.
• Model complex abstractions and apply pattern recognition for deep learning research.
• Program statistical models and productionize them as applications.
• Conduct text analytics on unstructured data for business insights.
• Employ data wrangling principles to improve data quality.
• Resolve enterprise-level problems by collaborating with engineers and product managers and applying suitable methods.
• Visualise data findings for varied audiences using effective graphical formats.
• Maintain and regularly update models for ongoing relevance and accuracy.
• Use analytics to enhance customer experience, identify monetisation opportunities, and suggest improvements.
• Validate, interpret, and present analytic reports and findings.
• Mentor junior analysts and foster a culture of sharing insights and continuous improvement.
• Build collaborative relationships to share knowledge and achieve productivity gains.
• Participate in specialist communities and contribute to organisational learning.
• Develop and monitor budgets aligned with operational plans, reporting on variances.
• Engage in cross-functional support and manage expectations through relationship-building.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, legislative, and corporate governance standards.
• Maintain expertise in relevant legislation, industry best practices, and internal compliance.
• Support governance and compliance processes, identifying and mitigating risks.
• Formulate business questions and select appropriate analytics models.
• Source and prepare data for analysis based on business requirements.
• Develop and implement advanced mathematical and analytical solutions to enhance business outcomes, reduce risk and costs, and facilitate strategic decisions.

You will be an ideal candidate if you have the following

Qualifications

• Minimum qualification: B. Degree Mathematical Sciences, Statistics, Engineering, Computer Science, Econometrics, Physics or Actuarial Science
• Preferred qualifications: Honours/Master’s Degree

Experience and Skills

• 5+ years’ experience in a Senior Data Science role in a data environment, of which 1 to 2 years ideally at a at junior entry management level
• Previous experience with AI or platform-driven change initiatives is highly desirable.
• Proven history of successful AI and process automation implementation.
• Strong skills in stakeholder management, communication, and problem-solving.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver advanced analytics and AI solutions, solving client issues with data-driven advice.
• Proven proficiency in data management, advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, technology platforms, and awareness of emerging industry trends.
• Promotes effective teamwork and collaboration between global and regional teams to accomplish common objectives
• Has a strong interest in advanced analytics and technology, with a passion for leveraging tech-driven solutions
• Shows a keen interest in learning about emerging technologies, applications, and creative solutions, approaching each with curiosity and enthusiasm

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 we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.