Data Scientist III

Capitec; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African bank is seeking a Mid/Senior Data Scientist to drive its AI strategy. The candidate will leverage advanced machine learning techniques to develop models and insights that enhance strategic decisions. Ideally, they should have over 6 years of experience, a degree in a related field, and familiarity with tools like TensorFlow and Python. This role offers opportunities to mentor junior staff and engage with executive management.

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in a Senior Data Science role.
• Hands-on experience deploying AI/ML solutions.
• Experience with advanced data science principles.

Responsibilities

• Drive Capitec’s AI strategy and oversee its execution.
• Implement and optimize predictive models and algorithms.
• Manage stakeholder engagement across the business.

Skills

NLP

Deep learning

Reinforcement learning

Python

Stakeholder engagement

Git

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Master’s degree

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

AWS

Azure

GCP

Job description

Join us in becoming the best bank in the world!! We appoint energized and motivated people for their potential and continuously look for talented, driven individuals to help us innovate and evolve. That is why we focus on finding the right people for the right jobs. We love what we do because we focus on making a positive difference for our clients and employees. Our company DNA is built around talented and committed teams dedicated to building a brand that we are proud of and earns the trust of our clients.

Who we are:

We are a bank, but we’re much more than that. We believe that banking is about enabling people to control their financial lives through banking that is simplified, accessible, affordable and delivered through personal experience. By helping our clients manage their financial lives better, we enable them to live better.

Why choose us:

At Capitec, we offer our best by living up to our CEO values in every situation – we always put the Client first, act with Energy and take Ownership. And to support people in being their best, our Employee Value Proposition offers every value to all team members through cohesive teams, growth opportunities as well as employee benefits and savings. We make it a priority to ensure that each member of the Capitec team feels welcome, valued, focused, and has the opportunity to grow.

About the roles:

As a Mid/Senior Data Scientist at Capitec, your purpose is to drive Capitec’s AI strategy, with the unique opportunity to shape and own this vision from the ground up. This involves leveraging advanced, practical knowledge of state-of-the-art machine learning principles and techniques, including deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and reinforcement learning, to develop innovative models and solve complex business challenges. You will be responsible for designing, implementing, and optimising predictive models and intelligent algorithms to uncover actionable insights that drive strategic decision‑making across departments.

The role also includes the full machine learning lifecycle, from data preprocessing and experimental design to production‑level model deployment. As a Senior Data Scientist, you will gather requirements and manage stakeholder engagement across the business, including executive‑level management. Additionally, you will bring expertise in deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, while mentoring junior data scientists to foster a collaborative and growth‑oriented team environment.

We are looking for a mid/senior data scientist, ideally located in the Western Cape, with roles also open in Sandton. Our current requirements span business banking client experience delivery, retail banking client experience delivery, marketing client insights and engagement, retail credit management, and risk.

Areas of focus:

• Business banking client experience delivery
• Retail banking client experience delivery
• Marketing client insights and engagement
• Retail credit management
• Risk

Our ideal candidate has:

• 6+ years of experience in a Senior Data Science role
• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Hands‑on experience deploying AI/ML solutions in real‑world applications.
• Experience with advanced data science principles including NLP, deep learning, reinforcement learning, or time‑series modeling.
• Python/R experience and relational/non‑relational databases.
• Familiarity with modern deep learning frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Stakeholder engagement management up to executive management.
• GitHub experience or Git.
• AWS/Azure/GCP.

Competencies:

• Strategic thinking
• Leadership ability
• Problem solving skills
• Decision making skills
• Researching skills
• Project Management skills
• Planning, organising and coordination skills

Education:

• Completed a degree or higher

Ideal:

• Master’s degree

If you are interested in being part of this dynamic team, on a mission to build the best bank in the world through unlocking the potential of its people, please apply. We would love to hear from you!

Capitec is committed to diversity and, where feasible, all appointments will support the achievement of our employment equity goals.