Data Scientist III

ShopriteX; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 100 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading retail group in South Africa is looking for a Data Scientist III to oversee complex data solutions and drive data as a commercial advantage. The chosen candidate will lead a portfolio of projects while mentoring other data scientists. This role requires 5+ years of experience in statistical modelling and data mining, along with proficiency in tools such as SQL and Python. The company values innovation in delivering high-quality products affordably, making this a pivotal role within their data team.

Qualifications

• Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering required.
• Over 5 years’ experience in a similar role.
• In-depth statistical modelling and machine learning expertise needed.

Responsibilities

• Oversee complex data solutions driving data as a commercial advantage.
• Lead a portfolio of data science projects while mentoring others.
• Work with stakeholders to identify business requirements.

Skills

Statistical modelling

Machine learning

Data mining

SQL

Python

Tableau

Excel

Generative AI

Education

Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering

Post Graduate Degree in related fields

Tools

Tableau

MatLab

R

Job description

Data Scientist III

Value Proposition

The Shoprite Group is Africa’s largest fast-moving consumer goods retailer with over 35 million customers and 2,500 outlets. Our customers are at the heart of what we do, and our sole purpose is to provide all communities with high quality products at the most affordable prices. Within such a dynamic environment, innovation, and the effective application of data is becoming essential to maintain a competitive position. We continue to invest in being a technologically innovative and enabled business.

You will be part of delivering multi-channel data applications to some of the most recognised retail brands in South Africa. You will be surrounded by teams and individuals who challenge you and inspire you to be extraordinary. Are you ready to make an impact?

Role Purpose

The purpose of the Data Scientist III role is to oversee complex data solutions driving data as a commercial advantage for Shoprite, leading a portfolio of data science projects while mentoring and coaching other data scientists to create a high-performing team. A conceptual and critical thinker, providing insights that enable innovation and best practices in a big data environment.

Role Description

• Contribute towards the development of Shoprite data strategy to deliver best-in-class analytics across the organisation.
• Work with business stakeholders to identify business requirements and model and frame business scenarios that are meaningful and which impact on critical business processes and/or decisions.
• Work closely with data and software teams to shape and enable deployment of fit‑for‑purpose, robust solutions that will scale across the company’s ecosystem.
• Develop, plan and prioritise data projects and delegate assigned roles and responsibilities for execution, weighing business and technical trade‑offs as required.
• Lead the development of analytics‑focused products, using machine learning, natural language
• processing, and mathematical / statistical techniques to develop powerful sciences that delivers business value and impact.
• Work with the data scientist team to define models to be created and implemented together with the approach for implementing them and monitor for accuracy, integrity and robustness.
• Define data quality expectations and provide ongoing tracking and monitoring of performance of data systems and models.
• Produce sophisticated data preparation in order to reduce and shape data.
• Apply comprehensive set of predictive and descriptive modelling techniques to the data appropriate to achieving the business objectives which includes decision trees and association rules.
• Identify and manage data development challenges, offer suggestions, and deploy appropriate
• solutions.
• Report on analytical findings and results to senior stakeholders, using data visualisation techniques to tell compelling stories, while tying progress to enterprise goals.
• Evaluate new and emerging technologies from which to develop prototypes and proof of concepts.
• Act as a domain expert, sharing best practices and knowledge with data scientists, analysts and cross‑functional partners.
• Provide support to data scientists on complex problems, integration of findings or presentation of results, requiring high‑level expertise.
• Act in a technical leadership capacity, coaching and mentoring data scientists and new team members and supporting their growth and professional development.
• Stay updated on the latest research and developments in Data Science and adjacent fields to ensure the latest technology, techniques and methods are always applied.

Qualifications and experience

• Degree or Diploma in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field (essential). Post Graduate Degree in the above or related fields – (desired)
• +5 years’ experience in a similar role, consistently leading and solving complex business and tech problems within a fast‑paced environment – (essential).
• In‑depth statistical modelling, machine learning, and data mining experience; Leadership in Analytics, Project Management – (essential).
• Expertise in SQL, Python, Tableau, MatLab, and Large Datasets, Excel, R, Low Code skill, Generative AI, RAG – (essential).
• Experience in leading and developing others whilst taking ownership for specific project outcomes – (essential).
• Experience delivering project outcomes using design thinking, lean and agile principles –(essential).
• Experience in a retail, commercial or IT environment – (highly desired).

Key (Power) competencies and work ethic

• A data expert with the skill of practicing the art of Data Science. Cracks highly complex data problems to answer business questions using their expertise in scientific disciplines.
• Leadership skills – Naturally able to lead and direct others and establish trust‑based relationships. Coaches and mentors’ others to deliver end‑to‑end business solutions in a collaborative and professional manner.
• Collaborative partner – Builds strong relationships with stakeholders to support data initiatives and achieve business goals. Works effectively across functions and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team. Builds credibility quickly and establishes collaborative partnerships with internal and external stakeholders. Handles challenges / conflict constructively, optimally leveraging networks to obtain business goals.
• Effective Change Manager – Capable of leading and managing the implementation of new data processes or systems, ensuring smooth transitions.
• Critical, analytical, systems thinking – Collects, organises and interpret data to provide meaningful insights, supporting business decision‑making. Evaluating data and situations to make informed decisions, considering all potential implications. Demonstrates an understanding of how one issue is part of a larger system.
• Results driven – High level of self‑motivation and drive to meet and exceed on goals and expectations and engage and energise others to deliver on expectations. Focusing on achieving high performance and delivering valuable outcomes.
• Effective problem solver – Comfortable taking decisions and dealing with a range of problem‑solving challenges independently. Capable of analysing problems and devise effective solutions using data‑driven approaches.
• Detailed, organised and quality focused – Has an affinity for detail, structure and efficiency, balancing planning, and execution. Able to coordinate and manage resources to deliver solutions within quality standards. Comfortable taking independent action and guides others to enable delivery.
• Storytelling (Effective Communication Skills) – Using data to tell compelling stories that drive business decisions and actions. Inspires commitment. Able to confidently explain and simply complex technical concepts and their real‑world advantages/disadvantages to a diverse business audience. Compiles visual reports that tells a concise, compelling story and knows how to choose communication methods that suits the problem being solved.
• Effective at negotiation & Conflict Resolution – Ability to address and resolve conflicts within teams or with stakeholders to maintain productive relationships.
• Ability to work under pressure and under tight time constraints, efficiently prioritising workloads, balancing multiple and competing priorities and managing time effectively in a high‑volume, fast‑moving environment. Enjoys challenging work and has proven ability to effectively adapt to and manage change.
• Is curious and open to learning – Continuously seeking new knowledge and skills to stay at the forefront of data analytics. Finds agile and rapid ways of answering business questions and implementing solutions fast. Plays an integral role in building Shoprite’s data analytics muscle, constantly finding ways to leverage opportunities.
• Commercial/Business acumen – Understands how data can be leveraged within business, knows what the key issues and risks are that drives success; and how they impact on commercial viability and profitability and success.

Our Group and all its operating companies is committed to creating, embracing, and preserving a diverse workplace that values the unique talents, perspectives, backgrounds, and abilities that enrich our organisation. A place where everyone matters and feels included.

We are committed to Employment Equity when recruiting internally and externally.

Please take note that by responding to this application and providing your personal information, you confirm your express and informed consent for Shoprite Checkers (Pty) Ltd and all its subsidiaries and affiliates companies to process your personal information for the Company to consider your application for this position. All Personal Information which you provide to the Company will be used and/or retained only for the purposes for which it is collected, whereafter it will be permanently destroyed. Your information is only retained if it is required by law or where you have given consent to us to retain such information for an extended period.

If you don’t hear from us within 14 days, please consider your application unsuccessful. Any personal information collected as part of your application will be destroyed, securely, in accordance with South African legislation.