Decision Scientist

Capitec; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African bank is seeking a data science professional to enhance business decision-making and develop AI strategies. The ideal candidate will have an Honours Degree in Mathematics or Statistics, strong experience in statistical modeling, and proficiency in Machine Learning languages like Python or SAS Viya. This role requires excellent analytical skills and the ability to design analytics models that drive improvement and optimize revenue.

Qualifications

• Statistical model development and deployment principles.
• Experience with Machine Learning languages.
• Knowledge of cloud environments.

Responsibilities

• Solve business problems using data science.
• Improve processes through data analysis.
• Develop quantitative analytics models.

Skills

Numerical Reasoning skills

Researching skills

Analytical Skills

Problem solving skills

Decision making skills

Planning, organising and coordination skills

Attention to Detail

Presentation Skills

Communications Skills

Interpersonal & Relationship management Skills

Education

Honours Degree in Mathematics or Statistics

Masters Degree in Mathematics or Statistics

Tools

Python

SAS Viya

Azure

AWS

Job description

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We're on the lookout for energetic, self-motivated individuals who share our passion for service in the banking industry. To be part of the journey, follow the steps below:

• To see what life at Capitec is all about and complete a short assessment, please click here!
• Once you have completed the above, finalize your application by clicking apply below.

Purpose Statement

• To solve business problems, create new products and services, and improve processes through using the disciplines of data science, quantitative (financial) analysis, and traditional scoring techniques - translating active business data into usable strategic information.
• To look at ways of analysing and optimising data as it relates to a specific business area; framing data analysis in terms of the decision‑making process for questions or business problems posed by a stakeholder.
• To help build and deliver Capitec's AI strategy, enabling data‑led and improved business decision making.
• To design quantitative advanced analytics models that answer business questions and/or discover opportunities for improvement, increased revenue, or reduced costs.

Education (Minimum)

• Honours Degree in Mathematics or Statistics

Education (Ideal Or Preferred)

• Masters Degree in Mathematics or Statistics

Experience and Knowledge

Minimum Experience And Knowledge

• Length of experience required is also conditional on qualifications obtained
• Statistical (predictive and classification) model development and deployment principles and techniques; including traditional scoring (logistic regression with binning and missing value replacement, e.g., reject inference), Machine Learning (neural networks, SVM, random forests, etc.), and quantitative analysis (time value of money, etc.)
• At least one Machine Learning language (e.g., Python or SAS Viya)
• Business analysis and requirements gathering
• General business know‑how (e.g., risk, compliance, operations such as NCR, POPIA, and SARB)
• Cloud environments (e.g., Azure, AWS, and large relational databases)
• Functional business area (e.g., Credit) environment knowledge and experience
• Developing scorecards from scratch
• Underlying theory and application of machine learning models
• Best practices for decision science (such as reusability, reproducibility, continuous monitoring, etc.)

Ideal Experience And Knowledge

• Over 5 years’ experience in an analytical science role
• Working with multiple teams to deliver predictive models into a production environment
• Financial sector
• Credit environment / industry (Credit cycle)
• Bank decision science lifecycle

Skills

• Numerical Reasoning skills
• Researching skills
• Analytical Skills
• Problem solving skills
• Decision making skills
• Planning, organising and coordination skills
• Attention to Detail
• Presentation Skills
• Communications Skills
• Interpersonal & Relationship management Skills

Additional Information

• Clear criminal and credit record

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