Head Data Science (Direct and Digital Insurance)

Absa Group Limited; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1 000 000 - 1 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial services provider in Johannesburg is seeking a Head of Data Science to lead the innovation in digital insurance by building and operationalising machine learning and AI models. The ideal candidate should possess a Master's degree in Data Science along with strong skills in telematics, risk modelling, and customer decisioning. This role offers an opportunity to drive significant changes in digital insurance through cutting-edge technology and innovative practices.

Qualifications

• Required Master's level in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering.
• Bachelor's Degree in relevant Physical, Mathematical, or Life Sciences is essential.

Responsibilities

• Build and operationalise machine learning and AI models.
• Drive experimentation and innovation in telematics and risk modelling.
• Develop models for customer segmentation and targeting offers.

Skills

Machine learning

AI models

Risk modelling

Customer decisioning

Telematics

Education

Master's Degree in Data Science

Master's Degrees in Computer Science

Master's Degrees in Statistics

Bachelor's Degrees in Physical Sciences

Job description

Job title : Head Data Science (Direct and Digital Insurance)

Job Location : Gauteng, Johannesburg

Deadline : November 30, 2025

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Job Summary

• The role will be responsible for building and operationalising machine learning and AI models. The Head: Data Science drives experimentation and innovation across telematics, risk modelling, and customer decisioning (including customer segmentation and client lifetime value).
• The role positions Absa Insurance at the forefront of digital insurance innovation and is explicitly distinct from Management Information and reporting functions. Master's level in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering.

Job Description

• The role will be responsible for building and operationalising machine learning and AI models, the Head: Data Science drives experimentation and innovation across telematics, risk modelling, and customer decisioning (including customer segmentation and client lifetime value).
• The role positions Absa Insurance at the forefront of digital insurance innovation and is explicitly distinct from Management Information and reporting functions.

Telematics

• Build driver behaviour models that predict risk and reward safe driving.
• Use connected-device data (e.g., vehicle sensors, IoT geysers) to enable proactive risk management.
• Translate raw telematics data into underwriting insights and customer value propositions.

Risk Modelling

• Predictive Underwriting: Apply AI / ML to assess claim probability upfront (telematics, geospatial risk, external data) to sharpen risk selection.
• Portfolio Stress Signals: Monitor book performance with models for lapse / NTU risk, persistency, and concentration exposures, providing early warning to complement actuarial reserving.

Customer Decisioning

• Develop models for customer segmentation, targeting, and personalised offers.
• Predict client lifetime value (CLV) to optimise acquisition and retention investments.
• Support decision engines for next-best action, pricing, and cross-sell in digital channels.

Education

• Bachelor's Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences (Required)
• Master's Degree: Data Science (Required)
• Masters Degrees (coursework and research): Computer and Information Science (Required)
• Masters Degrees (coursework and research): Mathematics (Required)
• Masters Degrees (coursework and research): Statistics (Required)

End Date

End Date : October 29, 2025