Head of Research & Development

Experian; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data and analytics company is seeking a Head of R&D to spearhead data innovation in Stellenbosch, South Africa. The role requires strong collaboration skills and extensive experience in product development. The ideal candidate will lead a team focused on leveraging alternative data sources and drive product innovations vital to the company's strategic objectives.

Benefits

Work-life balance

Development opportunities

Recognition programs

Qualifications

• 15 years experience in data-related product development.
• Proven evidence of thought leadership initiatives.
• Ability to engage with market leaders across verticals.

Responsibilities

• Identify alternative data sources for potential product development.
• Lead the research and development of innovative data products.
• Manage and mentor the Innovation R&D team.

Skills

Data analysis

Innovation leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Product development

Education

Honors degree in Mathematics, Statistics, or similar

Job description

Overview

The Experian Innovation and Strategy team in South Africa spearheads adjacent and unchartered innovation. A key component of this function is fulfilled by the Research and Development (R&D) team. Innovation through data is core to Experian South Africa's (EZA) strategic objective.

The Head: R&D will be accountable for the identification assessment and recommendation on potential use cases associated with Alternative data sources. As such this role will also be responsible for identifying opportunities for Experian to either develop new or expand on existing product offerings. This role will also be supporting and advising other teams within Experian to assess the feasibility and create first conceptual designs for new products.

This role requires particularly strong collaboration traits and a keen understanding of what current market offerings and needs entail. The Head: R&D should be a keen learner insatiably curious and an instigator of high performance.

Responsibility for adherence to associated Compliance Risk Data Governance and Legal processes also rest on this role.

DATA RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT

• Identify alternative data sources from what is currently leveraged in the business
• Identify new types of data (net new) that could be of value to the business, our clients or consumers
• Facilitate and participate in obtaining samples of such data
• Guide your team on analysing/investigating the data to assess suitability for new or enhanced products
• Decide on and communicate outcomes of assessment of data to business
• Facilitate and participate in the building of initial viable products (if applicable)

DATA ENGAGEMENT

• Engage with executive stakeholders in the business re. data opportunities and findings from research
• Present ideas and viable products at various stages to clients to test market appetite and product applicability
• Initiate and pursue engagement with potential suppliers of data and inform/support commercial conversations that may apply

DATA RIGHT-TO-PLAY

• Ensure adherence to processes prescribed by the Experian Governance Legal Compliance and Risk processes

CROSS-TEAM COLLABORATION

• Stay abreast of existing Experian product offerings (both locally and in other markets)
• Identify potential future new product owners and engage them in the product development process at the right time to facilitate effective handover to business
• Effective and solution focused engagements with Experian colleagues both locally and in other markets

DATA THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

• The CDI (Consumer Default Index) and BDI (Business Debt Index) are two quarterly publications that inform press releases and media engagement. You are responsible for ensuring that these products are maintained and delivered timeously
• The CDI and BDI are often enriched/expanded at an ad hoc basis as a means to test new ideas or to create thought leadership insights that can be shared in the market. This enhancement is performed by the R&D team.
• Present on latest developments in market and at Experian in various forums (Conferences Summits Webinars etc.)
• Ensure that Experian is perceived in the market as a thought leader and industry expert

INNOVATION R&D TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Cultivate and maintain a high-performance Innovation R&D team in a remote working environment
• Develop and mentor more junior team members
• Perform team managerial duties

MINIMAL VIABLE PRODUCT (MVP) DEVELOPMENT AND MARKET TESTING

• Leverage existing and new data assets to develop and test new MVPs with relevant partners
• Deliver successful MVP to relevant business owners empowering them to scale solutions post-handover

Qualifications :

• Honors or greater degree with strong focus in Mathematics Statistics Computer Science Econometrics or similar
• Excellent communication skills (written and spoken)
• 15 years experience in data-related product development
• Proven evidence of thought leadership initiatives
• Keen understanding of market conditions and needs
• Keen understanding of existing credit bureau products
• Ability to engage meaningfully with market leaders in existing and new verticals
• Excellent interpersonal skills; Ability to travel

Additional Information :

Our uniqueness is that we celebrate yours. Experian's culture and people are important differentiators. We take our people agenda very seriously and focus on what matters; DEI work / life balance development authenticity collaboration wellness reward & recognition volunteering... the list goes on. Experian's people first approach is award-winning; Worlds Best Workplaces 2024 (Fortune Top 25) Great Place To Work in 24 countries and Glassdoor Best Places to Work 2024 to name a few. Check out Experian Life on social or our Careers Site to understand why.

Experian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Innovation is an important part of Experian's DNA and practices and our diverse workforce drives our success. Everyone can succeed at Experian and bring their whole self to work irrespective of their gender ethnicity religion colour sexuality physical ability or age. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation please let us know at the earliest opportunity.

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Remote Work : Employment Type :

Full-time

Key Skills

Marketing & Promotions, Attorney At Law, Jni, Airlines, Art

Department / Functional Area : Analytics

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1