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Lead Data Science & DataOps Engineer

Reach Digital Health

Cape Town, Johannesburg

On-site

ZAR 800,000 - 1,100,000

Full time

Today
Be an early applicant

Job summary

A leading health technology company in Cape Town is looking for a Lead Data Science & DataOps Engineer to drive technical excellence and innovation in health projects. You will build a high-performing team and lead the development of data solutions. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience in data science and strong leadership skills, particularly in AI/ML development. This role offers a four-day workweek, competitive salary, and growth opportunities.

Benefits

Four-day work week
Ongoing training and career development
Inclusive and diverse workplace

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ in a senior role.
  • Strong mathematical background with a track record in data science.

Responsibilities

  • Lead end-to-end development of AI/ML solutions.
  • Manage team staffing, performance, and recruitment.
  • Represent the team through conferences and publications.

Skills

Data science expertise
AI/ML development
Data engineering
Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
Coding skills (Python, Bash)
Stakeholder engagement

Education

Relevant degree in a quantitative or technical field

Tools

DataOps tools (CI/CD, model monitoring)
Big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop)
Containerisation tools (Docker, Kubernetes)
Job description
About Reach

Reach Digital Health is transforming how public healthcare is delivered. Using innovative digital tools, we connect people, especially those who cannot easily access traditional care, to the information and support they need to live healthier lives. From maternal and child health to HIV/AIDS support and immunisation, our work helps close critical gaps in healthcare and ensures that underserved communities are not left behind.

With more than 16 years of experience, we know that technology alone is not enough. Real impact comes from combining our scalable, multi-channel technology with the partnerships, systems and expertise needed to drive meaningful change. By joining Reach, you will be part of a mission-driven team tackling some of the world’s toughest health challenges, making healthcare more inclusive and helping save lives every day.

Why Work With Us

Our team is guided by our values: grit, empathy, collaboration, simplicity, and curiosity. By joining Reach, you will be part of a mission-driven team tackling some of the world’s toughest health challenges, making healthcare more inclusive and helping save lives every day.

At Reach, you will do work that matters while enjoying the balance you deserve. We are proud to be one of the first South African companies to embrace a four-day work week, giving our team more time for life outside of work. Alongside competitive salaries, we invest in your growth through ongoing training and career development, creating opportunities to thrive in a supportive and innovative environment.

We put people at the centre of everything we do - both internally and in our work. We are creating an inclusive, diverse environment where everyone feels welcome, accepted, and supported. We are a progressive and equal-opportunity employer.

About the role

As Lead Data Science & DataOps Engineer, you will lead our Data Science and DataOps functions, driving technical excellence, strategic alignment, and innovation across projects, ensuring that best practices and processes are followed, and the quality of data science, data ops and dashboarding solutions are maintained. This role requires deep technical expertise in data science, AI/ML, and data engineering, alongside strong leadership and mentoring capabilities. You will ensure quality delivery, scalable architecture, and ethical use of data while building a high-performing team that supports Reach’s strategic priorities.

Key Focus Areas

1. Strategic & Technical Leadership

  • Provide strategic direction and technical leadership across Data Science, AI/ML, and DataOps.
  • Define and drive a roadmap aligned with organisational goals, with a focus on digital health, impact measurement, and large-scale behaviour change.
  • Guide architectural decisions, assess technical risks, and ensure alignment with broader engineering goals.
  • Play an active role in shaping Reach's technology strategy and contribute to organisation-wide KPIs.

2. AI/ML Research & Development

  • Drive the design, development, and deployment of high-impact AI/ML models (e.g. LLMs, predictive modelling, NLP, recommendation engines).
  • Explore and experiment with emerging technologies, algorithms, and tools to push the boundaries of innovation.
  • Champion ethical, responsible AI - ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in model design and use.

3. DataOps & Infrastructure

  • Oversee the design, development, and automation of scalable and secure data pipelines, workflows, and infrastructure.
  • Implement data governance, privacy, and compliance standards across data and model operations.
  • Collaborate with SRE, MERL and Engineering teams to ensure seamless integration of data workflows.

4. People Leadership & Team Growth

  • Build, manage, and mentor a high-performing team across Data Science, AI/ML, and DataOps disciplines
  • Promote a culture of learning, knowledge sharing, and psychological safety.
  • Support professional development and growth of individuals and the broader function.

5. Collaboration & Cross-Functional Impact

  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including MERL, SxD, Engineering, and
  • Implementation to ensure high-quality delivery and impact.
  • Provide data-driven insights and support the development of monitoring tools for real-time evaluation.
  • Support on technical input for proposals, concept notes, and partnership development.

6. Operational Excellence & Ways of Working

  • Champion process improvements, AI/ML and DataOps practices, and reproducibility standards.
  • Promote consistent adoption of best practices across all data and model development workflows.
  • Take responsibility for risks, delivery timelines, and the quality of technical outputs.
Responsibilities
  • Lead end-to-end development of AI/ML and data solutions, from ideation to deployment and monitoring.
  • Design experiments, perform impact analyses, and contribute to data strategy for research and delivery teams.
  • Drive continuous evaluation and improvement of models and pipelines.
  • Manage team resourcing, performance, recruitment, and onboarding.
  • Represent the team internally and externally through conferences, stakeholder engagements, and publications
Qualifications
  • Relevant degree in a quantitative or technical field (e.g. Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics) or equivalent experience.
  • Strong mathematical background and a proven track record in data science, data engineering, or AI/ML senior roles.
Skills & Experience Required
  • 7+ years of relevant experience, including 3+ years in a senior or leadership role.
  • Strong expertise in data science, data engineering, and AI/ML development.
  • Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure), DataOps and MLOps tools (CI/CD pipelines, model monitoring), and orchestration tools.
  • Strong coding skills (Python, Bash, etc.) and experience with distributed computing.
  • Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional, multidisciplinary teams.
Desirable
  • Experience with big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop), containerisation (Docker, Kubernetes), and open-source contributions.
  • Knowledge of data privacy regulations and ethical frameworks for AI.
How to Apply

Ready to make a difference in public health? We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage candidates of all genders, races, ages, religions, sexual orientations, and abilities to apply. Reach Digital Health is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.

Submit your application today and join our mission-driven team to make a real impact in public health.

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