Lead Data Scientist

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Performance bonuses

Professional development

Provident fund

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Data Scientist in Centurion, Gauteng to spearhead advanced analytics initiatives and lead a team of data professionals in developing ML models and data-driven solutions.

You will drive data strategy, translate business challenges into actionable insights, collaborate with stakeholders, and stay at the forefront of ML/AI technologies in a collaborative, results-oriented environment. Office-based role in Centurion.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field.
• 8+ years in data science with leadership experience.
• Expertise in ML algorithms and deep learning.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries.
• Strong SQL and big data skills (Spark/Hadoop).
• Experience with Tableau/Power BI.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor data science team.
• Develop advanced ML models and analytics.
• Oversee data lifecycle from collection to deployment.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define projects.
• Design experiments to validate models.
• Communicate findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with ML/AI developments.
• Ensure ethical and responsible use of data.
• Maintain data pipelines and analytics frameworks.
• Shape the company's data analytics strategy.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Python

R

SQL

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Tableau

Power BI

Big data

Communication

Education

Master's degree in CS/Statistics/Math

PhD in a related quantitative field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering data analytics firm, is seeking an exceptional Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their advanced analytics initiatives. This senior role is based in the bustling technology corridor of Centurion, Gauteng , and involves leading a team of talented data professionals in developing sophisticated machine learning models and data-driven solutions. The Lead Data Scientist will be instrumental in shaping the company's data strategy, driving innovation, and delivering actionable insights that propel business growth. You will engage with stakeholders across various departments, translating complex data challenges into tangible outcomes. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact by leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies in a collaborative and results-oriented environment. The position demands strong leadership qualities, deep technical expertise, and a passion for uncovering patterns within vast datasets. You will be at the forefront of using data to solve real-world business problems, influencing key strategic decisions within the organization. The role requires a strong presence in the Centurion office to foster team collaboration and client engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists and analysts, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Develop and implement advanced machine learning models and statistical techniques to address complex business problems.
• Oversee the entire data science lifecycle, from data acquisition and cleaning to model deployment and monitoring.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to identify opportunities for data-driven solutions and define project requirements.
• Design and conduct experiments to test hypotheses and validate model performance.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible use of data and analytical methodologies.
• Develop and maintain robust data pipelines and analytical frameworks.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of the company's data analytics capabilities.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 8+ years of experience in data science, with a proven track record of leading successful projects.
• Expertise in machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Strong SQL skills and experience with large-scale data manipulation.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is highly desirable.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business needs into data science solutions.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Must be able to work full-time in our Centurion, Gauteng office.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health insurance, and generous performance bonuses. Employees benefit from significant professional development opportunities, including advanced training, conference attendance, and support for further education. A provident fund and ample paid time off are provided. You will have the opportunity to work on challenging and impactful projects, collaborating with a team of top-tier professionals. The role offers exposure to cutting-edge technologies and the chance to influence strategic decisions within a growing organization. Join a company that invests in its people and fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in Gauteng .