Lead Data Scientist

Tumaini Consulting; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Tumaini Consulting is seeking an accomplished Lead Data Scientist to provide senior technical leadership while remaining hands-on across data science, machine learning, analytics and AI-driven solutions. This pivotal role translates complex business challenges into actionable insights and helps shape the technical direction of the Data Science function.

The candidate brings 7+ years of data experience, 2+ years in leadership, and strong skills in Python, PySpark, Delta Lake, and Power BI to

Qualifications

• 7+ years' experience across Data Science, Data Analytics or Data Warehousing, with substantial recent Data Science experience.
• 2+ years' experience in a technical or engineering leadership capacity.
• Strong production experience across ML, statistical modelling and AI system design, including model deployment, monitoring and retraining.
• Advanced Python skills with Jupyter, pandas, NumX and scikit-learn.
• Experience with Delta Lake or comparable lakehouse architectures.
• Strong PySpark and distributed data-processing experience.
• Strong Power BI and Python-based data visualisation experience.
• Proven ability to mentor technical teams and communicate with senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline or equivalent professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior technical leadership while remaining hands-on across data science, ML, analytics and AI-driven solutions.
• Translate complex business challenges into actionable insights and shape the technical direction of the Data Science function.
• Mentor technical teams and communicate with senior stakeholders to drive data-driven decision making.

Skills

Python programming

Machine learning

Leadership experience

Stakeholder communication

Data visualization

Distributed data processing

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Tools

PySpark

Delta Lake

Power BI

scikit-learn

Jupyter

pandas

NumPy

Job description

Our client is seeking an accomplished Lead Data Scientist to provide senior technical leadership while remaining hands-on across data science, machine learning, analytics and AI-driven solutions. This is a key role for a data professional who can translate complex business challenges into actionable insights while helping shape the technical direction of the Data Science function.

Requirements:

• 7+ years' experience across Data Science, Data Analytics or Data Warehousing, with substantial recent Data Science experience.
• 2+ years' experience in a technical or engineering leadership capacity.
• Strong production experience across machine learning, statistical modelling and AI system design, including model deployment, monitoring and retraining.
• Advanced Python skills with strong experience in Jupyter, pandas, NumX and scikit-learn.
• Experience with Delta Lake or comparable lakehouse architectures.
• Strong PySpark and distributed data-processing experience.
• Strong Power BI and Python-based data visualisation experience.
• Proven ability to mentor technical teams and communicate with senior stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills.
• Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline or equivalent professional experience.