Lead Data Scientist

Placements24; Kempton Park; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Paid time off

Learning opportunities

Career progression

Job summary

Placements24 in Gauteng seeks a Lead Data Scientist to guide a team of data scientists, develop advanced analytical models, and translate data into business insights. You will own the full data science lifecycle from exploration to deployment and monitoring, communicating results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

The role requires a strong background in ML, statistical modeling, and leadership, with a focus on driving business value within a dynamic organization based in Tembisa,

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 7+ years of experience in data science or a related analytical role, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Expertise in Python or R, including libraries (pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with SQL and working with large datasets.
• Proficiency in machine learning algorithms and statistical modeling techniques.
• Experience with big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to explain complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
• Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI).
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to data-driven solutions.
• Experience in the Tembisa, Gauteng area or similar environments preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Develop and implement machine learning models for predictive analytics, classification, and clustering.
• Perform complex data mining and analysis on large datasets.
• Design and execute A/B tests and other experiments to evaluate model performance and business impact.
• Translate business problems into data science questions and solutions.
• Create compelling data visualizations and communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy models into production systems.
• Identify opportunities to leverage data for business growth and operational efficiency.
• Stay current with advances in data science and AI.
• Define and track KPIs for data science projects.

Skills

Python

R

Statistical modeling

Leadership

Communication

Data visualization

Education

Master's degree in CS/Statistics

PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

pandas

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

SQL

Spark

Hadoop

Tableau

Power BI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in data analytics and business intelligence, is seeking an accomplished Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their innovative data initiatives in Tembisa, Gauteng . This high-impact role involves guiding a team of talented data scientists, developing advanced analytical models, and translating complex data into actionable business insights. You will be responsible for the entire data science lifecycle, from data exploration and feature engineering to model deployment and performance monitoring. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of technical expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and a proven ability to communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. This is a unique opportunity to shape data strategy and drive significant business value within a progressive organization located in the vibrant heart of Gauteng .

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Develop and implement sophisticated machine learning models for predictive analytics, classification, and clustering.
• Perform complex data mining and analysis on large, diverse datasets.
• Design and execute A/B tests and other experimental designs to evaluate model performance and business impact.
• Translate business problems into data science questions and solutions.
• Create compelling data visualizations and communicate findings clearly to stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to deploy models into production systems.
• Identify opportunities to leverage data for business growth and operational efficiency.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI.
• Define and track key performance indicators for data science projects.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 7+ years of experience in data science or a related analytical role, with at least 2 years in a leadership capacity.
• Expertise in Python or R, including relevant libraries (e.g., pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with SQL and working with large datasets.
• Proficiency in machine learning algorithms and statistical modeling techniques.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Demonstrated ability to explain complex technical concepts to a non-technical audience.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI).
• Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying data-driven solutions.
• Experience in the Tembisa, Gauteng area or similar business environments preferred.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, an attractive bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, retirement fund contributions, and paid time off. Employees have access to continuous learning opportunities, professional development programs, and the chance to work on cutting-edge projects. The role is based in our modern facility in Tembisa, Gauteng , providing a dynamic and collaborative work atmosphere. We are committed to fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork, ensuring our employees thrive both personally and professionally. Generous opportunities for career progression are available for high performers.