Lead Data Scientist - AI Focus

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level bonuses

Comprehensive health, retirement, and

Life insurance

Generous paid time off

Opportunities for cutting-edge

Research and publications

Job summary

Placements24 in Centurion invites an experienced Lead Data Scientist to drive AI strategy and build advanced models. You will lead a team of data scientists, set roadmaps, and ensure AI initiatives deliver business value across core systems.

You will mentor researchers, collaborate with product and engineering teams, and present insights to executives, shaping the organization's data-driven direction. This role offers high-impact projects and executive exposure.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of experience in data science with a significant focus on AI/ML.
• Proven experience leading data science teams and managing complex projects.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries.
• Strong understanding of AI ethics, fairness, and interpretability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists in the development of AI-driven solutions.
• Define project roadmaps, methodologies, and best practices for AI and ML initiatives.
• Develop, validate, and deploy sophisticated statistical models and machine learning algorithms.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to integrate AI models into production systems.
• Present complex findings and recommendations to executive leadership and key stakeholders.

Skills

AI/ML expertise

Team leadership

Python

R

Statistics

Data strategy

Ethics in AI

Education

PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is looking for an experienced and visionary Lead Data Scientist with a strong specialization in Artificial Intelligence to join their esteemed team in Centurion . In this pivotal role, you will lead a team of data scientists in developing and implementing advanced AI models to solve critical business challenges. You will be responsible for setting the technical direction, mentoring team members, and driving the adoption of AI across the organization. This position offers a unique opportunity to work on complex, high-impact projects and influence the company's data strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists in the development of AI-driven solutions.
• Define project roadmaps, methodologies, and best practices for AI and machine learning initiatives.
• Develop, validate, and deploy sophisticated statistical models and machine learning algorithms.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to integrate AI models into production systems.
• Present complex findings and recommendations to executive leadership and key stakeholders.

Requirements

• PhD or Master's degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of experience in data science, with a significant focus on AI/ML.
• Proven experience leading data science teams and managing complex projects.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and ML libraries.
• Strong understanding of AI ethics, fairness, and interpretability.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary with executive-level bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and life insurance packages.
• Generous paid time off and leave policies.
• Opportunities for cutting-edge research and publication.
• A dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment in Centurion .