Lead Data Scientist - Cape Town - Extremely ATTRACTIVE PA

E-Merge It Recruitment; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 300 000 - 400 000; Full time

Job summary

A specialized recruitment agency seeks a Lead Data Scientist in Cape Town. This role involves designing impactful ML solutions, leading a team, and partnering with executives to solve complex business problems. A strong background in Python and cloud computing is required. Expect a competitive salary and opportunities to influence data-driven banking practices in South Africa.

Qualifications

• Honours degree in Data Science (Masters or PhD preferred).
• Track record of delivering real-world ML/AI solutions.
• Strong exposure to cloud computing and data pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Designing and deploying ML solutions for real business impact.
• Leading and mentoring a team of data scientists and analysts.
• Partnering with stakeholders to transform business problems into solutions.

Skills

Python

Machine Learning

Data Science

Cloud Computing

SQL

NoSQL databases

Team Leadership

Data Ethics

Education

Honours degree in Data Science

Job description

Introduction

Data is only useful if it tells a story. Were looking for a Lead Data Scientist who can cut through the noise translate numbers into strategy and build machine learning solutions that land in production not just theory.

If you love the thrill of optimising models scaling AI across millions of users and getting your hands dirty with everything from Python to XGBoost then this ones for you.

Duties & Responsibilities

What you’ll be doing :

• Designing and deploying ML solutions that dont just sit in a sandbox but make a real impact in a live business environment.
• Leading mentoring and growing a team of data scientists and analysts.
• Partnering with senior stakeholders and executives to transform complex business problems into data-driven solutions.
• Driving best practices in reproducible coding data ethics and compliance in the financial services space.
• Working with cutting-edge tools and cloud platforms ( AWS Azure GCP ) to deliver scalable production-ready solutions.

What you’ll need in your toolkit :

• Honours degree in Data Science (Masters or PhD gets you bonus points).
• Track record of delivering real-world ML / AI solutions.
• Deep knowledge of Python / R SQL and NoSQL databases.
• Strong exposure to cloud computing and data pipelines.
• Experience leading teams influencing at exec level and managing cross-functional projects.
• A passion for mentoring sharing knowledge and building a learning culture.

Why this role rocks :

You’ll be in a business that takes data science seriously not as a buzzword but as the core driver of how they deliver value to clients. Expect big data big impact and big opportunities to shape the future of how banking is done in South Africa.

Reference Number for this role is GZ60795 . This is a contract role based in Cape Town offering a cost-to-company salary of Extremely ATTRACTIVE PA.

📉 Contact Garth at or call to chat about this and other data science opportunities.

E‑Merge IT Recruitment is a niche agency and were all about connecting top talent with the right roles. Browse our site at for more positions.

🗣️ Referral bonus : If you know someone perfect for this role send them our way we pay cash for successful referrals!

Key Skills

Business,Baan,Communication,Corporate Advisory,HSSE

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1