Lead Data Scientist - Consumer Insights (FMCG)

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring a Lead Data Scientist in a remote-first role across South Africa. You will drive consumer insights initiatives, lead a team of data scientists, and shape analytics strategy to influence marketing, product development, and customer engagement.

Requirements include 7+ years in data science with FMCG or consumer insights experience, expertise in ML, modeling, and experimental design, and proficiency in Python or R with Spark/Hadoop and SQL/NoSQL.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field with 7+ years in data science.
• Proven expertise in ML, statistical modelling, and experimental design.
• Proficient in Python or R and data manipulation libraries.
• Experience with Spark/Hadoop and SQL/NoSQL databases.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of advanced data models and algorithms to extract actionable consumer insights from large datasets.
• Design and execute analytics projects addressing key business questions on consumer behavior and market trends.
• Develop predictive models for customer segmentation, churn, and campaign effectiveness.
• Collaborate with marketing, product, and sales to translate insights into strategy.
• Mentor a team of data scientists and foster a culture of learning.
• Ensure data quality, governance, and reliable insights.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay updated on advances in data science and big data technologies.

Skills

ML

Statistical modeling

Python

R

Pandas

NumPy

Spark

Hadoop

SQL

NoSQL

Tableau

Power BI

Experiment design

Team leadership

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

SQL

NoSQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading name in the **FMCG** industry, is looking for an experienced Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their consumer insights initiatives. This is a pivotal **remote-first** position, enabling you to contribute your analytical expertise from anywhere within South Africa. You will be responsible for leveraging advanced data analytics, machine learning, and statistical modeling to uncover deep consumer trends, predict market behaviors, and drive data-informed decision-making across the organization. This role is crucial for enhancing product development, optimizing marketing strategies, and improving customer engagement. We are dedicated to building a strong, connected team that thrives in a virtual environment. Your leadership in data science will be central to our client's competitive edge and future success in the dynamic FMCG market.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of sophisticated data models and algorithms to extract actionable consumer insights from large datasets.
• Design and execute analytical projects that address key business questions related to consumer behavior, market trends, and product performance.
• Develop predictive models for customer segmentation, churn prediction, and campaign effectiveness.
• Collaborate with marketing, product development, and sales teams to translate data insights into strategic recommendations.
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Oversee data quality, integrity, and governance, ensuring reliable and accurate insights.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and big data technologies relevant to the **FMCG** sector.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 7+ years of experience in data science, with a significant portion focused on **consumer insights** and/or **FMCG**.
• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning techniques (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning), and experimental design.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R and experience with data manipulation libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy).
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and database management (SQL, NoSQL).
• Strong understanding of data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and techniques.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication and collaboration abilities, with a track record of influencing business decisions.
• Ability to lead and mentor a team in a **remote, collaborative setting**.

Benefits

This **remote-first** position offers significant flexibility and the opportunity to make a substantial impact. Our client provides a highly competitive salary, annual performance bonuses, comprehensive medical and dental coverage, a generous retirement fund, ample paid time off, and access to cutting-edge training and development resources. You will be working with a forward-thinking company that embraces innovation and supports a healthy work-life balance. The role is based in **Midrand, Gauteng, ZA**, but is a fully remote opportunity, allowing for flexible working arrangements.