Lead Data Scientist - Machine Learning

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay & bonus

Medical, dental, vision benefits

Paid time off

Career advancement

Innovation culture

Job summary

Placements24 in George, Western Cape, is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive advanced ML initiatives and data-driven decisions within a dynamic team.

You will mentor junior data scientists, partner with stakeholders across departments, and deploy AI solutions with real business impact. The role demands a strong foundation in ML, big data, and cloud platforms.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of data science experience with leadership of ML projects.
• Deep understanding of ML algorithms including regression, classification, clustering, deep learning.
• Proficiency in Python or R and ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-Learn).
• Experience with big data tech and cloud platforms (Spark, Hadoop, AWS, Azure).

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced ML models.
• Analyze complex datasets to identify trends and opportunities for data-driven solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to define project requirements and translate them into data science initiatives.
• Mentor and guide a team of junior data scientists.
• Communicate findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay abreast of AI, ML, and data science advancements.

Skills

Team leadership

Data analysis

Stakeholder communication

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in CS/Statistics/Math

PhD in CS/Statistics/Math

Tools

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Lead Data Scientist with expertise in Machine Learning to join their innovative team in George . In this pivotal role, you will lead projects focused on developing and deploying sophisticated predictive models and AI solutions that drive business insights and strategic decision-making. You will mentor junior data scientists, collaborate with stakeholders across various departments, and contribute to building a robust data science culture. This is a unique opportunity to shape the direction of data-driven initiatives and work on challenging problems with real-world impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced machine learning models.
• Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for data-driven solutions.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to define project requirements and translate them into data science initiatives.
• Mentor and guide a team of junior data scientists, fostering a culture of learning and excellence.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, and data science methodologies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 8+ years of experience in data science, with a proven track record in leading ML projects.
• Deep understanding of various machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python or R, and experience with ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Experience with big data technologies and cloud platforms (e.g., Spark, Hadoop, AWS, Azure).
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Opportunities for career advancement and continued education.
• Engaging work environment focused on innovation and data excellence.