Lead Data Scientist - Predictive Analytics

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus package

Health insurance

Career development & training

Conference attendance

Relocation assistance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Data Scientist in Durban to drive predictive analytics across the business. You will lead a team of data scientists, develop advanced models, and guide project lifecycle from problem framing to deployment and monitoring in an on-site setting.

The ideal candidate has a PhD/masters in a quantitative field, 5+ years of data science experience, strong leadership, and expertise in Python or R with ML libraries. Relocation assistance is offered for Durban relocation.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 5+ years of data science experience with a proven track record in developing and deploying predictive models.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team of data scientists or managing complex data science projects.
• Expertise in Python or R, and proficiency with data manipulation, statistical modeling, and ML libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, Pandas, Statsmodels, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong understanding of ML algorithms including regression, classification, clustering, and time series.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists, guiding technical development and project execution.
• Develop, implement, and validate predictive models using ML and statistical techniques.
• Define data science roadmaps aligned with business objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Perform exploratory data analysis to uncover trends and insights.
• Design and conduct experiments (A/B tests) to evaluate model performance and business impact.
• Collaborate with engineering to deploy models into production and establish monitoring.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay current with advancements in data science, ML, and related technologies.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Master's degree in Data Science or related field

PhD preferred

Tools

Python

R

Scikit-learn

Pandas

Statsmodels

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark

Hadoop

SQL

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic player in the AI & Emerging Technologies space, is looking for an experienced Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their predictive analytics initiatives in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA. This critical role involves leading a team of talented data scientists, driving the development of advanced predictive models, and influencing strategic business decisions through data-driven insights. You will be responsible for the end-to-end lifecycle of data science projects, from problem definition and data exploration to model deployment and performance monitoring. This is an on-site position requiring full immersion in our client's collaborative research and development environment, fostering close interaction with business stakeholders and fellow technical experts. The ideal candidate possesses strong leadership qualities, exceptional analytical skills, and a deep passion for leveraging data to solve complex business challenges. You will play a key role in shaping the future of data-driven strategies within the organization, working on high-impact projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of data scientists, guiding their technical development and project execution.
• Develop, implement, and validate sophisticated predictive models using machine learning and statistical techniques.
• Define data science project roadmaps, ensuring alignment with business objectives and stakeholder expectations.
• Perform in-depth exploratory data analysis to uncover trends, patterns, and actionable insights.
• Design and conduct A/B tests and other experiments to evaluate model performance and business impact.
• Collaborate closely with engineering teams to deploy models into production environments and establish monitoring mechanisms.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with advancements in data science, machine learning, and related technologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Significant experience (5+ years) in data science, with a proven track record in developing and deploying predictive models.
• Demonstrated experience leading a team of data scientists or managing complex data science projects.
• Expertise in Python or R, and proficiency with data manipulation, statistical modeling, and machine learning libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, Pandas, Statsmodels, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong understanding of various machine learning algorithms, including regression, classification, clustering, and time series analysis.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and SQL databases.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented, on-site environment in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.

Benefits

• Attractive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage.
• Opportunities for career advancement and professional development.
• Access to cutting-edge technology and significant datasets.
• Collaborative and innovative work culture.
• Company-sponsored training and conference attendance.
• Relocation assistance for successful candidates relocating to Durban.