Manager: Data and Analytics (AI and Data Science)

Capitec Bank; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 800,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African bank is seeking a Manager: Data Science/AI to spearhead AI and advanced analytics initiatives. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in AI/ML model development and a proven track record in managing teams. Your role will prioritize innovation and operational excellence, mentoring data scientists while collaborating with stakeholders to leverage AI for business growth. This position is based in Sandton and contributes to a diverse workplace that values every team member.

Benefits

Opportunities for growth

Employee benefits and savings

Qualifications

• Over 5 years in AI/ML model development and deployment, including 2 years as a manager.
• Experience managing senior and executive level stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience integrating AI models into applications and services.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI and advanced analytics initiatives across the organization.
• Define and implement an AI strategy; mentor data scientists to deliver AI solutions.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to position the bank as a leader in AI.

Skills

AI/ML model development

Python

SQL

PySpark

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Stakeholder management

Big data frameworks

Education

Honors Degree or higher

Tools

GitHub

Hadoop

Kafka

Job description

Overview

We\'re on the lookout for energetic, self-motivated individuals who share our passion for service in the banking industry. To be part of the journey, follow the steps below:

1. To see what life at Capitec is all about and complete a short assessment, please click here.
2. Once you have completed the above finalize your application by clicking apply below.

Join Us in Becoming the Best Bank in the World!!

We appoint energized and motivated people for their potential and continuously look for talented, driven individuals to help us innovate and evolve. We focus on finding the right people for the right jobs. We love what we do because we focus on making a positive difference for our clients and employees. Our company DNA is built around talented and committed teams dedicated to building a brand that we are proud of and earns the trust of our clients.

About Capitec

We are a bank, but we\'re much more than that. We believe that banking is about enabling people to control their financial lives through banking that is simplified, accessible, affordable and delivered through personal experience. By helping our clients manage their financial lives better, we enable them to live better.

Why choose us

At Capitec, we offer our best by living up to our CEO values in every situation – we always put the Client first, act with Energy and take Ownership. And to support people in being their best, our Employee Value Proposition offers every value to all team members through cohesive teams, growth opportunities as well as employee benefits and savings. We make it a priority to ensure that each member of the Capitec team feels welcome, valued, focused, and has the opportunity to grow.

Role outline

As the Manager: Data Science/AI at Capitec, you will lead the bank’s AI and advanced analytics initiatives, driving innovation and enabling data-driven decision-making across the organization. Your role will focus on defining and implementing a forward-thinking AI strategy while fostering a high-performing team of data scientists to deliver impactful AI/ML solutions aligned with business objectives.

You will be at the forefront of identifying AI-driven opportunities, overseeing the development and deployment of cutting-edge models, and ensuring alignment with ethical and compliance standards. By collaborating closely with stakeholders, you’ll help position Capitec as a leader in leveraging AI for business innovation and growth. Additionally, you’ll mentor your team to maintain high standards in AI/ML model quality and operational excellence, promoting a culture of continuous learning and data-driven innovation.

Responsibilities

• Lead AI and advanced analytics initiatives across the organization, driving innovation and data-driven decision making.
• Define and implement a forward-thinking AI strategy; mentor a team of data scientists to deliver AI/ML solutions aligned with business objectives.
• Identify AI-driven opportunities, oversee development and deployment of models, and ensure alignment with ethical and compliance standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to position Capitec as a leader in AI-enabled business innovation and growth.
• Promote a culture of continuous learning and operational excellence in AI/ML model development.

Qualifications

• Our ideal candidate has over 5 years in AI/ML model development and deployment, including 2 years as a manager or team lead within an analytical team.
• Experience managing senior and executive level stakeholders and influencing decision making at these levels.
• Hands-on experience using AI frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch; proficient in Python, SQL, and PySpark.
• Hands-on experience integrating AI models into applications and services.
• Experience with big data frameworks – Hadoop/Kafka.
• GitHub experience or Git proficiency.

Nice-to-have

• AWS experience.

Competencies

• Simplify and make it easy
• Earn and extend trust
• Plan, deliver and raise the bar
• Curious and continuously learns
• Act, learn and adapt
• Inspire optimism and persistence
• Have courage, disagree and commit

Education

• Completed an Honors Degree or higher

Next steps

If you are interested in being part of this dynamic team, on a mission to build the best bank in the world through unlocking the potential of its people, please apply. We would love to hear from you!

Capitec is committed to diversity and, where feasible, all appointments will support the achievement of our employment equity goals. Capitec is committed to diversity; applications to this position will be considered in support of our employment equity goals.