Principal Data Scientist - Predictive Analytics

Placements24; Johannesburg; Presencial; ZAR 1 200 000 - 2 300 000; Tempo integral

Vantagens oferecidas por esta oferta de emprego

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Medical benefits

Retirement planning

Performance incentives

In-office role in Klerksdorp

Resumo da oferta

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Principal Data Scientist to lead predictive analytics from our Klerksdorp hub. The role designs, builds, and deploys sophisticated models to forecast trends in finance and risk, shaping data-driven strategies across the organization.

You will own the full data science lifecycle, collaborate with stakeholders, mentor peers, and stay ahead of advances in ML and big data. The ideal candidate has a PhD or MSc in a quantitative field, 7+ years in data science,

Qualificações

• PhD or MSc in a quantitative field such as statistics, math, CS, or economics.
• 7+ years as a Data Scientist, with leadership experience.
• Strong skills in statistical modeling, ML, and experiment design.

Responsabilidades

• Lead end-to-end data science lifecycle from exploration to deployment.
• Develop predictive models for finance and risk analytics.
• Mentor junior data scientists and promote best practices.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate needs into data science solutions.
• Design A/B tests and experiments to measure impact.
• Communicate findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with AI/ML advances and big data technologies.
• Champion data-driven decision making across the organization.

Conhecimentos

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Python

R language

SQL

Big data

Cloud platforms

Data visualization

Leadership

Mentorship

Formação académica

Ph.D./M.S. in quantitative field

Ferramentas

Spark

Hadoop

Descrição da oferta de emprego

About the Role

Our client, a leading financial services group, is seeking an accomplished Principal Data Scientist to lead their predictive analytics initiatives from their hub in Klerksdorp, North West . This senior role will be responsible for designing, developing, and deploying sophisticated statistical models and machine learning algorithms to drive business insights and forecast future trends. You will tackle complex challenges in areas such as risk assessment, customer behavior, and market prediction. This is a unique opportunity to shape data-driven strategies within a major industry player and mentor a growing team of data scientists. We are looking for a leader with a deep technical expertise and a strong business acumen.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced predictive models and machine learning algorithms to solve complex business problems in finance.
• Lead the full data science lifecycle, from data exploration and feature engineering to model building, validation, and deployment.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders across departments to understand their needs and translate them into data science solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, providing technical expertise and fostering best practices in modeling and analysis.
• Evaluate and select appropriate statistical techniques and ML algorithms for various business use cases.
• Design and conduct A/B tests and other experiments to measure the impact of data-driven strategies.
• Communicate complex analytical findings and recommendations clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences in Klerksdorp .
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and big data technologies.
• Champion the use of data and analytics throughout the organization.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or M.S. in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience as a Data Scientist, with a significant portion in a lead or senior role.
• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning techniques (e.g., regression, classification, time series, clustering), and experimental design.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with SQL and big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and data visualization tools.
• Strong understanding of financial markets, risk management, or customer analytics is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work with large, complex datasets.
• Outstanding communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, a comprehensive bonus structure, and an exceptional benefits package including medical, retirement planning, and performance incentives. This is a full-time, in-office position located in Klerksdorp, North West , providing a stable and structured work environment. Employees benefit from continuous professional development, access to cutting-edge data infrastructure, and opportunities to influence strategic business decisions. Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and analytical excellence. This role presents a significant opportunity for career advancement within the financial sector.