Principal Data Scientist - Predictive Analytics

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonus structure

Medical and retirement benefits

Annual leave and development budgets

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Data Scientist in Richards Bay to lead complex predictive modeling initiatives. You will drive end-to-end model development, feature engineering, and validation while mentoring a team of data scientists and collaborating with business stakeholders to translate insights into strategic actions.

The role demands a PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field, 7+ years of hands-on experience, and strong skills in Python/R, ML, and cloud-enabled analytics.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s in a quantitative field.
• 7+ years building and deploying predictive models.
• Strong communication and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end development and deployment of complex predictive models.
• Identify opportunities to leverage data to solve critical business problems.
• Design data exploration, feature engineering, and model validation strategies.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate model results into actionable recommendations.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to their growth.
• Stay updated on research in data science and analytics.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Deep learning

Python

R

SQL

Data visualization

Leadership

Mentoring

Education

PhD or Master’s in Statistics/Data Science/CS/Math

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

statsmodels

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent player in the AI & Emerging Technologies sector, is actively seeking a highly accomplished Principal Data Scientist with deep expertise in predictive analytics. This role, situated in the industrial hub of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal , offers a unique opportunity to lead advanced analytical projects and influence strategic decision-making. You will be at the forefront of developing sophisticated predictive models that drive business insights and optimize operations across various domains. The ideal candidate possesses a strong blend of statistical modeling, machine learning, and business acumen. Our client is committed to fostering a culture of innovation and scientific rigor, providing a challenging yet rewarding environment for top-tier talent. As a Principal Data Scientist, you will mentor junior team members and contribute significantly to the intellectual capital of the organization. This role involves a hybrid work model, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development and deployment of complex predictive models using advanced statistical and machine learning techniques.
• Identify opportunities for leveraging data to solve critical business problems and drive significant value through predictive insights.
• Design and execute data exploration, feature engineering, and model validation strategies.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders to understand requirements, interpret model results, and translate them into actionable recommendations.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, providing technical expertise and fostering their professional development.
• Stay abreast of the latest research and advancements in data science, machine learning, and predictive analytics, evaluating their applicability to business challenges.
• Develop and maintain robust documentation for models, methodologies, and analytical processes.
• Communicate complex findings and insights clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to the strategic roadmap for data science initiatives within the organization.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible use of data and AI models.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands-on experience as a Data Scientist, with a significant focus on building and deploying predictive models.
• Demonstrated expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms (regression, classification, clustering, time series), and deep learning.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, statsmodels).
• Strong SQL skills and experience working with large datasets from various sources.
• Experience with data visualization tools and techniques to effectively communicate insights.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Proven ability to lead projects and mentor junior team members.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies is a plus.

Benefits

• Our client provides a competitive salary, attractive bonus structure, comprehensive medical and retirement benefits, and generous annual leave.
• We support continuous professional development through training budgets, conference attendance, and access to research materials.
• The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, balancing the benefits of office-based collaboration in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal with remote flexibility.
• Employees also have access to wellness programs and opportunities for career advancement within a rapidly growing field.
• Join a team dedicated to harnessing the power of data to drive impactful business outcomes.