Remote Lead Data Scientist

Placements24; Mossel Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote work

Competitive salary package

Health benefits

Bonus opportunity

Professional growth & attendance at/‑j

Diverse global team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Remote Lead Data Scientist to drive innovation and strategic insights for a global client base. You will lead a team of data scientists, mentor juniors, and collaborate with product and engineering teams to deploy advanced analytics solutions from anywhere in South Africa.

You will design, implement, and deploy ML models, conduct statistical analyses, and translate findings into actionable business strategies while staying ahead of the latest data science advancements.

Qualifications

• PhD or MSc in a quantitative field such as CS, statistics, mathematics, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in data science or ML, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, ML algorithms (regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).
• Proficiency in Python or R and libraries (scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas).
• Experience with large-scale data processing frameworks (Spark, Hadoop).
• Strong SQL skills and experience with multiple database systems.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their data/ML services is highly desirable.
• Excellent data visualization skills (Tableau, Matplotlib, Seaborn).
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and leadership abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of ML models and advanced analytics.
• Mentor and manage a team of data scientists, fostering a high-performing environment.
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and business units to identify analytical needs.
• Define project roadmaps, prioritize tasks, and ensure timely delivery of DS initiatives.
• Develop and deploy predictive models, statistical analyses, and data visualizations to drive value.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, algorithms, and methodologies for DS capabilities.
• Ensure quality, integrity, and reproducibility of DS work.
• Communicate complex findings clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with advancements in DS, ML, and AI.
• Contribute to data governance and best practices within the organization.

Skills

Leadership

Data science leadership

ML & statistics

Python

SQL

Cloud platforms

Data visualization

Education

PhD or MSc in quantitative field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

Spark

Hadoop

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering e-commerce analytics firm, is seeking an exceptional Remote Lead Data Scientist to drive innovation and strategic insights. This fully remote role allows you to leverage your expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and data analysis to shape data-driven decisions for a global client base. You will lead a team of talented data scientists, mentor junior members, and collaborate closely with product and engineering teams to develop and deploy advanced analytical solutions. We are looking for a visionary leader who is passionate about extracting value from complex datasets and translating findings into actionable business strategies. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant impact from anywhere in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of machine learning models and advanced analytical solutions.
• Mentor and manage a team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across product, engineering, and business units to identify key analytical needs and opportunities.
• Define project roadmaps, prioritize tasks, and ensure timely delivery of data science initiatives.
• Develop and deploy predictive models, statistical analyses, and data visualizations to uncover insights and drive business value.
• Evaluate and recommend new technologies, algorithms, and methodologies to enhance our data science capabilities.
• Ensure the quality, integrity, and reproducibility of data science work.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI.
• Contribute to the development of data governance and best practices within the organization.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in data science or machine learning, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning), and experimental design.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python or R, and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas).
• Experience with large-scale data processing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Strong SQL skills and experience working with various database systems.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their data/ML services is highly desirable.
• Excellent understanding of data visualization techniques and tools (e.g., Tableau, Matplotlib, Seaborn).
• Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence effectively.

Benefits

This is a fully remote position offering exceptional flexibility and autonomy. Our client provides a top-tier compensation package, including a highly competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits, and a significant annual bonus. We invest in your professional growth with opportunities for advanced training, conference attendance, and access to cutting-edge research. You will have the chance to work on challenging problems with a diverse, global team and make a real impact. The company culture promotes innovation, collaboration, and a healthy work-life balance, ensuring you can thrive in your remote role.