Remote Lead Data Scientist - Fintech

Placements24; Kempton Park; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Unlimited PTO

Home office budget

Remote work arrangement

Professional development budget

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to guide data analytics initiatives in a remote-first fintech environment. You will lead a team, architect advanced ML models, and shape data-driven products for Banking & Finance.

The role emphasizes production deployments, experimentation, and cross-functional collaboration with engineering and product teams. Remote work across South Africa is supported.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 7+ years in data science with at least 2 in leadership or team lead roles.
• Proven track record deploying ML models in production.
• Proficiency in Python or R with relevant libraries.
• Strong SQL skills and experience with big data (e.g., Spark).
• Experience communicating findings to diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of data scientists, providing guidance and project oversight.
• Develop and implement advanced ML models for fraud detection, risk, and customer analytics.
• Design and run A/B tests and experiments to evaluate models and features.
• Collaborate with engineering/product teams to deploy models to production.
• Define KPIs for data science projects and team performance.
• Stay updated on data science advances and identify opportunities.
• Communicate complex findings to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and security for analyses.
• Drive data-driven strategies aligned with business objectives.

Skills

Leadership

Machine learning

Python

R

SQL

Spark

Pandas

Cloud platforms

Education

Master's or PhD in CS/STAT/MATH

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Pandas

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering financial technology firm, is actively seeking an accomplished Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their data analytics initiatives. This is a fully **remote** position, offering unparalleled flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere within South Africa. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning, and big data technologies, coupled with strong leadership capabilities. You will be instrumental in driving innovation in the **Banking & Finance** sector by leveraging data to create cutting-edge financial products and services. This role is perfect for a visionary leader looking to make a significant impact in a **remote-first** environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of data scientists, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and project oversight.
• Develop and implement advanced machine learning models and algorithms to solve complex business problems in areas such as fraud detection, risk assessment, and customer analytics.
• Design and execute A/B tests and other experiments to evaluate the effectiveness of new models and features.
• Collaborate with engineering and product teams to deploy machine learning models into production systems.
• Define and track key performance indicators (KPIs) for data science projects and team performance.
• Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and identify opportunities for their application within the company.
• Communicate complex findings and recommendations to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior management.
• Ensure the integrity, accuracy, and security of data used for analysis and modeling.
• Drive the development of data-driven strategies that align with business objectives.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in data science, with at least 2 years in a leadership or team lead role.
• Proven track record of successfully deploying machine learning models in a production environment.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas).
• Strong experience with SQL and working with large datasets, preferably using distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark).
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and various machine learning techniques (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning).
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Experience working in a fully **remote** setting is essential.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies is a plus.
• Experience in the **Fintech** or **Banking & Finance** industry is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a generous stock option plan. Enjoy the complete flexibility of a fully **remote** work arrangement, unlimited paid time off, and a dedicated budget for professional development and home office setup. You will be part of a forward-thinking company culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, with ample opportunities for career growth. This is a unique chance to lead impactful projects in the **Banking & Finance** domain from the comfort of your home.