Senior AI & Advanced Analytics Data Scientist (Contract)

First Point Group; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

First Point Group is seeking an experienced Senior Data Scientist to lead the development and deployment of AI-driven solutions for industrial and operational environments. You will translate complex data into scalable AI solutions and work with business stakeholders and data teams.

The role requires 8-12+ years in data science, strong Python/SQL skills, and hands-on Azure ML/MLOps experience to deliver production-grade models.

Qualifications

• 8-12+ years of experience in data science, ML and advanced analytics.
• Strong Python and SQL skills.
• Deep understanding of ML algorithms and model development.
• Expertise in statistical modelling, predictive analytics and data mining.
• Proven time-series forecasting and predictive modelling skills.
• Experience deploying and monitoring AI/ML models in production.
• Hands-on Azure ML and Azure MLOps experience.
• Knowledge of model versioning and lifecycle management.
• Understanding of data engineering and scalable AI solutions.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop and deploy advanced ML and AI models.
• Build predictive, prescriptive and optimisation models for efficiency.
• Apply statistical modelling and time-series forecasting to business challenges.
• Analyse large datasets to produce actionable insights.
• Collaborate with stakeholders, SMEs and data engineering teams.
• Deploy, monitor and improve models in production.
• Apply Azure ML and MLOps best practices across projects.
• Communicate findings to business and technical audiences.

Skills

Python

SQL

Time-series forecasting

Predictive analytics

Statistical modelling

Machine learning

Data mining

Stakeholder management

Communication

Tools

Azure Machine Learning

Azure MLOps

Model versioning

Production monitoring

Job description

First Point Group is seeking an experienced Senior Data Scientist to lead the development and deployment of AI-driven solutions for industrial and operational environments. You will translate complex data into scalable AI solutions and work with business stakeholders and data teams.

The role requires 8-12+ years in data science, strong Python/SQL skills, and hands-on Azure ML/MLOps experience to deliver production-grade models.