Senior Consultant/Data Scientist – AI & Intelligent Automation

Cross Country Consulting; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 700 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm in South Africa is seeking a Technical Contributor with expertise in AI and machine learning. The role involves deploying advanced data science models and collaborating with engineering teams to integrate solutions. Candidates should have 3–5 years of experience and a relevant degree, along with a strong proficiency in Python and MLOps tools. This position offers comprehensive benefits supporting both professional and personal growth.

Benefits

Comprehensive healthcare

401(k) with company matching

Technology stipends

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in AI/ML model development.
• Experience with cloud deployments and scaling.
• Understanding of data security and compliance.

Responsibilities

• Implement RAG solutions using vector databases.
• Collaborate with data engineers to integrate AI models.
• Monitor and optimize model performance.

Skills

Python

MLOps tools

Data Governance

AI Workflow Automation

Cloud Platforms

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Science or related field

Tools

Docker

Kubernetes

MLflow

HubSpot

Job description

By joining our rapidly growing Data Transformation & Analytics team, you will serve as a technical contributor and emerging trusted advisor to our clients. You will bring your hands‑on expertise in AI, machine learning, and intelligent automation to deliver tailored solutions that help our clients solve today's challenges and set the foundation for future success. In this role, you will apply advanced data science and AI engineering skills to build production‑ready models, deploy AI agents, and integrate intelligent automation into business workflows that deliver measurable value.

What You'll Do:

• Support implementation of retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) solutions using vector databases (Pinecone, pgvector).
• Collaborate with data engineers and cloud architects to integrate AI models with ERP, CRM, and workflow tools.
• Apply MLOps practices for model versioning, testing, and deployment (MLflow, Kubeflow, Vertex AI).
• Design and maintain data pipelines for structured and unstructured data.
• Monitor and optimize model performance, cost, and accuracy; implement telemetry for drift and governance.
• Interview clients to identify root causes of challenges; define and document technical and business requirements.
• Create technical documentation, presentations, and demonstrations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Contribute to the creation of automation accelerators and reusable code modules for the practice.
• Build and operationalize AI agents and intelligent workflows using frameworks such as LangChain, LlamaIndex, or similar tools.
• Design and deploy AI solutions across cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) using modern containerization (Docker, Kubernetes) and CI/CD workflows.
• Contribute to developing and implementing firm-approved, AI-enabled solutions for clients, in accordance with company policies on data protection, intellectual property, and professional standards.
• Stay informed about emerging AI tools and techniques and collaborate with firm leadership to identify compliant opportunities to enhance client solutions and internal processes.
• Support business development activities by contributing to proposals, proof-of-concepts, and client presentations.

What You'll Bring:

• Hands‑on experience building and deploying AI/ML models and automation solutions in enterprise or consulting settings.
• Strong proficiency in Python (pandas, NumPy, scikit‑learn, transformers, LangChain).
• Experience with MLOps tools (MLflow, Kubeflow, Vertex AI) for model lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) for model deployment and scaling.
• Familiarity with data warehousing and pipeline tools (Snowflake, Databricks, BigQuery, Airflow, or Prefect).
• Experience building AI agent workflows, RAG systems, or LLM‑powered solutions preferred.
• Experienced with API integrations and automation frameworks (n8n, Power Automate).
• Knowledge of data governance, monitoring, and ethical AI practices.
• Ability to translate business requirements into technical designs and deliver independently or in small teams.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills for both technical and non‑technical audiences.
• Comfort with AI: Demonstrated ability to responsibly explore and adopt firm‑approved AI tools to enhance productivity and innovation.
• Continuous Learning Mindset: Openness to learning and applying emerging technologies including AI and automation in alignment with firm policies and client standards.
• Experience supporting Large Enterprise organizations or Private Equity portfolio companies

Qualifications:

• 3–5 years of professional experience developing and deploying AI/ML models and intelligent automation solutions in business or consulting environments, working with complex datasets and delivering production‑ready solutions.
• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, or a related field.
• Relevant cloud certifications (AWS ML, Azure AI Engineer, GCP ML Engineer) and tool certifications (Databricks, Snowflake, MLflow) preferred.
• Proficiency in SQL and Python; experience with Git, Docker, Kubernetes preferred.
• Understanding of data security, access control, and compliance standards.

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Benefits Summary

The CrossCountry total rewards package includes comprehensive healthcare options, including medical, dental, and vision coverage; flexible spending accounts; and a 401(k) with company matching. Additionally, employees can take advantage of generous parental and maternity leave policies, technology stipends, and wellness reimbursement programs, all designed to support both professional growth and personal well-being. For detailed information about benefits at CrossCountry, please visit our dedicated benefits site: https://www.crosscountry-consulting.com/careers/benefits/.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

CrossCountry provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employeesand applicants for employment and believes that respect and fair treatment are critical to creating a productive and inclusive workplace.

As an equal opportunity employer, CrossCountry is fully committed to comply with all federal, state, and local laws and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetics, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity or expression or any other protected characteristic. The company also complies with pay transparency and labor laws applicable to all terms and conditions of employment.