Senior Data Scientist

Sanlam; Bellville; On-site; ZAR 60 000 - 100 000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Senior Data Scientist to join their dynamic Group Underwriting division. This pivotal role involves harnessing statistical analysis and machine learning to drive business value and enhance data science capabilities. You will engage with stakeholders, develop innovative analytics solutions, and maintain critical data assets. The ideal candidate will have a strong programming background, with expertise in SQL, Python, and R, and a passion for leveraging data to solve complex business challenges. Join a forward-thinking company committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce while making a significant impact in the insurance sector.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in an analytical environment.
• Bachelor's Degree in a quantitative field; Postgraduate preferred.

Responsibilities

• Engage with stakeholders to recommend analytics solutions.
• Develop and implement statistical and machine learning models.
• Communicate findings effectively to decision-makers.

Skills

SQL

Python

R

Spark

Java

R

Hadoop

Scala

RapidMiner

Alteryx

SAS

SPSS

Machine Learning

AI

Statistical algorithms

Data integration

Data wrangling

Data visualization

Communication skills

Problem-solving

Creative thinking

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Quantitative Management

Postgraduate Degree

Tools

Hadoop

RapidMiner

Alteryx

SAS

SPSS

Job description

Santam Ltd has a vacancy within the Group Underwriting division for a Senior Data Scientist. The role reports to the Head: Data Analytics and will ideally be based in Belville, Cape Town. This role is also open to candidates willing to relocate to the Western Cape.

Job Description

The candidate should possess expertise in statistical analysis, machine learning, and data modelling to drive business value.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Engage with stakeholders to understand business challenges and recommend analytics solutions.
2. Collaborate across the data value chain to ensure appropriate data sources and structures for analytics.
3. Research, develop, and implement statistical, mathematical, or machine learning models.
4. Stay updated with technological trends.
5. Communicate findings and ideas to decision-makers.
6. Maintain actuarial data assets for organizational use.
7. Develop and maintain data from the Analytical Base Table for predictive and diagnostic analytics.
8. Automate data assets to ensure timely delivery.
9. Apply advanced analytics techniques to solve business problems.
10. Contribute to enhancing Santam’s Data Science capabilities.
11. Assist users in utilizing the data science workbench.

Skills:

1. Strong programming skills (SQL essential; Python and/or R highly desirable; Spark, Java).
2. Experience with data science tools like R, Hadoop, Scala, RapidMiner, Alteryx, SAS, SPSS.
3. Data integration experience.
4. Expertise in Machine Learning, AI, and Statistical algorithms.
5. Experience with Big Data platforms (highly desirable).
6. Knowledge of data management and integration models such as Ralph-Kimbal and Inmon Snow-flaking.
7. Business acumen with an enterprise and commercial mindset.
8. Strong foundation in statistical analysis.
9. Proficiency in programming languages (Python, R).
10. Data wrangling skills.
11. Ability to create effective data visualizations.
12. Excellent communication, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.

Qualifications & Experience:

1. Bachelor's Degree in Quantitative Management, Computer Science, Statistics, or related fields (Postgraduate preferred).
2. 7+ years of practical experience in an analytical environment.

Competencies:

1. Client focus.
2. Results-driven.
3. Flexibility and adaptability.
4. Data analysis and collection skills.
5. Proficiency in advanced analytics and new technologies.

About Santam:

Santam is a leading insurer in Southern Africa, expanding into emerging markets across Africa and Asia. We are committed to delivering "Insurance Good and Proper" and fostering a diverse, inclusive workforce aligned with our transformation goals.

We encourage qualified individuals to apply or pass this vacancy to suitable candidates.