Senior Data Scientist

Sanlam Limited; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 650 000 - 900 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading insurance firm is seeking a Senior Data Scientist in Cape Town to enhance enterprise risk management through robust analytical solutions. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in data analytics, proficiency in SQL and tools like Power BI, and a relevant degree. This role offers collaboration across various functions to embed data intelligence in risk practices.

Qualifications

• More than 5 years of hands-on experience in data analytics or business intelligence.
• Demonstrated experience using data analytics tools.
• Proven ability to translate complex business requirements into technical solutions.

Responsibilities

• Develop and automate continuous monitoring solutions for ERM activities.
• Design and maintain interactive dashboards and reports.
• Support preparation of reports and analytical insights for the Risk Committee.

Skills

Strong numerical, analytical, and conceptual reasoning abilities

Analytical ability and logical reasoning

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills

Strong relationship management and client service orientation

Ability to convey complex technical concepts clearly

Ability to work independently and in teams

Education

Relevant qualification (Diploma, Bachelor’s or Honours degree)

Tools

Power BI

SQL

ACL or similar

Job description

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A position as a Senior Data Scientist exists within Santam Risk Office, based in the Cape Town office.

The Risk Office Data Team is expanding to strengthen its analytical and visualisation capabilities in support of the broader Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) function. This new role will play a key part in enhancing continuous monitoring, developing robust analytical and visualisation solutions, and enabling more informed, timely, and risk discussions.

The successful candidate will combine technical data analytics expertise with an understanding of business and risk principles, enabling the translation of complex data into actionable insights that enhance the organisation’s risk management and decision‑making processes. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work collaboratively across multiple functions, including Risk, Forensics, and Underwriting, to embed data intelligence into enterprise‑wide risk practices.

What will make you successful in this role?

• Develop, maintain, and automate continuous monitoring solutions to support ERM activities and key risk indicators.
• Assist the ERM team with deep‑dive reviews and reporting on risk management inefficiencies, emerging risks, and control effectiveness.
• Design, build, and maintain interactive dashboards and reports using Power BI or similar visualisation tools to enhance risk transparency and management reporting. Partner with stakeholders (e.g., underwriting experts, risk management, Forensics, Finance, and IT) to understand business requirements and translate them into scalable, data‑driven solutions.
• Support the preparation of reports and analytical insights for submission to the Risk Committee and other governance forums.
• Use SQL, ACL, and other analytical tools to extract, transform, and analyse data from multiple systems and platforms.
• Identify data quality issues, recommend corrective actions, and support the organisation’s broader data governance and integrity initiatives.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of data analytics processes, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and repeatability in reporting and analysis.

Qualification and Experience

• A relevant qualification (Diploma, Bachelor’s or Honours degree) in Science, Commerce, Engineering, Technology, Information Systems, Informatics, or a related field.
• More than 5 years of hands‑on experience in data analytics, business intelligence, or related technical fields.
• Demonstrated experience using data analytics tools such as ACL (or similar) for data interrogation and assurance.
• Proficiency in SQL for querying, cleansing, and integrating large datasets (advantageous).
• Proven experience in designing, developing, and maintaining intuitive dashboards that support management and governance reporting.
• Strong background in visual analytics using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or equivalent platforms (advantageous).
• Experience building and automating data monitoring processes and exception‑based reports.
• Proven ability to translate complex business requirements into practical, high‑quality technical solutions.
• Prior experience within a Risk, Audit, or Financial Services environment will be an advantage.

Skills

• Strong numerical, analytical, and conceptual reasoning abilities.
• Analytical ability and logical reasoning
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong relationship management and client service orientation.
• Ability to convey complex technical concepts in a clear and concise manner, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a cross‑functional team.

Core Competencies

Cultivates innovation - Contributing through others

Customer focus - Contributing through others

Drives results - Contributing through others

Collaborates - Contributing through others

Being resilient - Contributing through others

About The Company

Santam is the market leader in the general insurance industry in Southern Africa. As a large, diversified, and expanding company, we are committed to transformation and growth. While our headquarters are in South Africa, we are rapidly extending our presence into emerging markets across Africa and Asia.

With a client base of over 1 million policyholders, Santam serves individuals, commercial enterprises, specialist business owners, and institutions—including 80 of the Top 100 companies listed on the JSE. Our commitment to Insurance, Good and Proper goes beyond just providing cover— we offer peace of mind, ensuring our clients can focus on living in the moment, not worrying about the unexpected. Because at Santam, we believe the freedom to seize every day is worth protecting.

People drive our business, and we are committed to attracting the best talent, whether for permanent roles or short‑term opportunities.

Santam is committed to diversity, inclusion, and belonging. As an equal opportunity employer, we encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities. We are dedicated to neuro‑inclusivity and fostering a workplace where everyone can thrive.

Take the next step in your career—apply now and be part of a company that’s shaping the future of insurance. This is Freedom!