Senior Data Scientist – AI & Advanced Analytics (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

We’re hiring: Senior Data Scientist - AI & Advanced Analytics

We are seeking an experienced Senior Data Scientist to lead the development and deployment of AI-driven solutions for complex business, industrial, and operational environments.

The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in machine learning, predictive analytics, statistical modelling and optimisation, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights and scalable AI solutions.

Key responsibilities:

• Design, develop and deploy advanced machine learning and AI models.
• Build predictive, prescriptive and optimisation models to improve operational efficiency.
• Apply statistical modelling and time-series forecasting to address business challenges.
• Analyse large and complex datasets to generate actionable insights.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, subject matter experts and data engineering teams.
• Deploy, monitor and continuously improve machine learning models in production.
• Apply Azure Machine Learning and MLOps best practices.
• Present technical findings and recommendations to business and technical stakeholders.
• Support AI solution architecture and best practices throughout the project lifecycle.

Required skills and experience:

• 8-12+ years of experience in data science, machine learning and advanced analytics.
• Strong hands-on proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms and model development.
• Expertise in statistical modelling, predictive analytics and data mining.
• Proven experience in time-series forecasting and predictive modelling.
• Experience deploying and monitoring AI/ML models in production environments.
• Hands-on experience with Azure Machine Learning and Azure MLOps.
• Knowledge of model versioning, monitoring and lifecycle management.
• Understanding of data engineering concepts and scalable AI solutions.
• Strong stakeholder management, communication and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently in a client-facing consulting environment.
• Exposure to industrial, manufacturing, processing, energy, utilities or operational environments.
• Experience in predictive maintenance, anomaly detection and operational optimisation.
• Familiarity with sensor data, IoT and operational data streams.
• Knowledge of cloud-native AI architectures and enterprise-scale analytics platforms.

Key skills: Python, machine learning, statistical modelling, time-series forecasting, predictive analytics, Azure ML, Azure MLOps, SQL, advanced analytics and AI/ML model deployment.