Senior Data Scientist - Predictive Analytics

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits including med.7

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Data Scientist in Klerksdorp, North West, ZA, to lead predictive analytics initiatives for a forward-thinking enterprise client. You will design and implement advanced models, analyze large datasets, and translate complex findings into actionable business recommendations for both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

The role requires a Master's or Ph.D. in a quantitative field, 5+ years of hands-on experience, and proficiency with Python or R, SQL, and

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience as a Data Scientist, with a strong focus on predictive modeling and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with libraries (scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas, NumPy).
• Experience with SQL and database technologies.
• Solid understanding of various machine learning algorithms and statistical modeling techniques.
• Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms for predictive analysis.
• Clean, transform, and analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Develop and validate models for forecasting, classification, clustering, and anomaly detection.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to understand data needs and deliver data‑driven solutions.
• Translate business requirements into technical specifications for data science projects.
• Communicate findings, insights, and recommendations through reports, visualizations, and presentations.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for model training and deployment.
• Stay current with advances in data science, machine learning, and AI.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the growth of the data science practice.
• Evaluate and recommend new tools and technologies to enhance data analysis capabilities.

Skills

Python

R

Predictive modeling

Statistical analysis

Data visualization

SQL

Spark

Communication skills

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree in Data Science/Statistics/CS/Math

Ph.D. in Data Science or related field

Tools

scikit-learn

TensorFlow

PyTorch

pandas

NumPy

Tableau

Power BI

Matplotlib

Spark

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a highly respected recruitment consultancy, is searching for an accomplished Senior Data Scientist with expertise in predictive analytics to join a forward-thinking enterprise client in Klerksdorp, North West, ZA . This role is critical in leveraging advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to extract actionable insights from complex datasets. You will be instrumental in building sophisticated predictive models that drive strategic decision-making, optimize business processes, and uncover new opportunities. The ideal candidate will possess a strong analytical mindset, a passion for data-driven innovation, and the ability to translate complex findings into clear, concise recommendations for technical and non-technical audiences. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact in a data-centric environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and implement advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms for predictive analysis.
• Clean, transform, and analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights.
• Develop and validate models for forecasting, classification, clustering, and anomaly detection.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams, including business analysts, engineers, and stakeholders, to understand data needs and deliver data‑driven solutions.
• Translate business requirements into technical specifications for data science projects.
• Communicate findings, insights, and recommendations effectively through reports, visualizations, and presentations.
• Build and maintain data pipelines for model training and deployment.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to the growth of the data science practice.
• Evaluate and recommend new tools and technologies to enhance data analysis capabilities.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of hands‑on experience as a Data Scientist, with a strong focus on predictive modeling and statistical analysis.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with relevant libraries (e.g., scikit‑learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, pandas, NumPy).
• Experience with SQL and database technologies.
• Solid understanding of various machine learning algorithms and statistical modeling techniques.
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Matplotlib).
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Experience working with large datasets and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark) is a plus.
• Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is beneficial.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement planning, and a flexible hybrid work arrangement. Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development, access to cutting‑edge technologies, and the chance to work on challenging, impactful projects. A collaborative and innovative work environment fosters continuous learning and growth. Join a team dedicated to leveraging data to drive business success and innovation in the North West region.