Senior Data Scientist (R or Python, AI) - Johannesburg - up to 1mil per annum

ATS Client; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Job summary

ATS Client is seeking a Senior Data Scientist in Johannesburg for designing, developing, and deploying advanced analytical models and data-driven solutions to support strategic business objectives.

You will leverage data, machine learning, and automation to generate actionable insights, optimise performance, and unlock new commercial opportunities. The role demands leadership experience and a strong background in statistical modelling and productionising models.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mathematical sciences, statistics, CS, engineering, econometrics, physics, or actuarial science.
• Honours or Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5+ years in data science or advanced analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy advanced statistical, econometric, and machine learning models to solve complex business problems.
• Translate business requirements into analytical frameworks and scalable solutions.
• Analyse structured and unstructured data to identify trends, patterns, and revenue opportunities.
• Design and implement predictive and prescriptive analytics solutions.
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and governance compliance across analytical processes.
• Apply data wrangling and feature engineering to prepare datasets.
• Build, test, validate, and maintain analytical models for ongoing accuracy.
• Implement automation and productionise models using Python or R.
• Conduct text analytics and deep learning modelling where applicable.
• Visualise insights through dashboards and reports for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation, cost reduction, and revenue growth.
• Participate in model documentation, auditing, and risk mitigation processes.
• Mentor junior team members and promote knowledge sharing.
• Contribute to AI adoption and platform-driven transformation.

Skills

Statistical modelling/ML

Machine learning

Data wrangling

Python

R

Data visualization

Team leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mathematical Sciences/Statistics/CS/Engineering/Econometrics/Physics/Actuarial Science

Honours/Master's degree

Tools

Python

R

SQL

Job description

An established bank is seeking for a Senior Data Scientist to design, develop, and implement advanced analytical models, quantitative methodologies, and data-driven solutions to support strategic business objectives. This role focuses on leveraging data, machine learning, and automation to generate actionable insights, optimise performance, and unlock new commercial opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deploy advanced statistical, econometric, and machine learning models to solve complex business problems
• Translate business requirements into analytical frameworks and scalable solutions
• Analyse structured and unstructured data to identify trends, patterns, and revenue opportunities
• Design and implement predictive and prescriptive analytics solutions
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and governance compliance across all analytical processes
• Apply data wrangling, feature engineering, and transformation techniques to prepare datasets
• Build, test, validate, and maintain analytical models for ongoing accuracy and relevance
• Implement automation and productionise models using Python, R, or similar technologies
• Conduct text analytics and deep learning modelling where applicable
• Visualise insights through dashboards and reports tailored to technical and non-technical audiences
• Identify opportunities for process optimisation, cost reduction, and revenue growth
• Participate in model documentation, auditing, and risk mitigation processes
• Mentor junior team members and promote knowledge sharing within the organisation
• Contribute to innovation initiatives, including AI adoption and platform-driven transformation

Qualifications & Experience

• Minimum: Bachelor's Degree in Mathematical Sciences, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Econometrics, Physics, or Actuarial Science
• Preferred: Honours or Master's Degree in a related field
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a Data Science or Advanced Analytics role
• At least 1-2 years in a leadership or junior management capacity
• Demonstrated experience in delivering AI, machine learning, or automation-driven solutions
• Experience working within enterprise or large-scale data environments
• Exposure to platform-based transformation initiatives is advantageous

The Reference Number for this position is NG61267 which is a Permanent, hybrid role in Johannesburg offering a salary of up to R1mil per annum, salary negotiable based on experience.