Snr Data Scientist Consultant

Salt Digital Recruitment; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

Salt Digital Recruitment in Cape Town seeks a Senior Consultant: Data Scientist to join a specialist analytics team. You will transform complex data into actionable insights, build advanced models for credit risk, fraud prevention, and customer engagement, and mentor colleagues on client-facing projects.

You will work in a hybrid Cape Town environment, collaborating with cross-functional teams across geographies.

Qualifications

• Postgraduate degree in statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, or engineering.
• 6–8 years of analytics or data-driven consulting experience.
• Experience delivering client-facing analytic projects.
• Strong credit risk or propensity modeling background.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, for senior stakeholders.
• Proficiency in R and SQL; strong MS Office skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of predictive, descriptive, and prescriptive analytics solutions.
• Build and refine models for credit risk, fraud detection, and customer behavior.
• Translate findings into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders and clients.
• Collaborate with teams across geographies and functions.
• Provide SME on industry trends and data-driven opportunities.
• Foster collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

Skills

R

SQL

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Problem solving

Education

Postgraduate degree in statistics, applied mathematics, computer science, or engineering

6+ years analytics/consulting experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Consultant: Data Scientist - Cape Town - Hybrid

We're looking for an experienced Data Scientist to join a specialist analytics team working across financial services, telecoms, and insurance sectors. This role is about transforming complex data into actionable insights, building advanced models, and guiding clients toward smarter, evidence-based decisions. As a senior member of the team, you'll play a hands-on role in developing solutions around credit risk, fraud prevention, and customer engagement while also mentoring colleagues and supporting client-facing projects.

What You'll Be Doing

• Lead the design and delivery of predictive, descriptive, and prescriptive analytics solutions.
• Build, test, and refine models for credit risk, fraud detection, and customer behavior.
• Translate technical findings into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders and clients.
• Partner with colleagues across geographies and functions to deliver impactful solutions.
• Provide subject matter expertise on industry trends and data-driven opportunities.
• Contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning.

What You'll Bring

• Postgraduate degree in a highly quantitative field (e.g., Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or Engineering).
• 6-8 years of experience in analytics, consulting, or related data-driven roles.
• Proven track record delivering analytical projects in client-facing environments.
• Strong background in developing and explaining credit risk or propensity models.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, comfortable with technical and non-technical audiences.
• Expertise in R and SQL, with proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Strong problem-solving, project management, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment.
• Experience with credit bureau data and/or cloud platforms is a strong plus.

What We Offer

• A collaborative, innovation-focused environment where new ideas are encouraged.
• Access to advanced tools, hybrid-cloud infrastructure, and global expertise.
• Opportunities to grow your skills while contributing to high-impact projects.
• A workplace culture built on integrity, reliability, and a commitment to client success.

About Us

We are a global data and analytics leader, helping businesses and consumers make informed decisions through the power of information. Our teams support industries across financial services, telecoms, insurance, and beyond. By combining cutting-edge analytics with deep industry knowledge, we enable smarter risk management, stronger customer relationships, and greater financial empowerment for people and communities worldwide.