Head of Data Analytics

Recruiter:

Network Recruitment

Job Ref:

NFP016424/HN

Date posted:

Wednesday, December 3, 2025

Location:

Pretoria, South Africa

SUMMARY:
Head of Data Analytics

Lead the transformation of a long-established insights division into a future-fit, AI-powered intelligence hub. If you’re a visionary data science leader ready to shape how South Africa understands consumers through predictive analytics, real-time data pipelines, and next-generation insights products—this is your opportunity to build something industry-defining.

Join a market-leading research and insights organisation that is reinventing its Data Science and Analytics capability into a world-class, product-driven engine. With over three decades of credibility and ambitious growth plans, this business is investing in AI, machine learning, scalable automation, and advanced data architecture to redefine the future of client intelligence.
You will drive the strategic evolution from traditional statistical reporting to a modern, AI-enabled insights ecosystem. This includes building predictive models, designing future-ready teams, and embedding data-driven products that deliver measurable impact across telco, retail, finance, and social sectors.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities:

- Lead the AI and machine learning transformation, driving predictive analytics, automated workflows, and ethical data science practices.
- Build and structure agile pods of data scientists, engineers, statisticians, and insights specialists transitioning into next-gen roles.
- Drive product innovation by embedding advanced analytics into benchmark dashboards and scalable client solutions.
- Partner with executive leadership to shape long-term data strategy, deliver 120-day execution plans, and report on strategic KPIs.
- Lead and mentor a multi-disciplinary team to deliver high-quality analytics, operational excellence, and future-focused capability.

Job Experience and Skills Required:

Education:
- Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related (Master’s/PhD advantageous).
Experience:
- 10+ years in data science, analytics, or advanced statistical environments.
- Minimum 5 years in market research, CX insights, analytics consulting, or related industries.
- Proven leadership in AI/ML transformation, team building, and scaling capability in growth-driven organisations.
- Experience developing predictive models, real-time data solutions, and cloud-based pipelines (AWS/GCP/Azure).
Skills:
- Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and modern machine learning frameworks.
- Strong understanding of ethical AI, data governance, and ESOMAR-aligned research practices.
- Ability to translate complex analytics into commercial, client-facing insights and products.
- Leadership, strategic communication, and cross-functional collaboration experience.
Non-negotiable:
- Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing technical teams.

Apply now!

For more exciting Finance vacancies, please visit:
/>I also specialise in recruiting in the following:
- Actuarial roles (Life, Short-Term, Health, Pensions, Quantitative)
- Data Scientists / Data Analysts (Python, R, SQL, Machine Learning)
- Risk Analysts (Credit, Market, Model Risk, Operational)
- Pricing Specialists (Insurance, Financial Products)
- Machine Learning & AI Data Scientists (ML Ops, NLP, Predictive Modelling)
- Quantitative Specialists across Banking, Insurance, and FinTech
If you have not had any response in two weeks, please consider the vacancy application unsuccessful. Your profile will be kept on our database for any other suitable roles.
For more information, contact:
Heidi Joubert
Specialist Recruitment Consultant
Connect with me on LinkedIn:

Similar jobs you might be interested in:

Head of Data Analytics
Location: Pretoria
Salary:
Lead the transformation of a long-established insights division into a future-fit, AI-powered intelligence hub. If you’re a visionary data science leader ready to shape how South Africa understands consumers through predictive analytics, real-time data pipelines, and next-generation insights products, this is your opportunity to build something industry-defining.
1 day ago

Market Risk Analyst
Location: Johannesburg
Salary: Market Related
Kick-start Your Career in Market Risk — Graduate Opportunity! Are you a sharp analytical thinker with a passion for financial markets? A leading consulting firm is looking for new graduates or candidates with up to 1 year of experience to join their Market Risk team. This is the perfect environment for someone who wants hands-on exposure, complex problem-solving tasks, and the chance to lear...
2 days ago

Corporate Finance Specialist
Location: Johannesburg
Salary: 1000000 Annually
Exciting Opportunity: Corporate Finance specialist - Johannesburg / Cape Town
3 days ago

Market Risk Analyst
Location: Johannesburg
Salary:
Kick-start Your Career in Market Risk — Graduate Opportunity! Are you a sharp analytical thinker with a passion for financial markets? A leading consulting firm is looking for new graduates or candidates with up to 1 year of experience to join their Market Risk team. This is the perfect environment for someone who wants hands-on exposure, complex problem-solving tasks, and the chance to lear...
8 days ago

Market Risk Graduate
Location: Johannesburg
Salary:
Kick-start Your Career in Market Risk — Graduate Opportunity! Are you a sharp analytical thinker with a passion for financial markets? A leading consulting firm is looking for new graduates or candidates with up to 1 year of experience to join their Market Risk team. This is the perfect environment for someone who wants hands-on exposure, complex problem-solving tasks, and the chance to lear...
9 days ago

Senior Systems Developer
Location: Johannesburg
Salary:
Seeking a Senior Systems Developer – Johannesburg (Hybrid role).
13 days ago

Technical Actuarial Manager - Life
Location: Johannesburg
Salary:
If you’re the data Scientist who treats problem-solving like a sport and data like Lego, you’re going to vibe with this role. You’ll get to build properly, deploy properly, and actually see your work make noise - the good kind. This opportunity is with a major player that’s serious about data and even more serious about using it properly. You’ll be joining a team that...
13 days ago

Data Scientist (Retail)
Location: Johannesburg
Salary:
If you’re the data Scientist who treats problem-solving like a sport and data like Lego, you’re going to vibe with this role. You’ll get to build properly, deploy properly, and actually see your work make noise - the good kind. This opportunity is with a major player that’s serious about data and even more serious about using it properly. You’ll be joining a team that...
13 days ago

Corporate Finance Specialist
Location: Johannesburg
Salary: 1400000 Annually
Our client is looking for a Corporate Finance specialist to join their dynamic team in the JHB North office.
14 days ago

AI Engineer
Location: Centurion
Salary:
Our client, a leading technology-driven network and digital solutions provider, is embarking on a major AI transformation initiative and is seeking 5 early-career AI Engineers to join their foundational team.
21 days ago