Head of Data Science

Recruiter:

Network Recruitment

Job Ref:

NFP016657/KM

Date posted:

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Location:

Cape Town, South Africa

SUMMARY:

This missionâdriven, AI-powered ecosystem technology organisation is building intelligent infrastructure that expands access to finance and markets across Africa. For over a decade, the team has applied data, digital platforms, and financial innovation to empower under-served communities, including MSMEs, smallholder farmers, and lowâ to middleâincome consumers. This role contributes directly to shaping how AI and data science drive financial inclusion and market transformation.

POSITION INFO:

About the Role:
The organization is seeking an exceptional Head of Data Science to lead the strategy, development, and deployment of advanced machine learning and AI models that power the organization’s intelligent decisioning products.

In this senior leadership role, you will guide a high-performing data team, collaborate crossâfunctionally, and report directly to the Chief of Intelligent Data Decisioning. This role requires strong technical expertise, strategic leadership, and a passion for innovation.

What You’ll Do:

Define and drive the data science strategy, roadmap, and priorities.
Lead, mentor, and grow a world-class team of data scientists, ML engineers, and analysts.
Serve as an AI/ML thought leader, introducing innovations that enhance product and operational performance.
Oversee development of models for credit underwriting, risk scoring, fraud detection, forecasting, customer segmentation, and the full credit lifecycle.
Ensure production-grade deployment, monitoring, and optimization of ML models.
Partner with product and engineering teams to integrate ML solutions into user-facing applications and internal decisioning engines.
Work closely with compliance and risk teams to ensure fairness, explainability, and regulatory alignment.
Support the development of scalable data pipelines and ML infrastructure.
Establish best practices for data governance, reproducibility, version control, and feature engineering.
Define and track KPIs demonstrating the business impact of data science initiatives.
Promote a culture of experimentation, A/B testing, and continuous improvement.

What You’ll Bring:

10+ years’ experience in data science/ML, including 3+ years in leadership roles.
Strong background in supervised/unsupervised learning, deep learning, and statistical modelling.
Proven experience in fintech or financial services (credit, lending, fraud, risk, etc.).
Advanced programming skills in Python, R, or Scala. Familiarity with TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn.
Strong SQL and data visualization capabilities.
Experience with big data technologies (Spark, Snowflake, and Databricks) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, and GCP).
Demonstrated success deploying data products at scale.
Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
Strategic thinker with the ability to align data initiatives with organizational goals.
Highly analytical with excellent problemâsolving skills and attention to detail.
Ability to thrive in fast-paced, dynamic, highâgrowth environments.
Master’s or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, or related fields preferred.
Experience with alternative data models, credit scoring, explainable AI (XAI), ethical AI, and model governance is advantageous.
Start-up or high-growth experience is a plus.

Apply now!

For more exciting Actuarial & Analytics vacancies, please visit:
/>
I also specialize in recruiting:
Actuarial (Life, ShortâTerm, Pensions, Health, Quant)
Data Science & Advanced Analytics
Pricing & Product Modelling
Market, Credit & Quantitative Risk
Machine Learning & AI Specialists

If you have not received a response within two weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful. Your profile will remain on our database for future opportunities.

For more information, contact:
Kholo Mongalo
Recruitment Researcher – Actuarial & Analytics
Connect with me on LinkedIn:

Similar jobs you might be interested in:

Head of Data Science
Location: Cape Town
Salary:
This missionâdriven, AI-powered ecosystem technology organisation is building intelligent infrastructure that expands access to finance and markets across Africa. For over a decade, the team has applied data, digital platforms, and financial innovation to empower under-served communities, including MSMEs, smallholder farmers, and lowâ to middleâincome consumers. This role contributes directl...
1 day ago

Head of Data Science
Location: Cape Town
Salary: Annually
An established, impact-driven technology platform, operating across emerging markets, is seeking a head of data science to lead its advanced analytics and machine learning capability.
5 days ago

Head of Data Science
Location: Cape Town
Salary: Annually
An established, impact-driven technology platform operating across emerging markets is seeking a head of data science to lead its advanced analytics and machine learning capability.
8 days ago

Head of Data Engineering
Location: Cape Town
Salary:
13 days ago

Head of Product Strategy – SaaS (PropTech)
Location: Somerset West
Salary:
2 days ago

Climate Finance and ESG Analsyt
Location: Cape Town
Salary:
5 days ago

Head of Product Strategy – SaaS (PropTech)
Location: Somerset West
Salary:
13 days ago

Credit and Pricing Analyst
Location: Cape Town
Salary: Annually
This fast-growing scale-up business is dedicated to expanding access to essential products across Africa through innovative financing and technology. Operating across multiple markets with a strong distribution network, the organisation enables thousands of customers each week to access lifeâimproving products through affordable, payâoverâtime solutions. Working here means contributing to me...
16 days ago

Job Description - Credit Risk Analyst – Leading Retailer - Cape Town City Centre - Hybrid
Location: Capetown
Salary: Cost to company of around R750 000 per annum flexible depending on current earnings, experience and job fit etc
Job Description - Credit Risk Analyst – Leading Retailer - Cape Town City Centre - Hybrid
19 days ago

Job Description - Risk & Analytics Manager – Leading Retailer – Cape Town City Centre - Hybrid
Location: Capetown
Salary: Cost to company of around R1 200 000 per annum flexible depending on current earnings, experience and job fit etc.
Job Description - Risk & Analytics Manager – Leading Retailer – Cape Town City Centre - Hybrid
20 days ago