Head of Data and Analytics

Recruiter:

Network Recruitment

Job Ref:

NFP016441/HN

Date posted:

Tuesday, December 9, 2025

Location:

Pretoria, South Africa

SUMMARY:

Head of Data Science & AI Transformation!

Are you ready to redefine how South Africa understands consumers through predictive analytics, real-time data pipelines, and next-generation insights? This is your chance to lead the transformation of a long-established insights division into an AI-powered intelligence hub.

Join a market-leading research and insights organisation with over three decades of credibility and ambitious growth plans. The business is investing heavily in AI, machine learning, scalable automation, and advanced data architecture to create world-class, product-driven solutions.
This is more than a leadership role—it’s an opportunity to shape the future of data science in South Africa, build high-performing teams, and deliver measurable impact across telco, retail, finance, and social sectors.
What’s in it for you?

Drive strategic evolution from traditional reporting to AI-enabled insights ecosystems.
Work with executive leadership to influence long-term data strategy.
Lead innovation in predictive analytics and next-gen client intelligence products.

POSITION INFO:

Key Responsibilities

Lead AI and machine learning transformation, embedding predictive analytics and automation.
Build and structure agile pods of Data Scientists, Engineers, and Statisticians.
Drive product innovation through advanced analytics and scalable client solutions.
Partner with leadership to deliver strategic KPIs and 120-day execution plans.
Mentor a multi-disciplinary team to achieve operational excellence and future-focused capability.

Job Experience & Skills Required

Education:

Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related field (Master’s/PhD advantageous).

Experience:

10+ years in data science, analytics, or advanced statistical environments.
Minimum 5 years in market research, CX insights, or analytics consulting.
Proven leadership in AI/ML transformation and team building.
Experience with predictive models, real-time data solutions, and cloud-based pipelines (AWS/GCP/Azure).

Skills:

Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and modern ML frameworks.
Strong understanding of ethical AI, data governance, and ESOMAR-aligned practices.
Ability to translate complex analytics into commercial insights and products.

Non-negotiable:

Demonstrated ability to build and lead high-performing technical teams.

Apply now!
For more exciting Finance vacancies, visit:
/>I also specialise in recruiting for:

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 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 and Analytics
Location: Pretoria
Salary:
head of data Science & AI Transformation!Are you ready to redefine how South Africa understands consumers through predictive analytics, real-time data pipelines, and next-generation insights? This is your chance to lead the transformation of a long-established insights division into an AI-powered intelligence hub.Join a market-leading research and insights organisation with over three decades ...
1 day ago

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.
7 days ago

Head of Advanced Data Analytics
Location: Centurion
Salary:
Are you a seasoned analytics leader ready to build and scale an end-to-end machine learning and AI capability? This role offers the opportunity to lead an advanced data analytics function, drive innovation, and deliver high-impact predictive models within a fast-moving, Agile environment.
15 days ago

Head of Data Science & AI
Location: Pretoria
Salary: Annually
Take the lead in transforming a long-standing insights division into a cutting-edge, AI-powered intelligence hub. If you are a visionary data science leader with a passion for shaping how organisations understand consumers through predictive analytics, real-time data pipelines, and next-generation insights, this is your chance to create something truly industry-defining.
5 days ago

Executive Head of Data
Location: Johannesburg
Salary:
12 days ago

Communications Officer â (Fixed Term Contract 6 Months - WITS VIDA)
Location: Johannesburg
Salary: Monthly
Background:The Vaccines and Infectious Diseases analytics (VIDA) Research Unit of the University of the Witwatersrand, formerly RMPRU (Respiratory and Meningeal Pathogens Research Unit) has for over 20 years conducted numerous studies to assess the burden of and prevent vaccine-preventable diseases (VPD)Current studies and projects include infant rotavirus and BCG trials
2 days ago

Data Scientist- Power BI
Location: Johannesburg
Salary: Hourly
We’re hiring a data Scientist with expert-level PowerBI experience. This role is within the financial services industry and our client seeks to employ a data Science professional on a contract basis.
2 days ago

Head of E-Commerce Marketing
Location: South Africa
Salary: R40 000 - R60 000 per month
As head of E-Commerce Marketing, you will lead the strategic direction and execution of all digital marketing efforts, with full responsibility for performance across the e-commerce funnel
15 days ago

Data Product Manager
Location: South Africa
Salary: Market Related Monthly
Role:Our client is a data Product Manager to execute and optimize data products on their B2B data marketplace platform. You'll be responsible for managing the product lifecycle of data solutions that connect data sellers with enterprise buyers seeking actionable insights. This role requires strong data product capabilities, effective stakeholder coordination, and the ability to execute in the...
20 days ago

Actuarial Manager: Lead Pricing Strategy & Innovation
Location: Johannesburg
Salary: Annually
Are you an actuarial leader who excels at creating pricing frameworks, driving innovation, and shaping commercially competitive insurance offerings? This role offers the chance to step into a high-impact leadership position within a rapidly growing, analytics-driven organisation.
22 days ago