Lead Data Scientist

SUMMARY:
A leading organisation is seeking an experienced and innovative Lead Data Scientist to drive the development and delivery of advanced analytics, machine learning solutions, and data-driven products that create measurable business value. This role offers the opportunity to lead complex data science initiatives, influence strategic decision-making, and mentor a high-performing team of data professionals within a dynamic and fast-paced environment.

POSITION INFO:
The successful candidate will combine strong technical expertise with leadership capabilities, leveraging large and complex datasets to solve critical business challenges. You will work closely with business stakeholders, data engineers, and software development teams to design, develop, and deploy scalable analytical solutions while championing best practices in data science and advanced analytics. Key Responsibilities: Monitor collections and payment performance and identify opportunities for improvement Analyse data and provide insights to support business decisions Develop and maintain reports, dashboards, and performance metrics Test and optimise collection strategies to improve recovery rates Identify process inefficiencies and recommend improvements Support initiatives that reduce costs and improve operational efficiency Ensure processes comply with relevant regulations and internal policies Work closely with Operations, Risk, Finance, Data, and Technology teams Assist with the implementation of new tools, systems, and automation projects Present findings and recommendations to management and key stakeholders Job Experience and Skills Required: Education: Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Information Systems, Information Technology, or a related quantitative field. Postgraduate qualification (Honours or Master's Degree preferred) Experience: Proven experience applying machine learning, predictive modelling, deep learning, statistical analysis, and data mining techniques to solve business challenges Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, and modern data science tools and frameworks Experience leading projects and mentoring junior team members Exposure to Agile, Lean, or Design Thinking methodologies Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills, including advanced Excel Experience working with large-scale datasets in a commercial, technology, financial services, retail, or enterprise environment is advantageous Skills: Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills Ability to interpret complex data and translate insights into meaningful business outcomes Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills Ability to present technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences Highly organised with strong attention to detail and quality Commercially minded with a strong understanding of business drivers and objectives Adaptable, innovative, and passionate about emerging technologies and data-driven decision-making Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment Collaborative team player with strong relationship-building skills For more exciting Actuarial and Analytics vacancies, please visit: I also specialise in recruiting in the following: Actuarial: Life, Short-Term, Health, Pensions, and Quantitative Data & Analytics: Data Scientists, Data Analysts (Python, R, SQL, Machine Learning) Risk: Credit Risk, Market Risk, Model Risk, and Operational Risk Analysts Pricing: Specialists in Insurance and Financial Products AI & Machine Learning: ML Ops, NLP, Predictive Modelling Data Scientists Quantitative: Experts 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 \/ positions. For more information, contact: Zahrah Gani Specialist Recruitment Consultant 🔗