Lead Quantitative Analyst

Recruiter:

wePlace

Job Ref:

JHB000931/SNDV

Date posted:

Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Location:

Johannesburg, South Africa

SUMMARY:
Our client is looking for a Lead Quantitative Analyst to join their collaborative and fast-growing team.

POSITION INFO:
This is a Lead Machine Learning and Data Science Analyst to independently validate highâimpact models across credit risk, financial crime, and advanced analytics use cases. This is a handsâon technical role. What You'll Be Doing Leading the independent validation of machine learning models across: Credit risk models Propensity and behavioural models Financial crime models (fraud and AML) Applying advanced ML techniques, including: Supervised learning (Random Forest, XGBoost, CatBoost, Neural Networks) Unsupervised learning (clustering, isolation forests) Managing model risk across the endâtoâend model lifecycle, including: Feature engineering and data preparation Model training, evaluation, and selection Production deployment and monitoring Building and reviewing models in Pythonâbased environments Leading and mentoring analysts and junior data scientists Partnering closely with Risk, Technology, and Business stakeholders Ensuring models meet governance, performance, and scalability standards What We Are Looking For 6-8+ years relevant experience, with demonstrated technical leadership Strong handsâon experience building machine learning and data science models endâtoâend Proven use of techniques such as: Boosting algorithms (XGBoost, CatBoost) Neural networks Clustering and anomaly detection Advanced proficiency in Python Solid experience with SQL and working with large, complex datasets Ability to lead technically while remaining actively involved in modelling work Experience within credit risk, propensity modelling, or financial crime analytics Experience with independent validation of models and\/or detailed peer review Proven experience researching machine learning models Qualifications Honours or Master's degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, or a related quantitative field Preferred\/ Ideal Experience leading or building ML teams in a regulated environment Experience deploying or supporting models in cloud environments Exposure to credit risk modelling, scorecards, or IFRSârelated analytics Financial crime (fraud or AML) modelling experience Experience designing models with scalability and deployment in mind Familiarity with model risk, governance, or validation standards Why Join Our Client? Work on highâimpact, real-world models used across the industry. Exposure to a wide variety of models, not just one product or portfolio Learn from experienced quantitative leaders in a collaborative environment Be part of a fast-growing organisation that values simplicity, transparency, and ownership Competitive rewards, learning opportunities, and long-term career growth Should you not receive a response from us within one week of your application, your application has unfortunately not been successful. You can visit our website for more vacancies: \/

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