Scorecard Development Specialist

SUMMARY:
Tired of models that don’t quite make the grade? Here’s your chance to score big. If you live and breathe feature engineering, reject inference, and love turning messy data into clean business wins, this one’s for you. Lead the way in building smarter, sharper, and more inclusive credit scoring models that change how lending gets done.

POSITION INFO:
This leading financial services group is known for its forward-thinking approach to data, innovation, and customer solutions. They’re looking for a seasoned Application Scoring Specialist to join their dynamic Data Science team, working hybrid from Johannesburg.

You’ll be surrounded by brilliant minds who are passionate about leveraging analytics to drive smarter credit decisions. It’s a space where your expertise in scorecard development, feature engineering, and reject inference will not just be valued - it will set the direction for how the business approaches risk and opportunity. Because this isn’t just another data role - it’s your chance to influence the future of credit decisioning across Africa’s SME landscape. You’ll work closely with senior leadership, mentor a strong team of Analysts, and see your models make measurable business impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design, develop, and review application scorecards, including reject inference models.
• Lead feature engineering initiatives to boost predictive power and business alignment.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to ensure models align with commercial goals.
• Innovate scoring solutions in low-data or emerging market environments.
• Mentor and guide Junior Analysts, fostering growth and technical excellence.
• Present findings and recommendations to executive stakeholders.
• Ensure model governance and adherence to best practices in credit risk analytics.

• BSc/BCom in Mathematics, Statistics, Mathematical Statistics, or Engineering.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience in credit risk modelling and application scoring.
• Proven track record of developing and deploying multiple scorecards.
• Exposure to SME lending, retail, telecoms, or fintech sectors is an advantage.
• Strong SAS proficiency (non-negotiable).
• Experience with Paragon Modeler preferred.
• Solid grounding in feature engineering and data pre-processing.
• Confident communicator with the ability to engage senior stakeholders.
• Leadership mindset with a passion for mentoring and knowledge-sharing.
• Ability to innovate and deliver results even with imperfect data.
• Strategic thinker who enjoys solving complex modelling challenges.

• Actuarial
• Product Development
• Pricing
• Valuations
• Credit Risk
• Market Risk