Lead Data Scientist

Are you an experienced Data Scientist with deep expertise in machine learning, artificial intelligence, statistical modeling, and production data science environments? We are looking to connect with a talented Lead Data Scientist for an exciting opportunity with a leading technology organization.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead data science initiatives from initial concept through to production deployment
• Design, develop, and deploy cutting-edge machine learning and AI solutions
• Build, monitor, and continuously retrain production-grade models
• Work with large-scale datasets using Python, pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn
• Develop data science solutions and prototypes using Jupyter Notebooks
• Leverage Delta Lake and modern lakehouse architectures
• Utilize PySpark, feature stores, training-data versioning, and schema evolution
• Work extensively with Azure Synapse Analytics, Azure SQL, T-SQL, and/or ANSI SQL
• Develop meaningful analytics and visualizations using Power BI and Python
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to growing data science team members
• Own technical delivery while collaborating closely with cross-functional teams
• Communicate complex technical concepts clearly to senior stakeholders
• Contribute effectively to Agile delivery within the platform organization

Key Requirements

• 7+ years of professional experience across data science, data analytics, or data warehousing
• Substantial and recent hands-on experience specifically in data science
• 2+ years of experience in a technical or engineering leadership role
• Strong expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and AI system design
• Advanced proficiency in Python, including pandas, NumPy, and scikit-learn
• Demonstrated experience with Delta Lake or comparable lakehouse architectures
• Strong PySpark experience for big data processing
• Familiarity with feature stores, training-data versioning, and schema evolution
• Solid background in data warehousing principles and practices
• Hands-on experience with Azure Synapse Analytics and/or Azure SQL
• Strong command of T-SQL and/or ANSI SQL
• Proven experience building dashboards and reports with Power BI
• Experience with Python-based visualization or interactive analysis tools
• Demonstrated technical leadership, coaching, and mentoring capabilities
• Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM discipline or equivalent professional experience

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys combining hands-on technical data science work with leadership, mentoring, and delivering impactful, production-ready AI and machine learning solutions.

Role Details

• Salary: R90,000 – R100,000 per month
• Location: South Africa (Remote)
• Travel: Occasional travel to Johannesburg or Cape Town a few times per year (proximity to these cities is preferred)