Senior Data Scientist

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• We are truly data-driven, committed to delivering intelligent solutions that enhance customer experience and business performance. Our Big Data and AI team plays a pivotal role in enabling this transformation by supporting the CX and Digital space with scalable, innovative data capabilities.
• We’re looking for a Senior Data Scientist to join our Big Data and AI team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment and is passionate about solving complex business problems using AI, Machine Learning, GenAI, and Agentic AI.
• You’ll work on high-impact use cases across customer experience and digital platforms developing models and AI products that drive strategic decisions and improve customer journeys.

• Design and build AI solutions that deliver actionable insights and measurable business impact.
• Develop and deploy predictive models using large, diverse datasets across structured and unstructured domains.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Advanced Analytics, Engineering, and Business stakeholders.
• Contribute to the wider community to enable AI capability across Vodafone globally.
• Lead initiatives in GenAI, LLMs, and Agentic AI to support next-gen customer experience and digital products.
• Track and report model performance using compelling data visualizations and storytelling techniques.
• Mentor junior data scientists and contribute to capability building across the team.
• Partner with Big Data Engineering to automate and product ionize AI workloads.
• Present findings to both technical and non-technical audiences, translating complex insights into business value.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in quantitative fields like Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Computer Science Engineering, Artificial Intelligence or related fields (essential)
• A minimum of 4-6 years relevant experience in Big Data & Data Science.
• Experiencing working with and mentoring / coaching data scientists in training
• Experience with GenAI, LLMs, and MLOps / LLMOps frameworks.
• Experience in data manipulation : use of structured data tools (, SQL), and unstructured data platforms ( PySpark, No
  
  SQL)
• Proficiency in at least one relevant programming language :
  Python (preferred), R, Java
• Experience across major machine learning model frameworks ( H2O, scikit-learn, PyTorch, Tensorflow) and techniques ( random forest, gradient boosting, k-means segmentation, multiple regression, factor analysis, time-series forecasting)
• Exposure to cloud native deployment of models and working with containerized technologies such as Docker and Kurbernetees.
• Knowledge of MLOps and LLMOps concepts and deployment of models through batch and real-time architectures.
• Professional and / or academic experience in Big Data analytics & deployment of models and algorithms to solve real-world problems (with deep statistical and machine learning modelling expertise)
• Familiarity with visualization tools ( Tableau, Qlik, D3, Apache Superset, Plotly, Power
  
  BI, Open search, Grafana)
• Good interpersonal communication and presentation skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
• Analytical and expansive thinking with a strong desire to deliver and develop.
• Experience working with teams and coaching data scientists
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Design & Systems Thinking in relation to AI and Machine Learning Eco Systems.
• Real-time Decisioning & Intelligence use case deployment and evaluation experience.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, agile environment.

• Enticing incentive programs and competitive benefit packages
• Retirement funds, risk benefits, and medical aid benefits
• Cell phone and data benefits, advantages fibre connection discounts, and exclusive staff discounts offered in collaboration with partner companies

Closing date for Applications : 14 October 2025.

The base location for this role is Vodacom, Midrand Campus .

The company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.

Vodacom is committed to an organisational culture that recognises, appreciates, and values diversity & inclusion.