Lead Data Scientist - Financial Services

Our client, a pioneering fintech company, is seeking an exceptional Lead Data Scientist to spearhead their advanced analytics initiatives. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in driving innovation by leveraging vast datasets to develop sophisticated predictive models, machine learning algorithms, and data-driven strategies that will shape the future of financial services.

This role requires a deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning, and a passion for solving complex problems in the finance domain. As a remote-first leader, you will guide a talented team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture.

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of cutting-edge machine learning models and statistical algorithms for applications such as fraud detection, credit scoring, customer segmentation, and algorithmic trading.
• Extract, clean, and transform large, complex datasets from various sources for analysis.
• Develop and implement robust data pipelines and ETL processes.
• Mentor and manage a team of data scientists, providing technical guidance and fostering professional growth.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, engineers, and business stakeholders to identify opportunities for data-driven solutions.
• Stay at the forefront of advancements in AI, machine learning, and data science, and champion their adoption within the organization.
• Communicate complex findings and insights clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences through visualizations and presentations.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, and performance of deployed models and data solutions.
• Contribute to the strategic direction of data science initiatives within the company.

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in data science, with a proven track record of leading complex projects and teams.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python or R, and proficiency with relevant libraries (e.g., Scikit-learn, Tensor Flow, PyTorch, Pandas, Num Py).
• Strong experience with SQL and big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop).
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling, machine learning algorithms (supervised and unsupervised learning), and data mining techniques.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and MLOps principles is highly desirable.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills, essential for managing a remote team.
• Demonstrated ability to translate business problems into data science solutions and deliver impactful results.

• A highly competitive salary package, with a base of R , plus potential bonuses and equity.
• Comprehensive remote work support, including a home office stipend.
• Full medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Opportunities for continuous learning, conference attendance, and professional development in a cutting-edge field.

The freedom and flexibility of a fully remote role, allowing you to work from anywhere in South Africa, supporting roles often originating from regions like Richards Bay and beyond.