Senior Data Scientist

Job Description

To plan, build, optimize and implement innovative quantitative analytical methodologies, procedures, products and advanced models that provide analytical support and interpret insights, to address business opportunities and problems and implement business strategy, with minimal guidance.

Role Purpose

Seeking an experienced data scientist to support the FNB Retail Data and Analytics Office. We support the business through the development of predictive and prescriptive analytics specializing in Banking Retention and Attrition to provide More to Customers. This role requires expertise in end-to-end model development, from data exploration and feature engineering to presentation at relevant technical committees for approval. The incumbent will collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop innovative retention strategies tailored to individual customer needs, ensuring sustainable growth and success in the competitive banking landscape.

Beyond individual contributions, you'll play a vital role in mentoring less experienced data scientists, guiding them through advanced analytics techniques and fostering their growth within our dynamic team. If you're passionate about leveraging data to drive customer-centric strategies and eager to drive business value through analytics we want to hear from you.

Are you someone who:

• Has end to end Model development experience as well as, monitoring and optimization of existing models.
• Has experience with disparate data and identifying unique data patterns for deep analysis and feature creation.
• Understands how to work with big data and transform data to be suited for analytical insights.
• Has strong technical skills with strong coding proficiency in SAS or SAS Viya.
• Hard working individual that can work well under pressure.
• Able to translate business requirements into tangible, creative solutions.
• Has A/B Testing methodology background to measure uplift and improve KPIs.
• Translate business problems into actionable insights and analytics with minimum supervision
• Adheres to advance analytics protocols
• Willing to support and mentor junior data scientists in a specialist capacity
• Produce innovative ideas and solutions based on data. Stating assumptions and overcoming challenges.
• Self-driven and able to own their projects.
• Able to collaborate effectively with different stakeholders.
• Have a growth mindset aimed at continuous learning and self-improvement.
• Open-minded and enjoy problem solving.

We can be a match if you are:

• Curious & courageous – you’re driven by always wanting to know more and learn more and you’re brave enough to take action.
• Obsessed with mastery – you know what it takes to become good at what you do and are constantly pushing yourself to achieve this.
• A team player – you believe in the power of teams, building and leveraging your networks.
• Emotionally intelligent – you can connect with people to build trust.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum Qualification: B Degree in Mathematical Sciences, Statistics, Actuarial Science
• Preferred Qualification: Honours Degree
• Experience: A minimum of 5 years' relevant experience within Data Science / Analytics (Credit, Customer Insights, Retention or CVM) within the Financial Services or Banking
• Intermediate knowledge on advanced analytical techniques e.g., statistical methods, segmentation, optimization, experimental design
• End-to-end Model development experience
• Prior stakeholder engagement experience
• Strong coding proficiency in SAS or SAS Viya
• Able to work with Big Data
• Advantageous – Teradata

Job Details

Application Closing Date

11/07/24

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.