Standard Bank Group is a leading Africa-focused financial services group, and an innovative player on the global stage, that offers a variety of career-enhancing opportunities – plus the chance to work alongside some of the sector’s most talented, motivated professionals. Our clients range from individuals, to businesses of all sizes, high net worth families and large multinational corporates and institutions. We’re passionate about creating growth in Africa. Bringing true, meaningful value to our clients and the communities we serve and creating a real sense of purpose for you.

The Lead Data Scientist is responsible for driving data-informed decision-making and innovation through the development and deployment of advanced analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data visualization solutions. The role partners with business stakeholders to identify opportunities, optimize processes, and deliver actionable insights that support strategic objectives and business growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage data science and AI projects from conception through implementation and delivery. 
• Develop predictive models, machine learning algorithms, and advanced analytics solutions to solve business challenges.
• Provide technical leadership, coaching, and mentorship to Data Scientists and promote best practices across the team. 
• Conduct code reviews to ensure quality, performance, maintainability, and adherence to coding standards. 
• Collaborate with business units and stakeholders to understand requirements and translate them into data-driven solutions. 
• Drive data quality improvement initiatives and support enterprise-wide data governance efforts. 
• Manage team resources, workloads, schedules, and performance development activities.
• Prepare and present analytical findings and recommendations to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Foster a collaborative, innovative, and high-performance data science culture.

Type of Qualification: First Degree
Field of Study: Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field. 

Certification: Certified Analytics Professional (CAP), Microsoft Certified: Azure Data Scientist Associate, Google Data Analytics Certificate, or equivalent certifications in Data Science, AI, or Big Data technologies

Experience Required

The ideal candidate should possess strong expertise in data science, statistical modelling, machine learning, data visualization, and programming tools such as Python, SQL, Power BI, and Microsoft Power Platform, with hands-on experience in data engineering, ETL processes, and cloud-based platforms such as Azure, AWS, or GCP. The candidate must have a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, delivering end-to-end analytics and AI solutions, providing technical leadership and mentorship, driving data governance and quality initiatives, and effectively communicating insights and recommendations to senior stakeholders to support business growth, operational excellence, and digital transformation.

Behavioural Competencies:

• Adopting Practical Approaches
• Articulating Information
• Challenging Ideas
• Checking Things
• Examining Information

Technical Competencies:

• Data Analysis
• Database Administration
• Data Integrity
• Knowledge Classification
• Research & Information Gathering