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

Team Lead, Data Scientist, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited

About the Job