Job Description
To plan, build, optimise and implement innovative quantitative analytical methodologies, procedures, products and advanced mathematical models that provide analytical support and interpret insights, to address business opportunities and problems and implement business strategy, with minimal guidance.
Hello, Data Scientist II – Credit Risk Acquisitions
Role Overview
We are seeking a strategic and analytically driven Data Scientist II to join our Credit Risk team. This role focuses on using predictive modeling to inform and shape business strategies across the credit lifecycle. The successful candidate will work closely with business teams to translate data insights into actionable strategies that drive growth, manage risk, and improve customer outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement predictive models to support strategic initiatives such as:
- Credit decisioning (e.g., application scorecards)
- Limit assignment and pricing strategies
- Early warning systems for delinquency
- Customer retention and churn prediction
- Collaborate with business stakeholders (e.g., Credit, Product, Collections, Marketing) to embed model-driven insights into strategic planning and operational execution.
- Translate complex analytical outputs into clear, actionable recommendations for non-technical audiences.
- Monitor and maintain model performance, ensuring relevance and accuracy over time.
- Document model development and validation processes for internal governance and external regulatory review.
- Contribute to the design of data-driven strategies that enhance portfolio performance, customer experience, and risk management.
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum qualification: Bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, Information Systems, or a related quantitative discipline.
- Preferred qualification: A relevant post graduate degree
- Experience: A minimum of 3 years' relevant experience in analytics, preferably within credit risk banking or financial services.
- Demonstrated experience in predictive modeling and translating models into business strategies.
- Familiarity with credit lifecycle processes and risk management frameworks.
- Proven experience working with credit bureau data and alternative data sources.
- Solid understanding of model governance, validation, and regulatory compliance.
- Proficiency in SAS, SQL, Python, and R for data manipulation, modeling, and analysis.
- Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau) is advantageous.
- Exposure to big data environments (e.g., Hadoop, Spark) will be beneficial.
- Strong business acumen and ability to link technical outputs to strategic objectives.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
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Job Details
Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.
14/03/26
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.