Cape Town City Centre: Head of Data Science

March 14, 2026 Jobs in Cape Peninsula

Cape Town Region

IT / Computing / Software

Job Description

About the Role

The organisation builds intelligent digital infrastructure that enables greater financial access, improved risk assessment, and smarter market participation for underserved segments. Data sits at the heart of its products, powering decision engines used across lending, risk, fraud, and customer lifecycle management. As the Head of Data Science, you will define and execute the end-to-end data science strategy from model research and experimentation through to scalable deployment in live production environments.

Key Responsibilities

Define and execute the data science vision, strategy, and roadmap
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of data scientists and ML engineers
Oversee the design, development, and deployment of advanced ML models across risk, fraud, forecasting, and segmentation
Ensure production-grade model implementation, monitoring, and optimisation
Partner closely with Product and Engineering to embed models into business systems
Collaborate with Risk and Compliance teams to ensure regulatory alignment, fairness, and explainability
Establish best practices in data governance, feature engineering, experimentation, and MLOps
Define performance metrics to measure the business impact of data initiatives
Champion a culture of innovation, experimentation, and continuous improvement

Requirements

Experience: 10 years experience in data science and machine learning
Minimum 3 years in a senior leadership or team management role
Proven experience within regulated financial services (e.g., credit, lending, fraud, and risk)
Demonstrated success delivering and deploying ML models at scale
Experience working in high-growth or scaling technology environments advantageous

Qualifications

Masters or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field (preferred)

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Bachelors degree in a quantitative discipline required

How to Apply

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About IT / Computing / Software Jobs in Cape Town Region

The IT and computing industry in the Cape Town region is generally thriving, with a strong demand for skilled professionals in fields such as software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity. Typically, these roles are found across various sectors, including technology, finance, healthcare, and education. As a result, career opportunities in this field are often diverse and abundant.

In terms of salary ranges, it’s common to find IT and computing professionals earning between R400 000 to R1 200 000 per annum, depending on factors such as experience, company size, and industry sector. However, please note that these figures are broad estimates and may vary significantly based on individual circumstances. For instance, senior roles or those in larger companies tend to command higher salaries, while entry-level positions may be lower.

Common skills required for IT and computing roles include proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++, experience with software development methodologies like Agile or Scrum, knowledge of data structures and algorithms, and familiarity with cloud computing platforms. Additionally, many employers also value skills such as data analysis, problem-solving, and communication.

The technology industry is a significant sector that employs IT professionals in Cape Town, followed by the financial services and manufacturing sectors. Other industries that commonly require these roles include education, healthcare, and government.

For those looking to advance their careers in IT and computing, there are various opportunities for professional development. Typically, this involves obtaining relevant certifications, such as CompTIA or Cisco, and staying up-to-date with industry trends through online courses or workshops. Many employers also provide training and mentorship programs to support employee growth. With experience and continuous learning, it’s possible to move into senior roles or specialise in a particular area of expertise.

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This information provides general career guidance. Actual salaries and requirements vary by employer.

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