Senior Data Scientist - AI & Advanced Analytics

About the role

A client is looking for a Senior Data Scientist to lead the development and deployment of advanced AI and machine learning solutions in large-scale operational and industrial environments. The role is based onsite in Johannesburg and focuses on building production-ready AI that helps businesses predict outcomes, optimise operations and make smarter decisions.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop and deploy machine learning and AI models to solve complex operational and business challenges.
• Build predictive, prescriptive and optimisation models that improve operational efficiency.
• Work with business stakeholders, engineering teams and subject matter experts to find where AI delivers real value.
• Analyse large, complex datasets to uncover patterns, predict outcomes and generate actionable insights.
• Develop time-series forecasting models and AI-driven solutions for operational decision-making.
• Collaborate with data engineering teams to build scalable data pipelines and production-ready ML solutions.
• Deploy, monitor and continuously improve models using Azure ML and MLOps practices.
• Turn technical findings into clear business recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Contribute to AI solution architecture, technical standards and best practices.

Required profile

• 8-12+ years of experience in data science, machine learning or advanced analytics.
• Strong hands-on technical expertise combined with commercial understanding, able to take projects from concept to production.

Required skills

• Advanced hands-on Python.
• Strong knowledge of machine learning algorithms.
• Statistical modelling, predictive analytics and time-series forecasting.
• Azure ML and MLOps.