About the position
Introduction
The position of Senior Data Scientist is vacant. The Senior Data Scientist will report directly to the Senior Manager: Data Analytics and forms part of the Research and Development Division. The position is based at Head Office in Pretoria.
The total remuneration package will be between R1,109,620 and R 1,386,956 per annum, based on skills and experience.
The closing date for applications will be Tuesday, 16 September 2025.
Duties & Responsibilities
The Senior Data Scientist will be required to perform the following functions within the Research and Development Division under the supervision of the Senior Manager: Data Analytics through the implementation of the following:
- Develop Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions aligned with GEMS' Business and Data Strategies
- Ensure strict compliance with POPIA, Medical Schemes Act, data governance and ethical standards throughout the ML/AI project lifecycle
- Develop SOPs/guidelines, manage SLAs, and collaborate with ICT on tooling and deployment
- Execute in-depth data analysis, exploration, cleaning and repackaging to extract valuable insights from the Scheme's Big Data
- Design, deploy and maintain ML and AI models to extract insights, predict outcomes, and optimize processes, products and services
- Utilize appropriate statistical techniques and hypothesis testing to validate ML and AI model findings
- Communicate complex data insights to business owners and non-technical stakeholders in a clear and implementable manner
- Evaluate ML and AI models' performance and fine-tune for improved accuracy and efficiency
- Ensure deployed models are integrated into the Scheme's business processes, contributing to digitization initiatives
- Develop monitoring reports and dashboards to track successful implementation of ML and AI solutions
- Implement procedures for effective ML and AI model version control and management
- Consult with business data owners and domain experts to understand specific business problems requiring ML/AI solutions
- Provide coaching and mentoring to junior and intermediate staff members
- Manage ML and AI solutions projects from end to end, ensuring compliance with data governance, ethics and regulations
- Develop collaborative relationships with multidisciplinary teams including business data owners and ICT
- Contribute to publications and thought leadership in collaboration with the Health Policy unit and other researchers
- Participate in data governance and research forums to drive best practice
Minimum Requirements
- Minimum qualification: Degree - Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Economics, or related science field.
- Preferred Qualification: Post-graduate or Masters' degree - Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Engineering, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Economics, or related science field.
- Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) modelling certifications will be an added advantage.
- At least 5 years' experience of advanced data analytics in the financial services industry
- At least 2 years' experience of Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions modelling, deployment and maintenance in the financial services industry is required
- At least 2 years' experience in the Medical Scheme industry will be an added advantage
- Experience in Python / R / SAS / SQL / Power BI / Other coding languages is required.
- Advanced MS Office skills - MS Access, Excel, Word, PowerPoint.
Skills
- Have excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills
- Have the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
- Have a diligent work ethic with attention to detail
- Self-motivated and pro-active
- Have strong negotiation skills
- Ability give advice and engage with various stakeholders
- Understanding health policy
- Previous experience as a Biostatistician in health research
Behavioural Competencies
- Strategic thinking and vision alignment with organizational goals
- Leadership abilities to guide junior team members and influence stakeholders
- Initiative and drive to proactively identify opportunities for data-driven improvements
- Accountability and ownership of projects from conception to completion
- Resilience and adaptability when facing complex analytical challenges
- Ethical judgment in handling sensitive healthcare data
- Intellectual curiosity and continuous learning mindset
- Collaborative approach to cross-functional teamwork
- Results orientation with focus on delivering actionable insights
- Time management and ability to prioritize multiple projects
- Professional integrity and commitment to data ethics
- Emotional intelligence in stakeholder interactions
- Decision-making confidence based on data analysis
- Persistence in solving complex data problems
- Customer/member-focused mindset in solution development
Desirable
- Understanding of the medical schemes industry
Package & Remuneration
Between R1,109,620 and R 1,386,956 - Annual cost to company
