Standard Bank Group

Runs banking and financial services across Africa

Data Scientist Lead

Applied Machine LearningPosted on Nov 5

Full-timeLagos, NigeriaNo salary listedHybrid

About the Job

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in computer science, statistics, mathematics, engineering, or a related field is required.
Six to ten years of experience in data science, artificial intelligence, or machine learning is required.
At least three years in a senior technical role is required.
Experience in banking or financial services is preferred.
A proven track record of training and deploying machine-learning and artificial-intelligence models to production at scale is required.
Experience with cloud platforms, particularly Microsoft Azure, and modern machine-learning and artificial-intelligence tooling is required.
The ability to adopt practical approaches, articulate information, challenge ideas, develop expertise, document facts, embrace change, interpret data, and manage tasks is listed among the behavioural competencies.
Knowledge of big-data frameworks and tools, data engineering, data integrity, IT, and IT stakeholder management is listed among the technical competencies.

Responsibilities

Support the development and execution of the bank’s Data Science and AI strategy in alignment with strategic business goals.
Coordinate a team of data scientists and machine-learning and AI developers in driving AI implementation across business and operations.
Collaborate with senior business leaders to identify high-impact and emerging AI opportunities.
Oversee end-to-end delivery of machine-learning models, including data sourcing, feature engineering, model development, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring.
Work closely with Data Engineering to ensure high-quality datasets for modeling.
Ensure models comply with internal model risk guidelines, CBN requirements, and global best practices.
Stay updated with global AI trends, tools, and frameworks, including generative AI, large language models, retrieval-augmented generation, agents, and reinforcement learning.
Lead proof-of-concept and pilot initiatives for new AI capabilities.

Desired Qualifications

A master's degree and/or professional certifications such as Azure ML, AWS ML, TensorFlow, Databricks, SAS, agent orchestration, or Microsoft Fabric is advantageous.

Job Description

The Senior Data Scientist will drive the design, development, adoption, and deployment of advanced analytics and AI solutions across all business units in the bank. The role will be responsible for collaborating with a team of data scientists in developing AI/ML models at scale, ensuring model governance and regulatory compliance, and supporting business units to embed AI into products, processes, and decision-making. The ideal candidate is both a strong technical leader and a strategic business partner.

Support the development and execution of the bank’s Data Science & AI strategy in alignment with strategic business goals.
Coordinate a team of data scientists and machine learning/AI developers in driving AI implementation across business and operations.
Collaborate with senior business leaders to identify high-impact and emerging AI opportunities to gain a competitive edge.
Oversee end-to-end delivery of machine learning models: data sourcing, feature engineering, model development, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring.
Work closely with Data Engineering to ensure high-quality datasets for modeling.
Ensure all models comply with internal model risk guidelines, CBN requirements, and global best practices.
Stay updated with global AI trends, tools, and frameworks (GenAI, LLMs, RAG, agents, reinforcement learning).
Lead Proof of Concept (PoC) and pilot initiatives for new AI capabilities.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field..
Master’s Degree and/or professional certifications (e.g., Azure ML, AWS ML, TensorFlow, Databricks, SAS, Agent orchestration, Microsoft Fabrics) can be an advantage.

Experience

6–10 years of experience in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, or Machine Learning.
Minimum 3 years in a senior technical role.
Experience in banking or financial services is highly preferred.
Proven track record of training and deploying ML and AI models to production at scale.
Demonstrated experience with cloud platforms (particularly Microsoft Azure) and modern ML/AI tooling.

Additional Information

Behavioural Competencies

Adopting Practical Approaches
Articulating Information
Challenging Ideas
Developing Expertise
Documenting Facts
Embracing Change
Interpreting Data
Managing Tasks

Technical Competencies

Big Data Frameworks and Tools
Data Engineering
Data Integrity
IT Knowledge
Stakeholder Management (IT)

About the Company

Standard Bank Group

Runs banking and financial services across Africa

Standard Bank Group operates banking, insurance and investment businesses focused on Africa, serving individuals, families, businesses and institutional clients. Its services cover everyday accounts and payments, savings and lending, business finance, corporate transactions and investment banking. The group also manages insurance, asset management and wealth offerings that support clients through different financial needs and stages of life. Local banking operations connect with international centres and offshore hubs to support cross-border activity, trade and access to financial markets. Founded in 1862, the group is headquartered in Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa.

Company size: 10,001+
Company stage: Not listed
Total funding: Not listed
Headquarters: Johannesburg, South Africa
Founded: 1862

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