Senior Manager – Data Science

Job Title: Senior Manager – Data Science
Location: Johannesburg
Job Type: Full-Time

Company Overview:
IQbusiness is a leader in leveraging data science and advanced analytics to drive business transformation. We are seeking a Senior Manager – Data Science who can bridge the gap between business and technology, operate independently, and lead a team to execute strategic data-driven initiatives. This individual should have strong consulting experience and the ability to align analytics solutions with business objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Execution
• Define and execute the data science strategy in alignment with overall business goals.
• Identify opportunities where data science can create value for the business and drive actionable insights.
• Act as a thought leader to promote data-driven decision-making across the organization.
• Business & Technical Bridging
• Collaborate with senior executives, product teams, and stakeholders to translate business needs into technical solutions.
• Serve as the primary liaison between technical data science teams and business units to ensure clarity and alignment on objectives.
• Develop business cases and ROI analyses to support data science investments.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, mentor, and grow a high-performing data science team, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Provide coaching and guidance to ensure team members develop both technical and business acumen.
• Drive collaboration across cross-functional teams, ensuring seamless integration of data science solutions into operations.
• Technical Expertise & Innovation
• Oversee the design, development, and implementation of advanced analytics models, leveraging techniques such as machine learning, predictive modeling, and AI.
• Ensure best practices in data science methodologies, including data governance, model validation, and ethical AI principles.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in data science and analytics.
• Operational Excellence & Performance Management
• Establish KPIs and performance metrics to measure the impact of data science initiatives.
• Ensure models and analytics tools are robust, scalable, and provide long-term business value.
• Monitor model performance, drive continuous improvements, and recommend optimizations where necessary.

Qualifications & Experience

• Education:
• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Economics, or a related field. An MBA is a plus.
• Experience:
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in data science, analytics, or a related field, with at least 3+ years in a leadership role.
• Proven experience in a consulting environment, managing multiple projects and stakeholders.
• Strong background in machine learning, statistical modeling, and AI.
• Demonstrated success in bridging business strategy with technical execution.
• Experience leading and mentoring data science teams.
• Technical Skills:
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or SQL.
• Experience with cloud-based analytics platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Familiarity with visualization tools like Tableau or Power BI.
• Strong understanding of data engineering concepts, data governance, and big data architectures.
• Soft Skills:
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and make data-driven strategic decisions.
• Leadership mindset with the ability to drive change in a fast-paced environment.

Please Note:
As all IQbusiness roles require honesty in the handling of or access to cash, finances, financial systems, or confidential information; our recruitment process requires that the following background checks be completed: credit, criminal, ID, and qualification verification.

IQbusiness is committed to sustainable growth and transformation, we embrace diversity and employ previously disadvantaged individuals.