Global Digital Data Scientist at Sappi

This role reports to the Lead: Data Scientist.

The main responsibilities of the job are:

Citizen Data Science Tools

• Provide ongoing training and enablement to the Citizen Data Science community and cultivate self-service, data-driven decision making and problem resolution.
• Develop and maintain tools, libraries and pre-defined workflows and imputation algorithms that will help analytics team members more efficiently interface and analyse huge amounts of data
• Continuously monitor, engage and support Citizen Data Science initiatives to develop and support a data-driven culture at Sappi
• Actively report and engage on technical support issues, ensuring problem resolution and knowledge transfer to all stakeholders
   

Data Science

• Develop, automate and optimise machine learning models and algorithms whilst abiding to change control procedures.
• Actively develop and adhere to quality assurance best practices for data science services across the organization.
• Actively analyse and assess data quality in all source systems (including digital twins) and assist in data quality improvement initiatives. 
• Conduct research and make recommendations on Machine Learning tools, techniques and technologies in support of development efforts.
   

Operational management

• Ensure best practices and standards are leveraged wherever possible as part of the solution.
• Make recommendations for the introduction of new procedures, techniques and/or standards within the Advanced Analytics environment.
• Work with the global team to develop time estimates and implementation plans.
• Effectively communicate technical issues, decisions reached, and/or the status of the project with all stakeholders within the project team and within the business.
• Responsible to ensure all data science projects are retained within the Advanced Analytics landscape, and actively monitor and maintain said landscape in terms of governance, performance optimisation and security.
• Actively ensure the good governance to ensure full compliance of audit, controls and security requirements.
• Ensure technical models remain accurate with changes in operations.
   

Interfaces

• This role will interface with stakeholders across all regions and departments. 
• Build constructive relationships with internal and external business partners and with suppliers/contractors.
• Collaborate with business partners in identifying opportunities to streamline their operations.
   

Support

• Maintain and enhance all training materials for end-user training for Advanced Analytics tools.
• Facilitate change management for a data-driven culture.
   

Continuous Improvement projects, optimisation & innovation

• Support the culture of continuous improvement through team member engagement, knowledge sharing and innovation.
• Identify, review, and promote creative ideas and approaches to improve department and team performance.
• Ensure optimal utilization of technology solutions, keeping pace with innovations in data science capabilities

The ideal candidate should have:

•     Minimum University Degree in Information Technology.
•     Master’s Degree preferably in Data Science will be an added advantage.
•     5-8 years experience in Data Science
•     Experience in building innovative algorithms, mathematical modelling and Big Data analysis; 
•     Sound programming and database experience using up-to-date software development practices
•     In addition to a strong scientific and IT background, the position requires strong problem-solving and consulting capabilities with the ability to communicate effectively in an international industrial environment.
•     Innovative mindset, service-oriented and results-driven
•     Self-motivated, have a proactive personality and a ‘can-do' attitude
•     A passion to engage, uplift and share knowledge with the Sappi data science community. 
•     Must be willing to travel.