Manager Data Science (Gauteng) at Telesure Investment Holdings (TIH)

JOB PURPOSE

Manage a small team that is responsible for delivering Data Science related objectives in collaboration with the TIH relevant business units, using mathematical and data related methods (e.g., machine learning, statistical analysis, optimization, etc.). Responsible for designing, implementing, maintaining, measuring the effectiveness of (e.g., ROI), and optimizing models within TIH. These models should drive strategic intent and operational effectiveness.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Advanced and Predictive Analytics
Employ machine learning techniques and build predictive, descriptive, and behavioral models to help achieve various business performance indicators and to help identify business opportunities, linking insights to actionable recommendations. Manage the continuous optimization cycle of these models including implementation, automation, reporting, measuring effectiveness, considering impact on behaviours, considering impact of external factors, redesigning, etc. Monitor and quantify the impact of models on TIH business, its customers (e.g., customer experience) and other stakeholders. 

Data and Analytics Strategy
Plan all business and technical aspects of different data and analytics systems and platforms. Understand features and properties, ensure data integrity of new and existing tracking of these systems and platforms.

Information and Business Advice
Provide specialist guidance on the interpretation and application of predictive analytics, resolving complex or contentious queries and issues and enabling others to take appropriate actions. Present and communicate models, results, etc. up to group exco level.

Stakeholder Engagement
Develop stakeholder engagement through identifying stakeholders, finding out their needs/issues/concerns and reacting to these to support the communication of business information and decisions. Design and implement Predictive or Renumeration models in consultation with stakeholders (e.g., operational or business units). Build key relationships and collaboration across the business. Assist your Data Science team colleagues across the different areas of Data Science (Data, Analytics, Business Intelligence, Business Analysis, Campaigns) with thoughtful input on methods, logic and reasoning. Equivalently and effectively leverage the assistance of your Data Science colleagues.

Insights and Reporting
Contribute to the design and creation of reporting strategies and templates. Lead execution of complex reports, identifying and interpreting complex patterns and trends. Present, and communicate high-impact data and analytics insights and recommendations to critical internal and external stakeholders. Calculate the ROI of the projects and models and present to key stakeholders.

Data Exploration
Perform complex statistical analysis and utilize data mining, modelling, and testing techniques to enable data analysis. Understand the different business areas or critical business challenges/ opportunities.

Leadership and Direction
Communicate the actions needed to implement the function's strategy and business plan within the team; explain the relationship to the broader organization's mission, vision and values; motivate people to commit to these and to doing extraordinary things to achieve local business goals.

Performance Management
Develop and propose own performance objectives; take appropriate actions to ensure achievement of agreed objectives, using the organization's performance management systems to improve personal performance. Manage and report on team performance; set appropriate performance objectives for direct reports or project / account team members and hold them accountable for achieving these, taking appropriate corrective action where necessary to ensure the achievement of team / personal objectives.

Data Management
Manage key aspects of the data management system with guidance from senior colleagues. This includes being responsible for developing or operating key elements of the system.

Continuous Improvement
Review existing operations in own area of work and other business units and implement innovation processes to generate new ideas and ensure the required continuous improvement outcomes are delivered.

Project Management
Manage a portfolio of projects while reporting to senior colleagues. Deliver on project outcomes and manage timelines effectively.

Organizational Capability Building
Use the organization's formal development framework to identify the team's individual development needs. Plan and implement actions, including continuing professional development specified by professional or regulatory institutions, to build their professional capabilities. Provide informal training or coaching to others throughout the organization in own area of expertise to enable others to improve performance and fulfill personal potential.

Personal Capability Building
Act as subject matter expert in an area of expertise and take responsibility for personal development in areas including (but not limited to) data, modelling, programming, behavioural analytics, industry and our business through continuing professional development, attending conferences, and reading specialist media.

Requirements
General Education

• Grade 12/ SAQA Accredited Equivalent (Essential)
• 3 - year degree in Information Technology / Sciences / Informatics / Applied Mathematics / Statistics / Quantitative sciences / Actuarial sciences / Data Mining / Economics (Essential)
• Master’s Degree in Information Technology / Sciences / Informatics / Applied Mathematics / Statistics / Quantitative sciences / Actuarial sciences / Data Mining / Economics (Advantageous);
• Completion of MOOC's (e.g., EdX, Coursera) (Advantageous)

EXPERIENCE
General Experience

• 6 or more years working experience within an analytical, data science or computer science environment (Essential);
• Experience in the Financial Services Industry,
• Short-Term Insurance (Advantageous)

Managerial Experience

• 2 - 4 years management team lead experience of a small team 2-6 people (Essential)