Head of Decision Science

5 days ago

Cape Town, South Africa Lulalend Full time

Job title: Head of Decision Science

Reporting to: Chief Risk Officer

Location: Cape Town, South Africa

WHAT WE DO

Lula is an innovative and human-focused FinTech company on a mission to help small businesses optimise their cash flow. Our purpose is to help SMEs manage their businesses better, faster, and more simply, so they can spend more time doing what they love.

If you’re looking for a new place to call ‘home’ that believes in the potential of the broader SME landscape in South Africa and a place where you’ll work with awesome people - then Lula’s the place for you

OVERALL PURPOSE

The Head of Decision Science is responsible for leading the design, development, and improvement of credit models, scorecards, and analytics tools to enhance Lula’s automated credit decisioning systems. This role requires a strategic thinker with the ability to drive credit automation, align decision science initiatives with business goals, and ensure that models are compliant with IFRS9 standards. The incumbent will work closely with cross-functional teams, including Credit Underwriting, Portfolio Management, Finance, and Data Engineering, to ensure that credit models are optimised for both performance and compliance.

Responsibilities will include:

- Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for credit automation aligned with business objectives.

- Collaborate with the Credit Management team to define vision and goals for credit automation initiatives.

- Identify expansion opportunities to grow the portfolio profitably.

- Work with the Head of Credit Underwriting and Portfolio Manager to combine data-driven insights with credit knowledge.

- Accountable for the implementation and performance of automated credit decisioning models in line with KPIs and Business Strategy.

- Monitor and enhance automated credit decisioning models and ensure necessary improvements.

- Implement and monitor controls to mitigate potential risks associated with automated credit decisions.

- Ensure accurate and timely reporting on the performance of automated products.

- Responsible for building, implementing, and maintaining an IFRS-compliant provisioning model in collaboration with Finance and Credit Management.

- Continuously evaluate and develop analytical models to support funding decisions.

- Ensure appropriate governance for development, sign-off, and monitoring of models.

- Provide input to enhance existing processes, identifying new opportunities within credit and collections teams.

- Collaborate with the Portfolio Manager to analyse portfolio performance, identify higher-risk areas, and recommend remedies.

- Extend company data with relevant third-party and alternative sources for building analytic systems.

- Stay updated with AI/ML trends and methodologies to identify emerging credit risks and opportunities.

- Work closely with Data Engineering to ensure required data for credit modelling and reporting is available.

- Collaborate with the Product team to prioritise and drive initiatives forward.

- Manage the Data/Decision Science team, including recruitment, KPI setting, and ensuring world-class delivery.

THE COMPETENCIES WE’RE AFTER

- Strategic thinker with the ability to align model development to business goals.

- Strong leadership and team-building capabilities.

- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders.

- High attention to detail, ensuring accuracy and compliance in all modelling activities.

- Passion for innovation and staying ahead of emerging trends in data science and credit automation.

- A self-starter, able to take initiative and drive models from concept to implementation while ensuring usability across teams.

THE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE WE’RE LOOKING FOR

- Grade 12 achieved.

- Bachelor’s or Master’s in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.

- Advanced degree (PhD) preferred but not required.

- 10+ years of experience in data science, analytics, or related roles within financial services, ideally in lending or fintech.

- Proven experience leading teams and driving strategic initiatives to implementation in a data-driven environment.

- Significant experience in the implementation of credit risk models, scorecards together with previous accountability for the performance of these models in the credit context.

- Strong expertise in machine learning, AI, and statistical modelling techniques.

- Proficiency in programming languages like Python, R, and SQL.

- Experience working with credit risk and decisioning platforms.

- Solid understanding of IFRS9 and ECL modelling would be beneficial.

- Knowledge of cloud-based environments and large data systems (AWS, Azure, etc.).

#J-18808-Ljbffr

  • Head of Decision Science

    1 week ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Lula Full time

    Job Title: Head of Decision ScienceLula is seeking a seasoned professional to lead our decision science initiatives, driving the development and implementation of credit models, scorecards, and analytics tools to enhance our automated credit decisioning systems.Key Responsibilities:Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for credit automation aligned with...

  • Head of Decision Science

    1 week ago

    Cape Town, South Africa Lula Full time

    **Job title**:Head of Decision Science **Reporting to**: Chief Risk Officer **Location**:Cape Town, South Africa **ALL STAFF APPOINTMENTS WILL BE MADE WITH DUE CONSIDERATION OF THE COMPANY'S EE TARGETS** **WHAT WE DO** Lula is an innovative and human-focused FinTech company on a mission to help small businesses optimise their cash flow. Our purpose is...

  • Head of Decision Science

    1 week ago

    Cape Town, South Africa Lula Full time

    Job title: Head of Decision Science  Reporting to: Chief Risk Officer  Location: Cape Town, South Africa ALL STAFF APPOINTMENTS WILL BE MADE WITH DUE CONSIDERATION OF THE COMPANY'S EE TARGETS WHAT WE DO Lula is an innovative and human-focused FinTech company on a mission to help small businesses...

  • Lead: Decision Science

    3 months ago

    Cape Town, South Africa wePlace Full time

    Purpose Statement To ensure the deliverables within the area of responsibility aligns with the objectives, plans, processes and standards of Credit Decision Science (Collections, Recoveries, Account Management) To lead a team of specialists within the (Collections, Recoveries and Account Management) function to perform analysis to translate active business...

  • Lead: Decision Science

    3 months ago

    Cape Town, South Africa wePlace Full time

    Purpose StatementTo ensure the deliverables within the area of responsibility aligns with the objectives, plans, processes and standards of Credit Decision Science (Collections, Recoveries, Account Management)To lead a team of specialists within the (Collections, Recoveries and Account Management) function to perform analysis to translate active business...

  • Lead: Decision Science

    3 months ago

    Cape Town, South Africa Adzuna ZA B C2 Full time

    Purpose StatementTo ensure the deliverables within the area of responsibility aligns with the objectives, plans, processes and standards of Credit Decision Science (Collections, Recoveries, Account Management)To lead a team of specialists within the (Collections, Recoveries and Account Management) function to perform analysis to translate active business...

  • Head of Credit Data Science Lead

    6 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Lula Full time

    Job Title: Head of Credit Data ScienceLula is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head of Credit Data Science to lead the design, development, and improvement of credit models, scorecards, and analytics tools to enhance our automated credit decisioning systems.Key Responsibilities:Develop and execute a strategic roadmap for credit automation aligned...

  • Head of Credit Data Science

    6 days ago

    Cape Town, South Africa Lula Full time

    Job title: Head of Credit Data Science Reporting to: Chief Risk Officer  Location: Cape Town, South Africa ALL STAFF APPOINTMENTS WILL BE MADE WITH DUE CONSIDERATION OF THE COMPANY'S EE TARGETS WHAT WE DO Lula is an innovative and human-focused FinTech company on a mission to help small businesses...

  • Head of Credit Data Science

    4 days ago

    Cape Town, South Africa Lula Full time

    Job title: Head of Credit Data Science Reporting to: Chief Risk Officer  Location: Cape Town, South Africa ALL STAFF APPOINTMENTS WILL BE MADE WITH DUE CONSIDERATION OF THE COMPANY'S EE TARGETS WHAT WE DO Lula is an innovative and human-focused FinTech company on a mission to help small businesses...

  • Head of Credit Data Science Leader

    4 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Lula Full time

    Job Title: Head of Credit Data ScienceAt Lula, we're on a mission to revolutionize business banking for small businesses. As our Head of Credit Data Science, you'll play a critical role in driving our credit automation strategy, ensuring our models are compliant with IFRS9 standards, and delivering world-class results.Key Responsibilities:Develop and execute...

  • Head of Data Science

    4 months ago

    Cape Town, South Africa HR Talent Partner Full time

    **Job Overview**: **Date Posted**: Posted 4 hours ago- **Location**: Cape Town, Western Cape- **Job Title**: Head of Data Science- **Education Level**: Bachelors Degree- **Job Level**: Senior- **Minimum Experience**: 5- 7 Years**Head of Data Science position available in Cape Town.**: A renowned international messaging company is looking for a “Head of...

  • Head of Credit Data Science

    17 hours ago

    Cape Town, South Africa Lulalend Full time

    Job title: Head of Credit Data Science Reporting to: Chief Risk Officer Location: Cape Town, South Africa WHAT WE DO Lula is an innovative and human-focused FinTech company on a mission to help small businesses optimise their cash flow. Our purpose is to help SMEs manage their businesses better, faster, and more simply, so they can spend more time doing...

  • Decision Scientist

    4 months ago

    Cape Town, South Africa WePlace Full time

    Western Cape, Cape Town - Market - Related Annually Basic Salary Our client, one of South Africa's largest banks, is currently looking for Junior and Senior Decision Scientists to join their Credit Products team as well as the Collections and Recoveries team. **Senior Decision Scientist (Credit Products)** **Purpose Statement** - You will be responsible...

  • Head - Research Analytics

    2 months ago

    Cape Town, South Africa City of Cape Town Full time

    ELIGIBILITY CLOSING DATE 30.08.2024 REFERENCE NUMBER FPR 23/24 Ext SALARY R1 174 257 - R 1 633 009 p.a DEPARTMENT Policy and Strategy DIRECTORATE FUTURE PLANNING AND RESILIENCE Head - Research Analytics **Requirements**: - Relevant post graduate degree (Masters degree preferable), with a preference for the fields of statistics and data science - At least...

  • QlikSense Developer

    3 weeks ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Decision Inc Full time

    Unlock Business Potential with QlikSenseWe are seeking a skilled QlikSense developer to join our Data Information and Analytics team as a client-facing permanently employed consultant. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for identifying and developing innovative technology solutions to enable better decision-making for our clients.Key...

  • QlikSense Developer

    3 weeks ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Decision Inc Full time

    Unlock Business Potential with Qlik SenseWe are seeking a skilled Qlik Sense developer to join our Data Information and Analytics team as a client-facing, permanently employed consultant. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that enable better decision-making for our clients.Key...

  • QlikSense Developer

    2 weeks ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Decision Inc Full time

    Unlock Your Potential as a QlikSense ConsultantWe are seeking a highly skilled QlikSense Consultant to join our Data Information and Analytics team at Decision Inc. As a key member of our team, you will be responsible for delivering cutting-edge technology solutions that enable our clients to make better decisions and faster.About the RoleDevelop innovative...

  • Senior Decision Scientist

    2 weeks ago

    Cape Town, South Africa wePlace Full time

    Purpose StatementDelivering business solutions via a collaborative approach involving mathematical formulae, business tactics, technological applications and behavioural sciences to help senior management make data driven decisions. Experience3 years relevant experience in statistical analysisExperience must include the following (within the Retail Credit...

  • Senior Decision Scientist

    3 months ago

    Cape Town, South Africa wePlace Full time

    Purpose Statement Delivering business solutions via a collaborative approach involving mathematical formulae, business tactics, technological applications and behavioural sciences to help senior management make data driven decisions. Experience 3 years relevant experience in statistical analysis Experience must include the following (within the Retail Credit...

  • QlikSense Developer

    4 days ago

    Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa Decision Inc Full time

    Unlock Business Potential with QlikSenseWe are seeking a skilled QlikSense developer to join our Data Information and Analytics team as a client-facing permanently employed consultant. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, as well as great technical ability and a passion for converting data into thought-provoking visual...