Data Scientist

**Purpose of the Job**:
The People Data Scientist is an emerging Data Science professional who will kick start their careers by supporting the People Analytics team to transform and model data sets that provides valuable insights to the People Team while contributing towards leveraging data as a competitive advantage for Shoprite. The role extracts, analyses and interprets data from a range of sources, using algorithmic, data mining, artificial intelligence, machine learning and statistical tools, to uncover trends and patterns that improve People practices, productivity and decision making. The People Data Scientist has a passion for developing their skills in the art of Data Science, requiring a combination of technical, analytical and communication skills to infer meaning from data and translate these in a concise and cohesive story.

**Job Objectives**:
Under the guidance of the Team Lead, work with business stakeholders to identify business requirements and model and frame business scenarios that are meaningful and that answers business questions.
Work closely with data and software teams to translate business requirements into fit-for-purpose, robust and scalable solutions.
Develop, validate, and execute basic algorithms and predictive models to collect, merge, analyse, extract, and interpret large datasets.
Use data to investigate problems, detect patterns and extrapolate insights.
Develop data structures and pipelines to organise, collect and standardise data.
Perform data preparation to reduce and shape data. Clean and validate data and assure its integrity, accuracy, completeness, and uniformity.
Test data mining models to select the most appropriate one for use on a project.
Adhere to stringent quality assurance and documentation standards using version control and code repositories.
Cross-validate models to ensure their generalizability.
Assess the effectiveness of data sources and data-gathering techniques to improve data collection methods.
Prepare analytical findings, results and reports using data visualisation techniques.
Effectively structure and plan projects, timelines, and deliverables, working with the Team Lead to weigh any business and technical trade-offs.
Conduct research from which to develop prototypes and proof of concepts.
Share insights across teams to inform collaborative efforts.
Stay updated on the latest research and developments in Data Science and People Analytics fields to ensure the latest technology, techniques and methods are always applied.

**Qualifications**:
Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related field - (essential).

**Experience**:
Experience in a retail, commercial or IT environment - (desired).
Experience in Tableau - (advantageous).
Experience in Alteryx - (advantageous).

**Knowledge and Skills**:
Basic knowledge of SQL, Python, and data science toolkits - (essential).
Proficiency in MS Office 365 with well-developed Excel skills - (essential).
Knowledge of HR policies, procedures, legislation, and regulations - (desired).

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