Senior Manager: ML Foundations

REQ Keabetswe Modise
Closing Date: 05 December 2025

IT Application Development

To lead a team and portfolio focused on foundational capabilities for machine learning, including feature engineering, platform development, and advanced data representations. The role supports multiple squads and contributes to the strategic enablement of scalable and reusable ML solutions across the organization.

• Define, grow, and lead a team of Data Scientists across proficiency levels.
• Identify opportunities across the Nedbank Group to enhance machine learning outcomes through foundational capabilities such as feature engineering and advanced data representation (Graph).
• Demonstrate technical expertise in feature engineering, graph analytics, and ML-enabling platforms (e.g., feature stores, graph databases, etc).
• Understand the business context behind large datasets and develop foundational components that enable meaningful ML solutions.
• Apply deep financial services domain knowledge to ensure that machine learning foundations — including feature engineering, data representation, and platform design — are aligned with regulatory requirements, business priorities, and industry-specific data characteristics.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders — including business, data science, and engineering teams — to align ML foundations with strategic priorities.
• Drive innovation in feature creation by adopting advanced techniques such as graph-based feature extraction and temporal feature engineering.
• Passionate about working with large, complex, and disparate datasets to extract reusable, high-impact features.
• Lead the implementation and operation of scalable, reliable, and governed ML feature platforms, ensuring they are production-ready and business-aligned.
• Design and manage data pipelines that support real-time and batch feature computation from diverse data sources and message streams.
• Solve unstructured problems with a detail-oriented mindset, working independently and driving initiatives to completion.
• Possess strong business and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with business owners to define key data needs and ensure foundational assets meet those needs.
• Own the lifecycle of features — including availability, documentation, versioning, and governance, to ensure high-quality, trusted ML inputs.
• Manage financial and business results, ensuring delivery within budget and timelines.
• Ensure compliance with divisional billing requirements and cost recovery through accurate time tracking and transparent transfer pricing.
• Deliver high-quality foundational systems and processes aligned to Nedbank's business requirements and strategic goals.
• Provide timely, professional advice and strategic input to stakeholders, ensuring delivery within agreed quality, budget, and time parameters.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships by delivering consistent, high-value services and solutions.
• Actively engage with clients, partners, and internal teams to build trust, align expectations, and ensure delivery of best-practice foundational services.
• Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration across teams and departments to strengthen the ML foundations capability.
• Operationalize divisional strategy by aligning team priorities and empowering first-line managers with clear roles and performance measures.
• Leverage professional frameworks, tools, and technologies to deliver scalable, strategic ML foundations solutions.
• Manage multiple foundational assets through strategic planning, implementation, and continuous improvement.

• Advanced Diplomas/National 1st Degrees
  

• Tertiary Qualification/ formal accreditation in STEM related field
• BSC Computer Science, BSc Engineering, Econometrics, Mathematical Statistics, Actuary Science.
• Masters or Doctorate will be an added advantage.
• Post graduate management qualification/MBA

• ITIL
  Talent nurturing or equivalent
  MMP/SMP / MM or equivalent
  

• 6 to 8 years line management 10 years IT Industry experience

• Deep understanding of Machine Learning, Statistics, Optimization, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on feature engineering and data representation.
• Proficiency in Python (required), with experience in additional languages such as R, Scala, or Java being advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience applying machine learning foundations within the financial services sector, with a strong understanding of domain-specific data, regulatory considerations, and business drivers.
• Experience working with large-scale datasets and distributed computing tools (e.g., Spark, Ray), particularly for feature computation and transformation.
• Proven track record in delivering end-to-end ML use cases, with a focus on foundational components like feature stores and graph-based data structures.
• Ability to translate complex data concepts into business-relevant narratives and insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Experience in budgeting, business administration, and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of change management and client service management principles.
• Familiarity with governance, risk, and controls, especially in the context of data and ML asset management.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience in employee development, talent management, and workforce planning.
• Understanding of project management principles and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Skilled in business writing, management reporting, and communication strategies.
• Familiarity with the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ITIL, and IT architecture.
• Experience with graph databases (e.g., Neo4j, TigerGraph) and graph analytics is a strong advantage.
• Understanding of IT asset management processes and joint application development practices.
• Ability to work within and influence complex organizational structures.

• Building Partnerships
  
• Facilitating Change
  
• Inspiring others
  
• Business Acumen
  
• Building partnerships
  
• Driving for Results
  
• Selecting Talent
  

Please contact the Nedbank Recruiting Team