Data Science Head

1 week ago

Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa FNB South Africa Full time R1 800 000 - R2 500 000 per year

Job Description
Data Science Head – Collections

Are you an accomplished data scientist who excels in dynamic environments, leads with a clear purpose, and adapts swiftly? Do you merge technical expertise with a strong product sense and are passionate about enhancing customer experiences through data, insights, and AI? Our collections business is expanding its late-stage collections strategy, aiming to mitigate negative impairment and margin impact from debt counselling, and we are looking for a visionary leader to drive this initiative.

Collections play a crucial role in the credit life cycle, focusing on minimizing impairments, maximizing recoveries, reducing collection costs, and optimizing digital collections capabilities across various platforms (such as NAVi agents/bots, personalized solutions, secured chat, advisors on AOP, etc.). We seek a candidate who can lead with vision, develop advanced machine learning solutions, and drive meaningful innovation, shaping the collections strategy for 2030.

We're Looking For Someone With

  • Proven experience leading data science teams in product-centric environments.
  • Extensive background in machine learning, predictive modelling, and natural language processing (NLP).
  • Familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and modern technology stacks.
  • Ability to collaborate across disciplines, including engineering, product, and operations.
  • A degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or a related field.

You Will Have Access To

  • A variety of platform-related data from APNs, SMS, email, Google search data, etc.
  • Rich conversational datasets from NAVi's chat, voice, and search interactions.
  • A collaborative team culture that values experimentation and ownership.
  • Comprehensive understanding of the debt counseling process from application to rehabilitation.
  • External data and systems for outsourcing data to external debt collectors.
  • Scalable cloud infrastructure and modern ML tools.
  • Feedback from millions of customer interactions.
  • A mission-driven environment where innovation directly improves lives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Manage a high-performing team of data scientists and business intelligence analysts.
  • Represent the collections CDAO at various executive committees.
  • Contribute to the collection's strategy for early risk identification of high-risk customers, late-stage collections, and debt counselling.
  • Define and uphold strategies to assist customers experiencing financial distress.
  • Foster team development through career progression and developmental plans.
  • Lead the data science strategy for the Retail Collections Business, shaping the customer journey from early risk identification to debt rehabilitation.
  • If you are ready to make a significant impact and shape the future of collections, we would love to hear from you.

Lead the data science strategy for NAVi—our virtual assistant platform—where your models will shape customer experiences, save time, and drive meaningful impact.

Post
FNB

*Job Details
Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.*
27/11/25

All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group's Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.

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