Data Scientist II at FNB South Africa

Job Description

• To plan, build, optimise and implement innovative quantitative analytical methodologies, procedures, products and advanced mathematical models that provide analytical support and interpret insights, to address business opportunities and problems and implement business strategy, with minimal guidance.

Hello Future Data Scientist II

• Welcome to FNB, the home of the #changeables. We design for the shapeshifters and deliver products and services that make us incredibly proud of people that make it happen.
• The FNB Chief Risk Office’s Chief Data and Analytics Office is dedicated to harnessing data and analytics to strengthen risk management across the organisation. This business unit specialises in generating data-driven insights to proactively identify, assess, and mitigate a variety of risks.
• In addition to ensuring adherence to data governance standards, the team supports the implementation of robust risk policies and works closely with other business units to embed analytics into the risk management process.
• Ultimately, the unit is instrumental in cultivating a data-driven culture within FNB’s broader risk management framework.
• As part of our team, you will be surrounded by unique talents, diverse minds, and an adaptable environment that lives up to the promise of staying curious. Now’s the time to imagine your potential in a team where experts come together and ignite effective change. 

Are you someone who can:

• Investigate large datasets to uncover meaningful insights that inform strategic decisions.
• Prepare data through cleaning, transformation, and validation processes before analysis or modelling utilising SAS, SQL, Python and other applications.
• Prepare thorough technical documentation detailing models and their processes.
• Exhibit proactive thinking and focus on solutions, especially within regulated or high-pressure environments.
• Tackle open-ended challenges independently and convert technical approaches into practical insights for audiences without a technical background.
• Design dashboards and visual representations to clearly communicate key findings.
• Help operationalize machine learning models, ensuring their effective rollout into production systems.
• Continuously update your knowledge of trends and advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
• Work closely with colleagues in business, risk, and technology across the FirstRand group to optimize model performance and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Guide and assist junior Data Scientists as they build both technical expertise and business acumen.
• Engage with business partners to uncover potential ways data can be leveraged for business advantage.
• Present results and insights in a way that is accessible to both technical and general audiences.

You will be an ideal candidate if you:

• Hold an Honours Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Have 3+ years of hands-on experience in developing and implementing analytical models, preferably in financial services.
• Have excellent communication and collaboration capabilities.
• Eager to learn and adapt in a fast-paced environment.
• Pay attention to detail and a passion for data-driven decision-making.
• Possess strong scripting skills in SAS, SQL, Python, R, PowerBI and other data analysis and visualization applications.
• Have a strong understanding of statistical modelling techniques (e.g., regression, classification, clustering).
• Have exposure to Big Data technologies such as:
• Hadoop
• Teradata etc.
• Experience with cloud platforms.
• Understanding of MLOps and model deployment practices.
• Have experience mentoring junior team members and collaborating across multiple teams.
• Analytical experience in non-financial risk management is an advantage but not a requirement.

We can be a match if you are: 

• Curious & courageous – you’re driven by always wanting to know more and learn more and you’re brave enough to.
• Obsessed with mastery – you know what it takes to become good at what you do and are constantly pushing yourself to do it.
• Adaptable, curious and willing to learn.
• Passionate in providing insights.
• Thrive in a collaborative environment.

End Date: October 17, 2025