Data Science Lead

• Deadline: April 15, 2025

Job Title: Data Science Lead
Reports To: Head of Finance
Department: Finance
Division: Finance, Legal &ICT
Location: ABSA Tower
Basic Salary: Open

Job Purpose Statement:

• The job holder is responsible for managing the groups data management, analyzing complex datasets, developing predictive models, and providing data-driven insights to enhance decision-making across all Optiven departments
• Developing and implementing data strategies and policies.
• Ensuring data protection compliance and security.
• Overseeing end to end data management including design, capture, analysis, storage and retrial
• Data visualization and interpretation to support business growth.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement data policies in line with organizational objectives and Legal and regulatory requirements.
• Design organization data frameworks in line with Business Requirements.
• Oversee data governance processes to maintain data integrity, security, and accessibility.
• Manage data infrastructure to ensure efficient storage, organization, and retrieval of information.
• Regularly review processes to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
• Collect, clean, and pre-process data from source systems (e.g. ERP, CRM, financial systems, HR records customer feedback platforms etc.).
• Conduct advanced data analysis using statistical models and machine learning techniques.
• Develop predictive models to improve forecasting accuracy and enhance strategic planning.
• Deliver clear, actionable insights to support data-driven decision-making.
• Design, develop, and maintain interactive dashboards to visualize complex data sets for real-time decision-making.
• Analyze data trends and patterns to generate actionable insights for stakeholders
• Detect anomalies in data and conduct root-cause analysis to help departments understand performance gaps.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR, DPA, and other relevant laws.
• Implement data governance frameworks aligned with Kenya’s Data Protection Act (2019).
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, ISO 27001, and other relevant standards.
• Monitor data security risks and suggest mitigation strategies.
• Conduct quarterly data audits and enforce role-based access controls.
• Implement robust data security measures and conduct staff training programs to promote data protection awareness.
• Create comprehensive reports that present key metrics, findings, and insights.
• Develop automated and standardized reporting mechanisms aligned with business needs.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of data initiatives.
• Analyze customer segmentation, preferences, and purchase behavior.
• Track and reduce customer churn rates through retention analytics.
• Optimize digital marketing campaigns using web and social media analytics.
• Deploy AI-powered forecasting tools to support.
• Perform A/B testing to optimize marketing campaigns and sales strategies
• Provide quarterly business intelligence reviews to management.
• Stay informed about emerging data science trends, tools, and best practices.
• Identify and implement innovative techniques to improve data analysis, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Automate repetitive data analysis processes, reducing manual intervention.
• Evaluate and recommend data management systems that enhance the organization’s data capabilities.
• Manage and mentor the data science team.
• Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide guidance to ensure successful project delivery.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Perform other duties as maybe assigned from time-to-time.

Qualification And Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in data science or analytics roles, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory role.
• Certifications in data science, analysis and/or data protection (e.g., Certified Data Management Professional, Certified Information Privacy Professional).
• Strong knowledge of machine learning, statistical analysis, and big data technologies.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and programming languages (e.g. Python, R).

Competency Requirements:

• Strong analytical & problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate business problems into data-driven solutions.
• Excellent communication & reporting skills for non-technical stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience with AI, data mining, and predictive modeling.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Innovative
• Collaboration
• Decision-Making

Application Details:

• How to Apply: Submit your application via recruitment@optiven.ke.
• Deadline: Applications close on 15^th April 2025.
• Shortlisting Process: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Recruitment Fee: Optiven Group does not charge any fee for job applications, interviews, or placements.
• Communication: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to high application volumes.
• Disqualification: Any form of canvassing leads to automatic disqualification.
• Consent: By applying, candidates agree to allow background checks as necessary.
• Equal Opportunity: Optiven Group is an equal opportunity employer.