Data Science Lead

We are X, bigly labs, Dis-Chem’s high-performance innovation hub; a place where bold ideas meet data, design, and radical customer focus to reimagine what healthcare can be.

Our mission is to power the future of healthcare by lowering costs, unlocking new possibilities, and improving access to healthcare for all South Africans. We do this through cutting-edge digital solutions that deliver smarter, more human, and truly patient-focused experiences. Here, your work is not limited to a whiteboard; it becomes real. It drives decisions, shapes experiences, and moves healthcare forward. We are driven by one big question: How do we use data and today’s technology to build breakthroughs to better health?

There’s only one question left: are you ready to make healthcare smarter, and actually mean it?

The Data Science Lead is responsible for leading the organisation's Data Science function by delivering predictive analytics, machine learning and statistical modelling solutions that solve complex business problems and generate measurable business value. The role leads and develops the Data Science team, establishes technical standards and best practices, and ensures the successful delivery and operationalisation of data science solutions. The role is accountable for executing the Data Science roadmap while continuously improving the organisation's analytical and machine learning capability.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR?

Minimum

• Bachelor's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering or a related quantitative discipline
• 7+ years' experience in Data Science, Machine Learning or Advanced Analytics
• Minimum 2-3 years leading or mentoring Data Science teams
• Proven experience designing, developing and deploying machine learning models into production
• Strong proficiency in Python, SQL and modern machine learning frameworks
• Experience with Databricks or similar cloud-based platforms
• Experience with MLOps, model lifecycle management and ML deployment practices
• Strong understanding of statistical modelling, predictive analytics and experimentation techniques

Advantageous

• Honours or Master's Degree in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics or Machine Learning.
• Databricks Machine Learning certification.
• Experience with MLflow, Feature Store and Model Serving
• Experience within retail, healthcare, pharmacy or insurance ecosystems

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING?

• Lead the delivery of data science initiatives by developing predictive, optimisation and machine learning solutions so that strategic business problems are solved, and measurable business value is realised
• Design, develop and operationalise production-grade machine learning models and predictive analytics solutions so that reliable, scalable and accurate decision-support capabilities are embedded across the organisation
• Drive experimentation through statistical analysis, machine learning and emerging AI techniques so that innovative solutions and continuous business improvements are identified and implemented
• Lead, mentor and develop a high-performing Data Science team by providing technical leadership, coaching and performance management so that capability, innovation and delivery excellence continuously improve
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, data engineering and analytics teams to translate business challenges into analytical solutions so that data science initiatives are aligned with organisational priorities and deliver measurable outcomes

WHO YOU ARE?

• Strong proficiency in Python, SQL and modern machine learning frameworks
• Ability to translate complex business problems into analytical and machine learning solutions
• Ability to communicate complex analytical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Proven experience leading Data Science teams and delivering enterprise-scale machine learning solutions
• Experience driving technical excellence, innovation and continuous improvement across the Data Science function

Our values show up in how we think, build, and make choices that make an impact. We are building a culture that drives progress; one that fixes friction, chases what changes, and owns the outcome. We design with tomorrow in mind, ask sharper questions, and answer them with care, urgency, and systems that scale.

Think you’ve got energy, curiosity, and guts? Come hold the space, make it matter, and own a breakthrough.