Job Description

Closing Date 2025/10/30


Reference Number SHO251023-3


Job Title Principal Data Scientist


Job Type Permanent


Location - Country South Africa


Location - Province Western Cape


Location - Town or City Cape Town, Brackenfell


Purpose of the Job
The purpose of the Principal Data Scientist role is to oversee complex data solutions driving data as a commercial advantage for Shoprite and mentoring and coaching data scientists in the team to create a high-performing team. A conceptual and critical thinker, providing insights that enable innovation and best practices in a big data environment.







Job Advert Details


Job Category Finance


Job ObjectivesDrive the development of Shoprite's data strategy to deliver best-in-class analytics across the organisation. Lead engagements with business stakeholders to identify business requirements and model and frame business scenarios that are meaningful and which impact on critical business processes and/or decisions. Liaise with data and software teams to shape and enable deployment of fit-for-purpose, robust solutions that will scale across the company's ecosystem. Define, develop and prioritise data projects and delegate assigned roles and responsibilities for execution, weighing business and technical trade-offs as required. Drive the development of analytics-focused products, using machine learning, natural language processing, and mathematical / statistical techniques to develop powerful sciences that delivers business value and impact. Manage the data scientist team to define models to be created and implemented together with the approach for implementing them and monitor for accuracy, integrity and robustness. Define data quality expectations and provide ongoing tracking and monitoring of performance of data systems and models.

Data Scientist Framework (Trainee to Principal)


Develop sophisticated data preparation in order to reduce and shape data. Define comprehensive set of predictive and descriptive modelling techniques to the data appropriate to achieving the business objectives which includes decision trees and association rules. Identify and manage data development challenges, offer suggestions, and deploy appropriate solutions. Report on analytical findings and results to senior stakeholders, using data visualisation techniques to tell compelling stories, while tying progress to enterprise goals. Evaluate new and emerging technologies from which to develop prototypes and proof of concepts. as a domain expert, sharing best practices and knowledge with data scientists, analysts and cross functional partners. Act as a mentor and guide to data scientists on complex problems, integration of findings or presentation of results, requiring high-level expertise. Act in a technical leadership capacity, coaching and mentoring data scientists and new team members and supporting their growth and professional development. Research developments in Data Science and adjacent fields to ensure the latest technology, techniques and methods are always applied.


QualificationsMaster's Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Information Technology, Information Systems, Engineering, or a related field - (essential).



Experience+8 years' experience in a Lead Data Scientist role, consistently leading and solving complex business
and tech problems within a fast-paced environment - (essential)
Experience in coaching and mentoring others whilst taking ownership for specific project outcomes -
(essential)
Experience delivering project outcomes using design thinking, lean and agile principles - (essential) Experience in a retail, commercial or IT environment - (highly desired).



Knowledge and SkillsStrategic leadership in analytics, innovation; Advanced statistical modeling, Decision-Making -
(essential).
Expertise in SQL, Python, Tableau, MatLab, and Large Datasets, Excel, R, Low Code skill, Generative AI,
RAG, Standards & Best Practice Research Adoption - (essential).




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