Principal Data Scientist

We are seeking a visionary and results-driven Principal Data Scientist to join our Data Supergroup. This senior position shapes the AI/ML strategy of the Group and deploys value-accretive solutions across the business. The role involves managing a small team of data scientists and partnering closely with senior business stakeholders across Growth, Customer, Origination and Technology. You will have end-to-end accountability for the AI/ML data product lifecycle from requirements gathering and ideation to ongoing model maintenance and an innovative product roadmap platform across the enterprise.

• End-to-end accountability for the AI/ML data product lifecycle from requirements gathering and ideation to ongoing model maintenance and an enterprise-wide product roadmap.
• Strategic Leadership: translate business objectives and pain points into technical requirements; act as a strategic advisor on value drivers and ROI for AI/ML initiatives including opportunity identification, prioritisation and end-to-end implementation.
• Develop and implement the strategic roadmap for AI/ML initiatives across Lendi Group, and manage a portfolio of initiatives aligned with strategic priorities and OKRs.
• Develop assessment frameworks for AI/ML model deployment with measurable ROI across business and customer interactions.
• Engage with executives and the Board as required, including preparation of board papers, business case and investment case papers.
• Innovation And Solution Deployment: perform commercial assessment of initiatives and budget management, lead design, development, and deployment of cutting-edge AI/ML solutions.
• Conduct vendor assessments to evaluate and recommend solutions, supporting buy/build/acquire decisions.
• Ensure best practices in MLOps, model deployment and lifecycle management to maintain high standards of performance, scalability, robustness and reliability.
• Manage data science initiative costs, including vendors; develop comprehensive solution designs and implementation plans for AI/ML solutions across the data science lifecycle and project stages including ongoing maintenance and monitoring.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to operationalise AI/ML in business operations and processes.
• Collaboration And Influence: work with Growth, Customer and Distribution teams to identify key business questions and use-cases for AI/ML solutions and determine the best solution; integrate AI solutions with existing systems and workflows.
• Research And Development: stay current with AI/ML advancements and integrate relevant innovations into the Lendi Group AI strategy and roadmap; drive product-led innovation through new techniques and tools; engage end-users to understand requirements and shape problem solving.
• Mentorship And Team Development: mentor data scientists and analysts; foster a culture of continuous learning and problem solving; implement best-practice documentation and lifecycle practices.
• Stakeholder Engagement: communicate complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders; present AI/ML strategies to senior management; articulate the value of AI/ML solutions to business users and brokers.

• Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Extensive knowledge of the AI/ML lifecycle including data collection, model development, deployment and monitoring.
• Experience with MLOps and AI/ML model management best practices.
• Strong background in customer and marketing AI/ML use cases such as customer lifecycle management and content personalization.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams across data engineering, data analytics and data science.
• Proficiency in Python, R and SQL; experience with Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure).
• Familiarity with AI/ML frameworks and tools such as PyTorch and TensorFlow.
• Excellent problem-solving, strategic thinking and creative/problem-solving abilities; strong communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.

• A vibrant, relaxed yet professional culture.
• Hybrid working arrangement to support work-life balance and collaboration.
• Holistic wellbeing programs with 24/7 support, including medical, mental health and financial wellbeing services.
• Generous paid Parental Leave: 18-26 weeks for primary carers and up to 4 weeks for secondary carers.
• An additional week's Loyalty Leave each year after 3 years of service.
• Wellness initiatives focusing on psychological safety.

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