Head of Advanced Data Science
About Lightstone
Lightstone is an intelligence solutions company with strong, industry-specific expertise and core capabilities in data management, GIS, analytics and software development.
We are pioneers in crafting integrated, online digital systems alongside valuable insight solutions. Our offering includes a wide range of descriptive, predictive and geo-spatial insight products and projects for our clients in the real estate, automotive, retail, and financial services sectors. At Lightstone and our sister companies iX and Propdata, we enhance industry workflows and interactions through innovative digital systems supercharged with cutting-edge data science that unlocks unique opportunities and efficiencies for our clients in real-time. And we are hiring top talent to make it happen.
Our team comprises of outstanding individuals whom we support in an environment that fosters excellence. Our flexible, non-corporate culture promotes collaboration, innovation and a sense of ownership and purpose.
Lightstone is built on core values of winning together, responding to changing needs and encouraging participation which guide our efforts in simplifying the complex. These values are evident in every project, product, and service we deliver, ensuring we meet the evolving needs of our clients.
About the Role
The strategic Lightstone Group Analytics unit or A-team consists of industry focussed nuclear teams in business intelligence and predictive analytics supported by a cross-industry production analytics team driving the automation, improvement and standardisation of our insights products and processes. In pursuit to solve more impactful problems and unlock better opportunities for our clients, our teams pioneered solutions in the field of narrow AI and Machine Learning resulting in more useful insights products and also allowed us to start building more prescriptive analytical solutions to unlock additional superpowers for the users of our workflow and platform systems.
As the Head of Advanced Data Science at Lightstone, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our data science and AI strategy. Your work will be the cornerstone of innovation, transforming complex data into actionable insights that drive significant business impact for our clients across various industries. This is more than just a leadership position; it’s an opportunity to pioneer the next generation of predictive and prescriptive analytics solutions.
In this role, you’ll also have the opportunity to lead talented and high performing data scientists, guiding them in the execution of high-impact projects that align with our strategic objectives. You’ll be at the forefront of advancing our machine learning capabilities, ensuring we stay ahead of industry trends and technological advancements. Your leadership will be crucial in fostering a culture of continuous learning and high-impact innovation within the team.
What you’ll have the opportunity of achieving:
Strategic impact – Drive meaningful change: Design and execute data science projects, that align with the Lightstone’s strategic objectives, delivering measurable business impact to our clients in the Property, Automotive, Retail and Financial Services industries.
Pioneer new frontiers: Prototype new predictive and prescriptive models with a rapid iteration approach, enhancing our existing insights products and pioneering new solutions in narrow AI and machine learning.
Advance the machine learning capabilities of the organisation, staying ahead of industry trends and technological advancements.
Advance our pursuit of explainable narrow AI by communicating complex analytical solutions to stakeholders at all levels, including clients and executive leadership.
We build strong partnerships across teams: You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams, including data, software development, BI, production analytics, product, sales and IT to effectively execute on the Analytics and AI strategy of the group.
We have developed an environment for high performing teams to thrive and team development is important to us: You’ll care for, mentor and grow the advanced data science team, fostering a culture of high impact innovation and continuous development.
Create and deliver value towards the greater team and company vision with regular involvement in technical knowledge sharing and peer coaching sessions.
What you will benefit from:
Strategic influence: Work closely with the Chief Analytics Officer, contributing to the development of AI and analytics strategy in a data and insights focussed business.
A culture of ownership and high levels of autonomy.
Continuous growth: Access to personal development time (Google afternoons), including formal leadership development.
Excellent people proposition including 2 months paid sabbatical after 5 years of service, lucrative leave policy and hybrid working environment.
Qualifications
BCom/BSc Honors/MCom/MSc/PhD Statistics, Mathematics or computer science (must have proven machine learning building experience)
Experience
10 years or more relevant analytical experience with at least 3 in ML/AI
Technical skills
Data Analysis: Exceptional ability to work with, analyse, interpret, and develop insights products on data.
Machine Learning: Strong understanding and practical application of statistical concepts and machine learning techniques.
Technical Proficiency: Expertise in Python, R & SQL required with experience in TensorFlow, Hugging Face, FastHTML, FastAPI, Flask and Django advantageous.
Familiarity with Docker containers and predictive model deployment in Microsoft Azure or similar.
Working with virtualised applications and programming environments.
Adaptability: Ability to adjust to different programming environments based on the project needs.
Professional approach to report writing, documentation and other written communications.
Familiarity with Agile concepts and their application in a Data Science environment.
Non-technical skills
The ideal candidate can articulate their purpose and values clearly and finds resonance with our purpose and values.
Leadership Potential: Demonstrates strong leadership capabilities with a strategic thinking mindset.
Growth Mindset: A passion for continuous learning and innovation, with a client-centric approach to problem-solving.
Communication: Clear and confident communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex solutions to various stakeholders.
Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team and independently, with a focus on delivering high-impact results.
Ethical Approach: A deep understanding and respect for the ethical implications of data science and AI.
CV’s should be sent to hr@lightstone.co.za.