Senior Quantitative Analyst (Machine Learning & Model Validation)

apartmentNetwork Recruitment placeStellenbosch calendar_month 

This is a senior, hands-on technical role focused on the independent validation of high-impact machine learning models across credit risk, financial crime, and advanced behavioural analytics.

You will operate in a highly collaborative environment where analytics is deeply embedded into decision-making and where models are expected to be robust, scalable, and production-ready.

What Youll Be Doing:

In this role, you will take ownership of advanced model validation and quantitative risk analysis:

  • Independently validate machine learning models across:
  • Credit risk modelling
  • Customer propensity and behavioural modelling
  • Fraud detection and AML (financial crime) models
  • Apply advanced machine learning techniques, including:
  • Supervised learning (XGBoost, CatBoost, Random Forest, and Neural Networks)
  • Unsupervised learning (clustering, anomaly detection, and isolation forests)
  • Manage the full model lifecycle:
  • Feature engineering and data preparation
  • Model training, evaluation, and selection
  • Deployment support and ongoing performance monitoring
  • Build, review, and challenge models in Python-based environments using large, complex datasets
  • Lead technical discussions and provide mentorship to junior analysts and data scientists
  • Collaborate closely with risk, technology, and business stakeholders to ensure alignment
  • Ensure that models meet governance, performance, and scalability standards across the organisation

What Were Looking For:

  • 68+ years experience in quantitative analytics, data science, or machine learning
  • Strong end-to-end model development experience using Python
  • Advanced SQL skills and experience working with large datasets
  • Deep experience in techniques such as:
  • Gradient boosting (XGBoost and CatBoost)
  • Neural networks
  • Clustering and anomaly detection
  • Experience in credit risk, behavioural analytics, or financial crime modelling
  • Exposure to model validation, peer review, or model risk frameworks
  • Strong ability to balance technical depth with stakeholder engagement

Qualifications:

  • Honours or Masters degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science, or a related quantitative field

Preferred Experience:

  • Experience leading or mentoring data science / ML teams
  • Exposure to regulated financial environments
  • Cloud-based model deployment experience
  • Credit scoring, IFRS analytics, or scorecard modelling exposure
  • Familiarity with model governance and validation standards

Why Join?:

  • Work on high-impact models used across a major banking environment
  • Exposure to a wide variety of modelling applications (not siloed work)
  • Strong mentorship from experienced quantitative and risk leaders
  • A culture built on simplicity, ownership, and transparency
  • Excellent long-term career growth and learning opportunities

Requirements:

  • Clear criminal and credit record

Apply now!

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