About the role
Job Description
To plan, build, optimise and implement innovative quantitative analytical methodologies, procedures, products and advancedmathematical models that provide analytical support and interpret insights, using advanced analytics technologies, to address business opportunities and problems and implement business strategy.
Job Responsibilities:
- Design, develop, and peer review application scorecards, including reject inference techniques.
- Lead feature engineering initiatives to enhance model performance and business relevance.
- Collaborate with business stakeholders to align scorecard strategies with commercial objectives.
- Apply scoring models across diverse industries, bringing cross-sector insights to credit decisioning.
- Innovate and build predictive solutions in low-data environments, especially for SME lending.
- Provide thought leadership on model governance and industry best practices.
- Mentor and upskill junior analysts and data scientists through structured learning and hands-on guidance.
- Present technical concepts and strategic recommendations to executive-level stakeholders.
- Continuously evaluate and improve scoring methodologies using modern data science techniques.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Be a leader in the development of PD models across the broader team, providing insights in best practice for Behavioral model developments.
Required Experience
- Minimum 5 years of hands-on experience in application scoring and credit risk modeling, with multiple completed models.
- Proven expertise in scorecard development, including reject inference and model validation.
- Strong proficiency in feature engineering and data preprocessing techniques.
- Experience working across multiple industries is a bonus (e.g., retail, telecoms, fintech, insurance).
- Ability to work with limited or imperfect data and still deliver robust, actionable models.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage and influence senior business leaders.
- Demonstrated ability to mentor, teach, and learn junior team members, but at the same time drive and motivate the use of scoring to more executive stakeholders.
- Proficiency in tools such as SAS and paragon modeler.
- Experience with model deployment.
Preferred Attributes
- Experience in SME lending or alternative credit scoring.
- Familiar with industry best practice in application scoring.
- Exposure to machine learning techniques in scoring contexts.
- Experience in generating new features to be used in model development.
- Comfortable working in agile, cross-functional teams.
Qualifications
- Bsc/BCom Maths/Statistics/Mathematical Statistics/ BEng
- SAS is a prerequisite
- Paragon modeler experience would be advantageous
Why Join Us?
Work on high-impact projects that shape the future SME lending landscape and credit decisioning across industries.
Be part of a collaborative, innovative, and growth-oriented data science team.
Opportunity to lead and influence the future of scoring in emerging markets and SME sectors.
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Important Closing Date Note
Take note that applications will not be accepted on the below date and onwards, kindly submit applications ahead of the closing date indicated below.
09/05/26All appointments will be made in line with FirstRand Group’s Employment Equity plan. The Bank supports the recruitment and advancement of individuals with disabilities. In order for us to fulfill this purpose, candidates can disclose their disability information on a voluntary basis. The Bank will keep this information confidential unless we are required by law to disclose this information to other parties.
Skills & Tags
Aplyr's read
FirstRand is a dominant force in South Africa's financial sector, attracting professionals focused on innovative banking solutions and ethical financial practices.
What's promising
- •FirstRand is a market leader in South Africa's financial services industry.
- •The company offers diverse career paths across banking, risk management, and financial analysis.
- •Strong focus on ethical practices with roles like Chief Ethics and Conduct Risk Officer.
What to watch
- •High competition in the financial services sector may limit growth opportunities.
- •Limited public information about global expansion strategies.
- •Potentially high-pressure work environment due to industry demands.
Why FirstRand
- •FirstRand's extensive talent pool initiatives indicate a commitment to long-term employee development.
- •The company emphasizes ethical risk management and conduct.
- •Offers specialized roles like XVA Structurer, highlighting a focus on complex financial products.
Aplyr’s read is generated by AI from public sources. Was it useful?
About FirstRand
FirstRand Corporate Centre is a leading financial services provider in South Africa, offering a wide range of banking and financial products and services.
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