Senior Manager: ML Foundations

• Define, grow, and lead a team of Data Scientists across proficiency levels.
• Identify opportunities across the Nedbank Group to enhance machine learning outcomes through foundational capabilities such as feature engineering and advanced data representation (Graph).
• Demonstrate technical expertise in feature engineering, graph analytics, and ML-enabling platforms (e.g., feature stores, graph databases, etc).
• Understand the business context behind large datasets and develop foundational components that enable meaningful ML solutions.
• Apply deep financial services domain knowledge to ensure that machine learning foundations - including feature engineering, data representation, and platform design - are aligned with regulatory requirements, business priorities, and industry-specific data characteristics.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders - including business, data science, and engineering teams - to align ML foundations with strategic priorities.
• Drive innovation in feature creation by adopting advanced techniques such as graph-based feature extraction and temporal feature engineering.
• Passionate about working with large, complex, and disparate datasets to extract reusable, high-impact features.
• Lead the implementation and operation of scalable, reliable, and governed ML feature platforms, ensuring they are production-ready and business-aligned.
• Design and manage data pipelines that support real-time and batch feature computation from diverse data sources and message streams.
• Solve unstructured problems with a detail-oriented mindset, working independently and driving initiatives to completion.
• Possess strong business and communication skills, enabling effective collaboration with business owners to define key data needs and ensure foundational assets meet those needs.
• Own the lifecycle of features - including availability, documentation, versioning, and governance, to ensure high-quality, trusted ML inputs.
• Manage financial and business results, ensuring delivery within budget and timelines.
• Ensure compliance with divisional billing requirements and cost recovery through accurate time tracking and transparent transfer pricing.
• Deliver high-quality foundational systems and processes aligned to Nedbank's business requirements and strategic goals.
• Provide timely, professional advice and strategic input to stakeholders, ensuring delivery within agreed quality, budget, and time parameters.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships by delivering consistent, high-value services and solutions.
• Actively engage with clients, partners, and internal teams to build trust, align expectations, and ensure delivery of best-practice foundational services.
• Promote knowledge sharing and collaboration across teams and departments to strengthen the ML foundations capability.
• Operationalize divisional strategy by aligning team priorities and empowering first-line managers with clear roles and performance measures.
• Leverage professional frameworks, tools, and technologies to deliver scalable, strategic ML foundations solutions.
• Manage multiple foundational assets through strategic planning, implementation, and continuous improvement.

• Advanced Diplomas/National 1st Degrees

• Tertiary Qualification/ formal accreditation in STEM related field
• BSC Computer Science, BSc Engineering, Econometrics, Mathematical Statistics, Actuary Science.
• Masters or Doctorate will be an added advantage.
• Post graduate management qualification/MBA

• ITIL Talent nurturing or equivalent MMP/SMP / MM or equivalent

• 6 to 8 years line management 10 years IT Industry experience

• Deep understanding of Machine Learning, Statistics, Optimization, or related fields, with a strong emphasis on feature engineering and data representation.
• Proficiency in Python (required), with experience in additional languages such as R, Scala, or Java being advantageous.
• Demonstrated experience applying machine learning foundations within the financial services sector, with a strong understanding of domain-specific data, regulatory considerations, and business drivers.
• Experience working with large-scale datasets and distributed computing tools (e.g., Spark, Ray), particularly for feature computation and transformation.
• Proven track record in delivering end-to-end ML use cases, with a focus on foundational components like feature stores and graph-based data structures.
• Ability to translate complex data concepts into business-relevant narratives and insights.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong ability to collaborate across cross-functional teams.
• Experience in budgeting, business administration, and strategic planning.
• Knowledge of change management and client service management principles.
• Familiarity with governance, risk, and controls, especially in the context of data and ML asset management.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Experience in employee development, talent management, and workforce planning.
• Understanding of project management principles and relevant regulatory frameworks.
• Skilled in business writing, management reporting, and communication strategies.
• Familiarity with the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC), ITIL, and IT architecture.
• Experience with graph databases (e.g., Neo4j, TigerGraph) and graph analytics is a strong advantage.
• Understanding of IT asset management processes and joint application development practices.
• Ability to work within and influence complex organizational structures.

• Building Partnerships
• Facilitating Change
• Inspiring others
• Business Acumen
• Building partnerships
• Driving for Results
• Selecting Talent

Nedbank