Essential Job Details

• Position Title: Data Science Lead
• Location: ABSA Towers, Nairobi, Kenya
• Department: Finance
• Division: Finance, Legal & ICT
• Reports To: Head of Finance
• Employment Type: Full-Time
• Salary: Open (Competitive & Negotiable)
• Application Deadline: 20th June 2025

Introduction

Are you a forward-thinking data science professional ready to lead innovative data strategies and power decision-making in one of Kenya’s top real estate firms? Optiven is seeking a highly analytical and experienced Data Science Lead to design, implement, and manage data-driven initiatives that impact strategic growth across all departments.

This is not just another data job—it’s a leadership role that involves building predictive models, visualizing trends, securing data environments, and spearheading the adoption of AI and machine learning for real business transformation. Based at ABSA Towers in Nairobi, this position places you at the nerve center of Optiven’s decision-making process.

About Optiven Group

Optiven Group is an award-winning real estate leader with a transformative vision for Africa. With operations in over 15 locations including Nakuru, Kisumu, Malindi, Nanyuki, Kajiado, and Nairobi, Optiven continues to set benchmarks in value-added plots, property development, and sustainable investment solutions.

Beyond its commercial footprint, Optiven drives social impact through the Optiven Foundation, promoting education, environmental sustainability, and economic empowerment. Innovation and data-driven thinking are at the heart of Optiven’s operations—and the Data Science Lead will be a critical player in this mission.

Key Responsibilities

Data Strategy & Governance

• Design and implement enterprise-wide data policies that align with legal and business objectives
• Develop organizational data frameworks to support scalability and integrity
• Oversee end-to-end data governance, including integrity, access, security, and retention
• Conduct regular audits to ensure data quality and compliance with DPA 2019, GDPR, and ISO 27001
• Implement role-based access controls and conduct staff training on data protection
• Establish and manage a robust data infrastructure for storage, retrieval, and real-time processing

Data Collection & Analytics

• Collect, clean, and preprocess large datasets from ERP, CRM, HRM, financial systems, and external APIs
• Perform advanced statistical analysis and machine learning modeling to uncover patterns and predictions
• Conduct root-cause analysis and anomaly detection to explain performance gaps
• Develop predictive models for customer behavior, sales forecasts, and business KPIs
• Deliver detailed reports and presentations with actionable business insights
• Provide quarterly intelligence briefs to top management with trends, forecasts, and recommendations

Data Visualization & Reporting

• Design and maintain interactive dashboards using Power BI or Tableau for real-time insights
• Automate reporting processes to reduce manual data interventions and improve consistency
• Standardize data visualization practices across departments to ensure clarity and coherence
• Generate weekly and monthly executive summaries across functions

Business Intelligence & Innovation

• Analyze customer segmentation and churn analytics to support retention efforts
• Track campaign performance and optimize digital outreach using A/B testing and social media metrics
• Apply AI-powered forecasting to inventory, finance, and marketing models
• Lead innovation projects to integrate new data science tools and practices
• Evaluate and deploy big data platforms (e.g., Hadoop, Spark, Snowflake) as required
• Introduce emerging data technologies, including Natural Language Processing (NLP) and image recognition if suitable

Team Leadership

• Supervise the data science unit and ensure timely delivery of analytics projects
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and technical guidance to junior data scientists and analysts
• Set objectives and evaluate performance in alignment with organizational goals
• Foster a culture of curiosity and experimentation within the data team

Qualifications and Skills

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, or a closely related field

Professional Experience

• 3–5 years in data science or analytics roles, with at least 1–2 years in a leadership or supervisory capacity
• Proven experience in deploying end-to-end machine learning models in a production environment

Certifications (Preferred)

• Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP)
• Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPP)
• ISO 27001 Auditor/Lead Implementer Certification

Technical Competencies

• Programming: Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, or Scala
• Visualization Tools: Tableau, Power BI, Google Data Studio
• Database Systems: PostgreSQL, MongoDB, BigQuery
• Machine Learning Frameworks: TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, Keras
• Cloud Platforms: AWS, Google Cloud, Azure
• Security & Compliance Knowledge: DPA 2019 (Kenya), GDPR, HIPAA
• Version Control: Git, GitHub

Soft Skills

• Excellent critical thinking and analytical problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills for presenting to non-technical stakeholders
• Ability to manage complex projects with multiple dependencies
• Adaptability in fast-paced environments
• Creativity and curiosity in solving data problems
• Team-oriented with a willingness to share knowledge and support others

Company Culture and Values

Optiven offers a dynamic, mission-driven culture that prioritizes personal growth, social impact, and innovation. The organization encourages initiative, spiritual grounding, and professional integrity in everything it does.

Core Organizational Values:

• Godliness – Spiritual excellence and ethical conduct in all dealings
• Professionalism – Quality and accountability across every business unit
• Customer Focus – A commitment to exceeding customer expectations
• Innovation – A tech-first mindset applied across all operations
• Teamwork – A collaborative environment focused on collective success

Optiven invests heavily in staff training, mentorship, and personal development—creating an environment where you can grow your career while making a societal difference.

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria and are ready to drive strategic transformation through data at a visionary company, submit your application today.

Application Process

1. Prepare your updated CV and a well-crafted cover letter highlighting relevant achievements
2. Clearly indicate the job title in the email subject line: Data Science Lead – Optiven
3. Email your application to: recruitment@optiven.co.ke

Application Deadline

• All applications must be received by 20th June 2025
• Shortlisting will be done on a rolling basis, so early applications are highly encouraged

Important Notes

• No fees are charged at any stage of the recruitment process
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to the high volume of applications
• Canvassing will result in automatic disqualification
• Candidates grant Optiven express consent for background checks by applying
• Optiven is an equal opportunity employer

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