Data Science Lead

Job Description

About Optiven

Optiven Limited, based in Nairobi, Kenya, is a key player in the African real estate market. As part of the Optiven Group, the company offers a variety of services aimed at empowering property investors and enhancing societal well-being. Its mission focuses on creating a positive impact for staff, customers, and stakeholders through innovative products and services. The company operates through several Strategic Business Units, including Optiven Real Estate, which provides diverse property solutions for residential, commercial, and investment needs. Optiven Construction supports real estate development, while the hospitality sector includes ventures like GMC Place in Kitengela and food franchises such as Eagle Peak Spur. Additionally, the Optiven Foundation engages in philanthropic efforts to improve the social well-being of Kenyans. With a commitment to affordable pricing and excellent customer service, Optiven has helped over 10,000 Kenyans achieve property ownership and aims to create 30,000 jobs by 2030.

Job Summary

• The job holder is responsible for managing the groups data management, analyzing complex datasets, developing predictive models, and providing data-driven insights to enhance decision-making across all Optiven departments
• Developing and implementing data strategies and policies.
• Ensuring data protection compliance and security.
• Overseeing end to end data management including design, capture, analysis, storage and retrial
• Data visualization and interpretation to support business growth.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

• Develop and implement data policies in line with organizational objectives and Legal and regulatory requirements.
• Design organization data frameworks in line with Business Requirements.
• Oversee data governance processes to maintain data integrity, security, and accessibility.
• Manage data infrastructure to ensure efficient storage, organization, and retrieval of information.
• Regularly review processes to identify inefficiencies and recommend improvements.
• Collect, clean, and pre-process data from source systems (e.g. ERP, CRM, financial systems, HR records customer feedback platforms etc.).
• Conduct advanced data analysis using statistical models and machine learning techniques.
• Develop predictive models to improve forecasting accuracy and enhance strategic planning.
• Deliver clear, actionable insights to support data-driven decision-making.
• Design, develop, and maintain interactive dashboards to visualize complex data sets for real-time decision-making.
• Analyze data trends and patterns to generate actionable insights for stakeholders
• Detect anomalies in data and conduct root-cause analysis to help departments understand performance gaps.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations such as GDPR, DPA, and other relevant laws.
• Implement data governance frameworks aligned with Kenya’s Data Protection Act (2019).
• Ensure compliance with GDPR, ISO 27001, and other relevant standards.
• Monitor data security risks and suggest mitigation strategies.
• Conduct quarterly data audits and enforce role-based access controls.
• Implement robust data security measures and conduct staff training programs to promote data protection awareness.
• Create comprehensive reports that present key metrics, findings, and insights.
• Develop automated and standardized reporting mechanisms aligned with business needs.
• Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of data initiatives.
• Analyze customer segmentation, preferences, and purchase behavior.
• Track and reduce customer churn rates through retention analytics.
• Optimize digital marketing campaigns using web and social media analytics.
• Deploy AI-powered forecasting tools to support.
• Perform A/B testing to optimize marketing campaigns and sales strategies
• Provide quarterly business intelligence reviews to management.
• Stay informed about emerging data science trends, tools, and best practices.
• Identify and implement innovative techniques to improve data analysis, reporting, and operational efficiency.
• Automate repetitive data analysis processes, reducing manual intervention.
• Evaluate and recommend data management systems that enhance the organization’s data capabilities.
• Manage and mentor the data science team.
• Assign tasks, monitor progress, and provide guidance to ensure successful project delivery.
• Foster a collaborative and innovative team environment.
• Perform other duties as maybe assigned from time-to-time.

Educational Qualifications, Skills, & Experience Required

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of experience in data science or analytics roles, with at least 1-2 years in a supervisory role.
• Certifications in data science, analysis and/or data protection (e.g., Certified Data Management Professional, Certified Information Privacy Professional).
• Strong knowledge of machine learning, statistical analysis, and big data technologies.
• Proficiency in data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) and programming languages (e.g. Python, R).
• Strong analytical & problem-solving skills.
• Ability to translate business problems into data-driven solutions.
• Excellent communication & reporting skills for non-technical stakeholders.
• Hands-on experience with AI, data mining, and predictive modeling.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, results-driven environment.
• Critical Thinking
• Adaptability
• Innovative
• Collaboration
• Decision-Making

Application Details

• How to Apply: Submit your application via recruitment@optiven.co.ke
• Deadline: Applications close on 20^th June 2025.
• Shortlisting Process: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
• Recruitment Fee: Optiven Group does not charge any fee for job applications, interviews, or placements.
• Communication: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted due to high application volumes.
• Disqualification: Any form of canvassing leads to automatic disqualification.
• Consent: By applying, candidates agree to allow background checks as necessary.
• Equal Opportunity: Optiven Group is an equal opportunity employer.