Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to develop machine learning models for credit scoring and fraud detection.
- Company: Join Kuda, a vibrant money app on a mission to empower Africans financially.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, career growth, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in financial services while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in data science, with leadership experience and strong technical skills.
- Other info: Embrace a hybrid work culture and be part of a diverse, inclusive team.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Kuda is a money app for Africans on a mission to make financial services accessible, affordable and rewarding for every African on the planet. We are a tribe of passionate and diverse people who dreamed of building an inclusive money app that Africans would love. The name 'Kuda' means 'love' in Shona, a language spoken in the southern part of Africa. We are delivering money transfers, smart budgeting and instant access to credit through digital devices, giving Africans around the world a better alternative to traditional finance. We have raised over $90 million from respected institutional investors, and we are rolling out our services globally from our offices in Nigeria, South Africa, and the UK.
As the Data Science Manager at Kuda, you will lead a dynamic team of data scientists to develop and deploy machine learning models that drive critical business outcomes across the entire credit lifecycle. Your team will focus on building solutions for credit scoring, fraud detection, and collections, while supporting other business functions with data-driven insights and predictive capabilities. You will work with cutting-edge technologies in data science and machine learning, emphasizing scalable, real-time decisioning systems integrated into our product offerings. Models will be developed and put into production to support live, real-time decisions, enhancing Kuda's ability to serve customers quickly and precisely.
Your role requires collaboration across cross-functional teams—including product, business, technology, and data—to ensure alignment in delivering value through data-driven solutions. As a manager, you will foster continuous learning and improvement, keeping the team ahead of industry trends and effective methodologies in data science. You will translate business challenges into data-driven solutions while balancing technical execution with strategic vision, helping scale Kuda's impact by delivering high-quality, machine learning-based credit solutions to millions of customers in Nigeria and beyond. This role will be a 50/50 split between leadership and hands-on work; you will guide and mentor your team while remaining deeply involved in technical aspects.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and mentor a team of data scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment
- Lead the design, development, and deployment of machine learning models for credit scoring, fraud detection, and collections
- Work with product, engineering, and compliance teams to integrate models into production systems
- Analyze large, complex datasets to extract actionable insights and inform business strategies
- Oversee the performance of deployed models, ensuring they meet business objectives and regulatory standards
- Present findings and recommendations to senior leadership and other stakeholders
- Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously enhance model performance and team capabilities
Requirements
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field
- Minimum of 6 years in data science, with at least 2 years in a leadership role managing teams and projects
- Proficiency in Python, SQL, and machine learning libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch). Strong knowledge of cloud environments and services (AWS, Google Cloud)
- Experience in credit risk modeling, fraud detection, or financial services is highly desirable
- Strong ability to lead teams, manage projects, and communicate effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders
- Understanding of financial regulations and compliance standards, particularly in the Nigerian context
Benefits
At Kuda, our people are the heart of our business, so we prioritise your welfare. We offer a wide range of competitive benefits in areas including but not limited to:
- A great and upbeat work environment populated by a multinational team
- Pension
- Career Development & growth
- Competitive annual leave plus bank holidays
- Competitive paid time off (Parental, Moving day, Birthday, Study leave etc)
- Group life insurance
- Medical insurance
- Well-being package (Wedding, Compassionate and etc)
- Perkbox
- Goalr - employee wellness app
- Award winning L&D training
- We are advocates of work-life balance, operating on a hybrid in-office schedule
Kuda is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer. We value diversity and anyone seeking employment at Kuda is considered based on merit, qualifications, competence and talent. We do not regard colour, religion, race, national origin, sexual orientation, ancestry, citizenship, sex, marital or family status, disability, gender, or any other legally protected status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.
Data Science Manager in London employer: Kuda
Contact Detail:
Kuda Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Data Science Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those at Kuda. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a project that highlights your data science expertise. Bring it up during interviews to demonstrate your hands-on experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss real-world problems. Kuda is all about solving financial challenges, so think of how your skills can directly impact their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll be part of our tribe from the get-go!
We think you need these skills to ace Data Science Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Data Science Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in data science, leadership, and any specific projects that align with Kuda's mission. We want to see how your skills can help us make financial services accessible for everyone!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for data science and how it connects to Kuda's vision. Let us know why you're excited about the role and how you can contribute to our team. Keep it engaging and personal!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially in Python, SQL, and machine learning libraries. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so be sure to mention any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kuda
✨Know Your Data Science Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your technical skills, especially in Python, SQL, and machine learning libraries like scikit-learn and TensorFlow. Be ready to discuss your experience with credit risk modelling and fraud detection, as these are key areas for Kuda.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Data Science Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and mentor a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed projects and fostered collaboration in previous roles. Highlight your approach to continuous learning and improvement within your team.
✨Understand the Business Context
Familiarise yourself with Kuda's mission and the financial landscape in Africa. Be prepared to discuss how data-driven solutions can address specific business challenges, particularly in credit scoring and collections. This shows that you’re not just a techie but also understand the bigger picture.
✨Prepare for Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working with various teams, think about how you can effectively communicate complex data insights to non-technical stakeholders. Prepare to share examples of past collaborations and how you ensured alignment across different functions.
