Lead Data Scientist – HNB Bank Colombo 10

About the job

Job Role 

HNB is strengthening its enterprise data capabilities through the continued expansion of its Centre of Excellence for Data and Advanced Analytics. As part of this growth, we are seeking a highly skilled professional to lead the Data Science and Advanced Analytics function. 

The Data Science Lead combines vision with hands-on expertise to lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced analytics, Al. machine learning, and optimization solutions that generate predictive insights, solve complex business challenges, and embed intelligence in decision-making. Serving as a catalyst for innovation and analytics maturity. Lead - Data Scientist will partner with senior leadership and technology teams to position data science as a core driver of business growth, operational excellence, and competitive advantage across the Bank. The role will be directly reporting to the Chief Data Officer.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Shape and execute the Bank's Data Science and Advanced Analytics strategy, aligning initiatives with business priorities, and long-term growth objectives. 
• Provide leadership to advance analytics maturity and establish data science as a core strategic capability. 
• Lead the end-to-end lifecycle of advanced machine learning. Al, and optimization models, from concept and experimentation to deployment and operationalization. 
• Ensure models are scalable, robust, and deliver measurable business outcomes. 
• Drive innovation by exploring, piloting, and operationalizing emerging data science and Al technologies relevant to the banking industry. 
• Identify opportunities to apply advanced analytics for new products, services. and customer experiences. 
• Partner with business leaders, product owners, and cross-functional teams to translate business challenges into data-driven solutions. 
• Act as a trusted advisor to influence strategic decisions and foster adoption of advanced analytics 
• Collaborate with data engineering, architecture, and IT teams to ensure access to high-quality, well governed data. 
• Advocate for the right infrastructure, tools, and platforms to support advanced analytics at scale. 
• Build, mentor, and develop a high-performing data science team, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. 
• Champion professional growth and knowledge-sharing across the centre of excellence-data, while building a strong talent pipeline in collaboration with industry and academia to attract top talent and drive the Bank's Data Strategy vision. 
• Ensure model governance, compliance, and risk management under internal audit and regulatory frameworks 
• Embed ethical AI principles, transparency, and explain ability in all model development and deployment practices.

Educational Qualifications: 

• Master's Degree in Data Science/ Computer Science/Advanced Analytics/Statistics and Mathematics/ Information Technology/ or a related field 
• A professional certification such as Certified Data Scientist or a related field will be an added advantage

Work Experience: 

• A minimum of 8 years of work experience in the field of Data Science, Advanced Analytics, Computer Science, Machine learning and Al or related fields 
• Experience in leading or mentoring Data Science projects. Teams or Data Science and Advanced Analytics will be an added advantage

Skills and Competencies: 

• Advanced machine learning and Al 
• End-to-end advanced analytics project delivery 
• ML Ops and model development experience 
• Strong business translation skills 
• Team and talent developments 
• Strategic thinking and vision 
• Innovation and change leadership, Problem solving and critical thinking 
• Data storytelling and stakeholder communication