Are you a visionary data leader with extensive expertise in data strategy, machine learning, and financial technologies? Ascentech Services Ltd, a leading human resource management and executive search firm, is currently recruiting a highly skilled and results-driven Head of Data – Financial Services to oversee end-to-end data architectures, credit risk modeling, and advanced analytics for a rapidly growing financial services institution in Lagos, Nigeria.
This senior executive position presents an incredible opportunity for a seasoned data technology professional to spearhead data governance, implement cutting-edge machine learning solutions, and transform business decision-making across key organizational divisions.
Job Overview
- Job Title: Head of Data – Financial Services
- Company: Ascentech Services Ltd
- Industry: Financial Services / Fintech / Banking
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
- Job Type: Full-Time
Role Summary
The Head of Data – Financial Services will take total ownership of the organization’s overall data strategy, analytics vision, data governance frameworks, and production-level machine learning deployments. The ideal candidate will possess deep technical knowledge in predictive modeling, credit risk assessment, early warning systems, and fraud detection, combined with proven executive leadership experience in building and mentoring high-performing data science and engineering teams.
Key Responsibilities
As the Head of Data, your strategic responsibilities will include:
- Data Strategy & Governance: Lead enterprise-wide data strategy, data quality initiatives, architecture design, and governance frameworks to maintain high data integrity and security standards.
- Fraud Detection & Risk Systems: Oversee real-time fraud monitoring, anomaly detection tools, credit risk modeling, and Early Warning Systems (EWS) to minimize financial exposure.
- AI & ML Model Deployment: Ensure scalable artificial intelligence and machine learning models are efficiently deployed, continuously monitored, and regularly optimized in production environments.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner closely with executive leadership across Risk, Product, Commercial, Engineering, Finance, and Compliance units to integrate data-driven insights into core operations.
- Team Leadership & MLOps Standards: Lead, mentor, and foster professional development for a multidisciplinary team of data engineers, analysts, and scientists while establishing robust technical and MLOps operational standards.
Requirements & Qualifications
To be considered for this high-impact executive role, candidates must satisfy the following requirements:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, or a closely related quantitative field.
- Overall Experience: Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in Data Science, Data Analytics, or Data Engineering.
- Leadership Experience: At least 4+ years of direct experience managing and leading multidisciplinary data teams, preferably within banking, digital lending, or fintech companies.
- Technical Mastery: Hands-on expertise and strong command of SQL, Python, Snowflake, Power BI, PySpark, Machine Learning architectures, MLOps best practices, and Cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP).
How to Apply
Qualified applicants who possess the requisite expertise and leadership track record are invited to send their updated CVs/Resumes to the email address provided below:
- Application Email:
cv@ascentech.com.ng - Subject Line: Head of Data – Financial Services
- Official Website: www.ascentech.com.ng
Applications are evaluated continuously upon receipt. Interested candidates are advised to apply promptly.
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