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Senior Data Scientist
Avanti Finance is growing – fast
We’re on a mission to become the best specialist lending company in New Zealand and Australia, and we’re looking for ambitious, driven people to help get us there.
We’ve got bold goals and a clear vision for the future. That means exciting opportunities for those ready to champion new ideas, challenge the status quo, and grow alongside us.
If you’re hungry to make an impact, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and love turning ideas into action – you’ll feel right at home here.
Reporting to the Data & Analytics Lead, the Data Scientist unlocks value from Avanti's data by delivering smart, impactful analytics. You'll scope, design, prototype, and deploy data products using advanced statistical methods and cutting-edge algorithms - providing insight, not just information, and guiding stakeholders toward solutions that exceed expectations.
Working in cross-functional teams with Data Engineers, Analysts, and Governance specialists, you'll lead initiatives that drive business outcomes across pricing, risk, profitability, and customer insights. You'll champion innovation, challenge assumptions, and shape methodology from first engagement to final delivery.
What you can expect to do as a Senior Data Scientist:
- Present insights clearly across all business levels, translating complex analysis into actionable recommendations
- Act as a trusted advisor for pricing, risk, profitability, customer analytics, and strategic problem-solving
- Facilitate discovery workshops to refine requirements, challenge assumptions, and shape solutions
- Partner with senior stakeholders to develop and prioritise data science roadmaps aligned to business strategy
- Lead development of prescriptive and predictive models using advanced statistical and machine learning techniques
- Work with Engineers and Developers to deploy data science solutions from prototype to production (MLOps)
- Research and introduce cutting-edge methodologies, algorithms, and tools to improve capabilities
- Develop and implement AI user policies promoting ethical use of Generative and Agentic AI
- Mentor team members and run workshops on data science best practices and innovative approaches
What we look for in the successful candidate:
- Advanced degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or related field
- 5+ years in Data Science and/or AI Engineering, including Predictive AI (supervised/unsupervised), Generative AI (Prompt, Fine-tuning, RAG), Agentic AI, and data mining
- Strong understanding of productionised MLOps environments with robust automated solutions
- Proficient in Python, R, and SQL with proven ability to develop production-ready solutions
- Experience with back-end or front-end ML/AI applications (e.g., Snowflake AI)
- Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau) and translating models into clear insights
- Track record developing data products in agile environments with cross-functional teams
- Working knowledge of cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Snowflake) and modern data architectures
- Financial services or lending experience valued but not essential
What's in it for me?
Within the Avanti Finance Group, you can look forward to flexible and hybrid working as we offer up to two days working from home following your initial training period. We give back to our communities through our support of Duffy Books, and by offering an Annual Volunteer Day for you to use for a purpose that's close to your heart. We believe in celebrating diversity, and we also celebrate talent and development by working with you through an established capability framework that puts you in the driving seat of your development while achieving business goals. You won't find a gender pay gap here, as we have great remuneration packages but as we all know there's more to an awesome job than the money. If you are happy and fulfilling your potential, while feeling supported, valued and empowered, then that’s a win for us! Fresh fruit, Healthy Food Guide Memberships, and increased Kiwisaver match is there for you to feel good from the inside out.
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Our values keep us grounded
Even as we scale, our values remain our compass:
* People First: We care deeply – for our team, our customers, our partners, and our communities. This is a place where you’re supported to show up as yourself and do your best work.
* Relentlessly Helpful: We roll up our sleeves and make things happen. Whether it’s helping a customer, an introducer, a teammate, or your own career, we’re here to make the impossible possible.
* Do What’s Right: No shortcuts. No ego. Just doing the right thing, every time. Trust and transparency are at the heart of how we do business.
We’re building a workplace where people are challenged, supported, and inspired to do their best work – because when our people thrive, so does our business.
At Avanti, you’ll be joining a team that’s as ambitious as it is grounded in purpose. We’re not just growing fast – we’re growing to be the best.
Come be part of something that’s making a real difference.
Respectfully, no agencies please.