Head of Research & Development

The Experian Innovation and Strategy team in South Africa spearheads adjacent and unchartered innovation. A key component of this function is fulfilled by the Research and Development (R&D) team. Innovation through data is core to Experian South Africa’s (EZA) strategic objective.

The Head: R&D will be accountable for the identification, assessment and recommendation on potential use cases associated with Alternative data sources. As such, this role will also be responsible for identifying opportunities for Experian to either develop new or expand on existing product offerings. This role will also be supporting and advising other teams within Experian to assess the feasibility and create first conceptual designs for new products. 

This role requires particularly strong collaboration traits and a keen understanding of what current market offerings and needs entail. The Head: R&D should be a keen learner, insatiably curious and an instigator of high performance.

 Responsibility for adherence to associated Compliance, Risk, Data Governance and Legal processes also rest on this role.

DATA RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT

• Identify alternative data sources from what is currently leveraged in the business
• Identify new types of data (net new) that could be of value to the business, our clients or consumers
• Facilitate and participate in obtaining samples of such data
• Guide your team on analysing/investigating the data to assess suitability for new or enhanced products
• Decide on and communicate outcomes of assessment of data to business
• Facilitate and participate in the building of initial viable products (if applicable)

  DATA ENGAGEMENT

• Engage with executive stakeholders in the business re. data opportunities and findings from research
• Present ideas and viable products at various stages to clients to test market appetite and product applicability
• Initiate and pursue engagement with potential suppliers of data and inform/support commercial conversations that may apply

DATA RIGHT-TO-PLAY

• Ensure adherence to processes prescribed by the Experian Governance, Legal, Compliance and Risk processes

 CROSS-TEAM COLLABORATION

• Stay abreast of existing Experian product offerings (both locally and in other markets)
• Identify potential future new product owners and engage them in the product development process at the right time, to facilitate effective handover to business
• Effective and solution focused engagements with Experian colleagues both locally and in other markets

 DATA THOUGHT LEADERSHIP

• The CDI (Consumer Default Index) and BDI (Business Debt Index) are two quarterly publications that inform press releases and media engagement. You are responsible for ensuring that these products are maintained and delivered timeously
• The CDI and BDI are often enriched/expanded at an ad hoc basis as a means to test new ideas or to create thought leadership insights that can be shared in the market. This enhancement is performed by the R&D team.
• Present on latest developments in market and at Experian in various forums (Conferences, Summits, Webinars, etc.)
• Ensure that Experian is perceived in the market as a thought leader and industry expert

INNOVATION R&D TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Cultivate and maintain a high-performance Innovation R&D team in a remote working environment
• Develop and mentor more junior team members
• Perform team managerial duties

MINIMAL VIABLE PRODUCT (MVP) DEVELOPMENT AND MARKET TESTING

• Leverage existing and new data assets to develop and test new MVPs with relevant partners
• Deliver successful MVP to relevant business owners empowering them to scale solutions post-handover

Experian is a global data and technology company, powering opportunities for people and businesses around the world. We help to redefine lending practices, uncover and prevent fraud, simplify healthcare, create marketing solutions, and gain deeper insights into the automotive market, all using our unique combination of data, analytics and software. We also assist millions of people to realize their financial goals and help them save time and money.

We operate across a range of markets, from financial services to healthcare, automotive, agribusiness, insurance, and many more industry segments.

We invest in people and new advanced technologies to unlock the power of data. As a FTSE 100 Index company listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN), we have a team of 22,500 people across 32 countries. Our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at experianplc.com.

• Honors or greater degree with strong focus in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Econometrics or similar.
• Excellent communication skills (written and spoken)
• 15 years’ experience in data-related product development 
• Proven evidence of thought leadership initiatives 
• Keen understanding of market conditions and needs 
• Keen understanding of existing credit bureau products 
• Ability to engage meaningfully with market leaders in existing and new verticals 
• Excellent interpersonal skills • Ability to travel

Our uniqueness is that we celebrate yours. Experian's culture and people are important differentiators. We take our people agenda very seriously and focus on what matters; DEI, work/life balance, development, authenticity, collaboration, wellness, reward & recognition, volunteering... the list goes on. Experian's people first approach is award-winning; World's Best Workplaces™ 2024 (Fortune Top 25), Great Place To Work™ in 24 countries, and Glassdoor Best Places to Work 2024 to name a few. Check out Experian Life on social or our Careers Site to understand why.

Experian is proud to be an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action employer. Innovation is an important part of Experian's DNA and practices, and our diverse workforce drives our success. Everyone can succeed at Experian and bring their whole self to work, irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, religion, colour, sexuality, physical ability or age. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know at the earliest opportunity.

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