CBA hunting for a head of data science

The Commonwealth Bank has created a new role to take charge of its data science efforts and help build the group's data analytics strategy.

The creation of a head of data science follows a new platform-based approach to business units introduced by CIO David Whiteing earlier this year.

Whiteing's aim is to better group common people, processes and technology to provide greater insights and information to customers and the business. The analytics and information division was born out of the re-alignment.

The new head of data science will report into general manager of information strategy services, Andrew Kerr, within the enterprise services division.

"Big data and data science are changing the world," CBA's job ad states.

"At CommBank we understand this and have significant focus on using the power of data and analytics to transform our business and to provide differentiated customer experience."

The job of the analytics and information team is to use data to help the business provide a better experience for customers. The team's remit covers strategy, architecture, data science, business intelligence, engineering, and program delivery.

It is also responsible for CBA's core analytics capabilities, such as its data warehouse, big data platform and analytics tools.

The successful applicant will lead a large team of data scientists, modellers and business analysts, and will need a mix of both technical and soft skills, CBA said.

The role is based in Sydney. Applications are currently open.