Your day-to-day:

The Data Scientist is responsible for solving complex business challenges using their advanced statistical, algorithmic and machine learning techniques to leverage data. You will architect solutions, experiment, test hypotheses, build technically sophisticated models and effectively communicate insights and outcomes to support strategic decision making. 

This full time, 12 month fixed term opportunity has been created to enhance the Innovation & Products teams capabilities during an exciting project phase. 

Data Science

• Build and refine predictive, time‑series and recommendation models that drive personalisation and support timely, insight‑led game changes.
• Develop approaches to monitor and improve product, channel and organisational performance.
• Lift efficiency through automation while keeping Lotto NZ future‑ready by staying across emerging data‑science trends.

 Analytics and Insight

• Deliver clear, accurate insights that deepen understanding of customer behaviour, sales and market trends.
• Prepare, integrate and model data to support predictive work and strategic decision‑making.
• Bring data to life through compelling visualisations and proactively source new data that strengthens Lotto NZ’s insight capability.

 Stakeholder Engagement

• Confidently present findings to a wide range of audiences, including senior leaders, enabling fast and informed decisions.
• Build trusted relationships across Lotto NZ and help strengthen our Data Science practice. 

Be a Lotto NZ Information Expert

• Share accurate, relevant information across the organisation in smarter, more impactful ways.
• Proactively develop improved methods for accessing and sharing customer and market insights that enhance decision‑making.

Your team:

This role will work cross functionally where their machine learning and predictive analytics abilities can be utilised to create efficiency and optimise existing systems and processes. Reporting to the Data Science & Insights Lead, you will support the analytics team and the wider business in identifying key insights from the depths of data that cannot be easily identified or extracted.

Additionally, this role will also provide data analysis, build PowerBI dashboards and complete other adhoc reporting tasks to support the busy Data & Analytics team here at Lotto NZ.

A bit about you:

With strong practical knowledge of timeseries forecasting and financial modelling, and at least 3 years’ experience in a similar role, the Lotto NZ Data Scientist with possess a deep understanding of solution design using data.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Excellent problem-solving skills and lateral thinking ability
• Strong SQL and strong ability in R and/or Python.
• Experience in a big data platform such as Apache Spark
• Experience in ML frameworks such as Tensorflow, Keras, Sklearn etc.
• A background in mathematics and statistics is advantageous 

As a naturally curious person with an utmost passion for data, cutting edge technologies, and mathematical principles, the data scientist will stay abreast of emerging trends and developments to ensure Lotto NZ is continuously maximising the value in data.

How we care for you / Me pēhea tā mātou tiaki i a koe:

To help you win at work and beyond, we’ve created some purposeful ways to look after you, your whānau and the community we share. Some of this includes:

• Flexibility to have the work-life balance that suits both you and the people you care about via our hybrid working model.
• Extra paid leave for days like Lotto Day at Christmas and Volunteer Day.
• Recruitment referral bonus.
• Modern office in Newmarket plus barista coffee machine.
• An array of health and wellness benefits such as free flu jabs, access to EAP and onsite gym.
• Cancer Care Programme: access to comprehensive cancer support, including personal health coaching and educational resources. Free and confidential for employees and their whānau.
• Opportunity to join any of our Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Wellbeing networks.
• Enjoy fresh fruit, biscuits, coffee, breakfast, and a selection of teas on us! 

Come as you are / Haere noa mai:

We want you to feel at home when you’re with us. We accept you and celebrate you exactly as you are, no matter your background.

At Lotto NZ, we believe that when everyone’s in, everyone wins. That’s why we’re committed to and intentional about building a diverse and inclusive workforce that our customers and communities can feel a part of. Our focus is to create an environment where you thrive, and where people from all backgrounds feel seen, heard, and understood!

This is your opportunity to join a group of good people, with good vibes who support each other like whānau.

We want you to feel comfortable throughout the recruitment process, so please feel free to let us know if there is anything you need to allow you to participate equitably. 

Don’t worry if you think you don’t tick all the boxes – if you have passion and interest, we would love to hear from you.

While applications from any background are actively encouraged, the right to work in New Zealand is a must.