Head of Fraud Strategy

homechoice is a leading South African homeware retailer. For 40 years, we’ve been helping our customers create beautiful homes they love with an innovative range of quality products at prices they can afford.

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, data-driven fraud strategy aligned with business objectives, risk appetite, and regulatory requirements
• Serve as the primary subject matter expert on emerging fraud trends, threat actors, and attack vectors
• Lead the Fraud Risk Committee and present monthly updates to the Executive Leadership Team

• Oversee the design and deployment of real-time and batch fraud detection systems using rule-based engines, machine learning models, and behavioral analytics.
• Integrate fraud controls across all customer touchpoints: onboarding, transactions, account management, and customer service.
• Establish fraud loss thresholds, recovery protocols, and chargeback management processes.

• Partner with Data Science and Engineering to build, validate, and product ionize predictive fraud models
• Champion the use of alternative data sources to enhance detection accuracy.
• Implement model governance, explainability (XAI), and continuous monitoring to mitigate bias and false positives.

• Work closely with Product, Engineering, Compliance, Legal, and Customer Experience teams to embed fraud prevention by design.
• Negotiate and manage relationships with third-party fraud solution providers

• Build and mentor a high-performing fraud strategy team (analysts, data scientists, investigators).
• Foster a culture of innovation, psychological safety, and ethical decision-making.
• Manage budget, vendor contracts, and ROI for fraud technology investments.

• Bachelor’s Degree in a numerate discipline (Statistics, Mathematics, or similar);
  Honors desirable.

• 10+ years in fraud risk management, with 5+ years in a leadership role at a financial institution, fintech, e-commerce, or payment processor.
• Proven track record of reducing fraud loss rates by 30%+ through strategy and technology.
• Hands‑on experience with fraud platforms and big data tools (SQL, Python/R, Spark). Excellent reporting, presentation, and influencing skills at senior and executive levels
• Knowledge of fraud risk controls and early warning indicators in credit portfolios.
• Experience in Collections & Recoveries advantageous

• A strong can‑do attitude with energy, resilience, and a drive for results.
• An innovative thinker who thrives on solving complex business challenges.
• Exceptional stakeholder management, relationship‑building, and influencing skills.
• Attention to detail and strategic mindset in equal measure.
• A collaborative leader who grows people while holding teams accountable for performance.
• Quick to learn, adaptable, and always looking to raise the bar in fraud risk management.

• Walk in my customers’ shoes
• Deliver on my promises
• Deliver insight‑led solutions my customers need

• Take accountability
• Be curious, creative & explore opportunities
• Do it right & at the right time

• Be helpful
• Be inclusive
• Find the fun