Head of Fraud Strategy at HomeChoice Holdings Limited

Job Description

• 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.
• We’re seeking a dynamic, highly motivated individual to lead our Fraud function. This role is accountable for all aspects of fraud prevention, detection, investigation, and recovery.
• This senior role owns end-to-end fraud risk, spanning strategy, operations, technology, analytics, and governance, ensuring the organization stays ahead of evolving threats while minimizing customer friction and financial loss.

What you will love doing in this role

Strategic Leadership

• 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

Fraud Detection & Prevention Framework

• 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.

Advanced Analytics & AI/ML

• Partner with Data Science and Engineering to build, validate, and productionize 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.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• 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

Team Leadership & Talent Development

• 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.

What you’ll need to do this role

Qualifications & Accreditations

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

Experience & Skills

• 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

What we love about you

• 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.

Behaviors we love

Wow my customer

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

Treat the business as my own

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

Play as a team

• Be helpful
• Be inclusive
• Find the fun

Closing Date 28 February 2026