Data Scientist @ Buildwise
AM.S04266
Function
The overarching mission of Buildwise as an innovation centre is to catalyse improvements in quality, productivity, and sustainability within the Belgian construction sector. To achieve this ambition, the organisation increasingly relies on data-driven decision-making and advanced technologies such as AI, highlighting the need for a robust data strategy.
The primary objective of the Data Scientist at Buildwise is to analyze and model data to generate critical insights and predictive models that drive innovation in the construction sector. The Data Scientist enables Buildwise to transform raw data into actionable information and AI applications.
This role is essential for translating complex business questions and external project requirements into analytical and AI solutions with tangible impact. The Data Scientist provides strategic insight to identify missing data needed for accurate analyses and correlations. Acting as a bridge between data and predictive solutions, this role is vital for advanced research projects, such as deep learning models for detecting building defects using drones. In short, the Data Scientist ensures Buildwise’s focus on data and AI translates into practical machine learning algorithms and models for the sector.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic and Conceptual Responsibilities
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Understanding and problem-solving: Identify what internal and external clients need in terms of information and design solutions to transform data into actionable insights, focusing on architecture and concept rather than implementation.
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Vision and policy: Develop and maintain a vision for the use of data science and AI within Buildwise.
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Advisory and translation: Translate business questions into analytical and AI solutions with measurable impact. Advise stakeholders on the capabilities and limitations of data and AI.
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Market development: Monitor trends and technological developments in AI, ML, and LLMs, assessing their relevance for the organisation.
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Quality and reproducibility: Ensure the quality, reproducibility, and security of data solutions.
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Correlation and data gaps: Identify missing data sources or gaps necessary to generate the desired correlations and insights.
Operational and Analytical Responsibilities
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Data analysis and modeling: Explore, clean, and analyze datasets to identify trends, patterns, and correlations.
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Model development: Develop, train, fine-tune, and validate machine learning and deep learning models, focusing on model creation rather than solely using APIs or generative AI systems.
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Predictive modeling: Build predictive and descriptive models applicable to operational and strategic processes.
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Implementation and MLOps: Document methodologies and results, and collaborate with Data Engineers to implement models in production (MLOps).
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Visualization and reporting: Create dashboards, reports, and visualizations with a focus on UI/UX to make complex analyses accessible to non-technical stakeholders.
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LLMs and generative AI: Experiment with and apply LLMs and generative AI for innovative applications in the construction sector, in collaboration with R&D (e.g., automating and enhancing construction dossier analysis).
Profile
Experience and Background
- You hold a Master’s degree in Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field;
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in a similar or equivalent role;
- Strong knowledge of Python and relevant data science libraries;
- Solid understanding of algorithms and techniques for building, training, and optimizing predictive models, including Machine Learning/AI methods (supervised, unsupervised, NLP, LLMs, deep learning);
- Experience with cloud-based data science platforms (e.g., Azure ML, Databricks, Microsoft Fabric, or similar);
- Experience with ETL tools such as Azure Data Factory, and Data Governance/Data Catalog tools such as Unity Catalog is a plus;
- Experience with SQL and relational databases;
- Strong knowledge of BI tools, such as Power BI;
- Familiarity with Big Data technologies, such as Spark;
- Proficiency in English is required, along with knowledge of at least one of the national languages (Dutch or French).
Competencies
- Passion for the mission/sector: You have a genuine commitment to the sector and focus on collective impact rather than just one company;
- Partnership and collaboration: Ability to act as a true partner with colleagues, the transversal support team, and external companies and contractors;
- Proactive mindset: You take initiative and are willing to step outside your comfort zone;
- Eagerness to learn: A strong willingness to continuously learn and grow;
- Team player: Ability to work effectively within the growing IT Data & Applications team;
- Vision and strategy: Ability to step back from day-to-day tasks and translate long-term vision into initiatives with tangible outcomes.
Offer
Why Join Buildwise?
- Growth environment: Buildwise is in full expansion — and so is its IT department. You’ll have the opportunity to be part of an exciting growth story.
- Flexible and stimulating workplace: Buildwise offers a dynamic environment where you can grow, experiment, and further develop yourself in a rapidly evolving market.
- Meaningful mission: Contribute to the quality, productivity, and sustainability of the Belgian construction industry — a sector with over 110,000 members.
- Strategic focus on data: Data has been identified as a key strategic pillar and an essential enabler for future innovation and AI applications.
- High project impact: Work on both internal (25%) and external R&D projects (75%), delivering tangible results across diverse domains.
- Modern technology stack: Collaborate using modern, cloud-native technologies, with a primary focus on Azure and Databricks.
- Growth path & stability: Join a growing IT team with continuous learning opportunities and long-term career perspectives.
Amon is the exclusive recruitment partner for this position. Want to learn more or apply directly? Email clv@amon.be or apply directly via the website.
Data Scientist @ Buildwise
Buildwise: The Innovation Centre for the Construction Industry
Buildwise is the innovation centre that supports construction professionals with practical knowledge, technological solutions, and sustainable insights. With extensive experience and a forward-looking vision, Buildwise helps the sector enhance quality, productivity, and sustainability. Headquartered in Zaventem, with branches in Brussels and Limelette, Buildwise is the ideal partner for those looking to respond to the challenges and opportunities of the modern construction industry. By placing technology, sustainability, and craftsmanship at the core of its mission, Buildwise helps companies grow and shape the future.
From WTCB to Buildwise: A History of Innovation
Buildwise was founded in 1959 as the Scientific and Technical Centre for the Construction Industry (WTCB), a private research institute established under the De Groote Decree-Law. This law aimed to stimulate innovation and competitiveness in the industry. Under the leadership of pioneers such as Pierre Holoffe, co-founder of the National Confederation of the Construction Industry (NCB)—now Embuild—the WTCB grew into an indispensable partner for the construction sector.
In November 2022, the centre transformed into “Buildwise”, repositioning itself as an innovation hub with a strong focus on the future of construction.
What Does Buildwise Do?
Buildwise serves as a knowledge and innovation partner for construction companies. With 110,000 members—from sole traders to large construction groups (such as Denys, Willemen, Eiffage, etc.)—Buildwise has a broad and diverse membership base. The organization provides services including:
- Technical advice and practical guidelines
- Applied research leading to innovative solutions for the sector
- Training, publications, and digital tools that help companies address technical and organizational challenges through collaborations with national and European partners such as EFRO and Innoviris, Buildwise reaches a wide audience and strengthens the construction sector at multiple levels.
Buildwise supports professionals from all construction disciplines with scientific research, guidelines, and practical tools. Whether you’re a carpenter, contractor, or waterproofing specialist, Buildwise offers tailored expertise to foster innovation, quality, and competitiveness.
Strategic Objectives
Since November 2022, Buildwise has not only adopted a new name but also revised its strategic objectives:
- From research centre to innovation centre: Buildwise focuses on sharing knowledge that helps the construction sector improve quality, productivity, and sustainability—laying the foundation for innovation on construction sites and within companies.
- A catalyst for collaboration and progress: By strengthening its connecting role, Buildwise aims to inspire and mobilize the sector to tackle today’s and tomorrow’s challenges together.
- From multidisciplinary to transdisciplinary approach: Challenges are addressed from multiple perspectives through an integrated, practice-driven methodology. Technology, sustainability, and craftsmanship serve as the key drivers behind robust, future-proof solutions.
Ambitions for a Sustainable Future
Buildwise focuses on three strategic pillars to prepare the sector for the future:
- The Trade (Le Métier): Strengthening craftsmanship by providing companies with tools and knowledge tailored to their daily challenges.
- The Green Deal: Supporting construction companies in the energy transition and contributing to climate neutrality by 2050.
- Construction 4.0: Harnessing digital technologies to boost efficiency and productivity—crucial for a competitive and sustainable construction industry.