Role OverviewWe are seeking a Director / Senior Manager of Data Science to lead Athena's data strategy and enable data-driven decision-making across the organization. This leader will define our data vision, align initiatives with business goals, and manage a team of data scientists and analytics engineers to deliver business analysis and innovative AI/ML solutions that drive measurable impact.
You will set the strategic direction for data and AI, oversee project execution from ideation to deployment, and collaborate with senior leadership to embed data-centric thinking across the company. This role requires a blend of strategic foresight, hands-on technical expertise, and exceptional leadership.
Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership
- Develop and execute an enterprise-wide data strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Define key performance metrics to measure the impact of data initiatives.
Team Leadership & Development
- Lead and mentor a team of data scientists and analytics engineers, fostering innovation, growth, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Build a high-performance, diverse, and agile data organization.
Project Oversight
- Manage the full lifecycle of data science projects-from research and model development to production deployment.
- Ensure consistent quality, scalability, and integration of solutions into business processes.
Technical Expertise
- Provide thought leadership in advanced analytics, statistical modeling, and machine learning.
- Guide the design and implementation of ML models, AI systems, and data-driven applications.
Business Partnership
- Partner with C-level executives and business leaders to identify high-impact opportunities for AI and analytics.
- Translate complex data insights into actionable business recommendations and measurable outcomes.
Innovation & Best Practices
- Stay current with emerging technologies in ML, GenAI, and data engineering.
- Champion best practices in data governance, quality, and ethical AI.
- Cultivate a data-driven culture and promote evidence-based decision-making throughout the organization.
QualificationsLeadership & Vision
- Proven success leading high-performing data science teams and setting strategic direction in fast-paced environments.
Technical Proficiency
- Expertise in Python and open-source data science tools (e.g., Jupyter, R, SQL, Hadoop, Spark, TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
- Ability to evaluate and apply cutting-edge ML/AI techniques to real-world business problems.
Business Acumen
- Strong understanding of business analytics supporting business stakeholders making decisions.
- Proven ability to translate complex analytical insights into tangible business impact.
Communication & Influence
- Exceptional ability to present technical and strategic insights clearly to both technical and executive audiences.
Education & Experience
- Bachelor, Master or Ph.D. in a quantitative discipline (Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, or related field).
- Extensive experience leading data science initiatives, with a track record of delivering measurable business outcomes.
