Director / Senior Manager, Data Science

Role Overview We 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 Responsibilities Strategic 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. Qualifications Leadership & 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.