Description : About the Role :
We are looking for a visionary Head of Data Science to lead and scale a world-class data science function in a dynamic, high-growth environment. This role is central to driving data-driven decision-making, building advanced machine learning models, and creating innovative solutions that enhance customer experience, manage risk, and accelerate business growth.
As the Head of Data Science, you will define the data strategy, lead a high-performing team of data scientists, AI / ML engineers, and analysts, and collaborate closely with Product, Engineering, Risk, and Business teams to deliver impactful solutions.
Key Responsibilities :
Leadership & Strategy :
- Define and execute a forward-thinking data science vision aligned with business goals.
- Build, mentor, and inspire a multidisciplinary team of data scientists and ML engineers.
- Establish best practices for experimentation, modeling, and deployment.
- Champion a data-driven culture across the organization.
Model Development & Innovation :
Drive development of predictive and prescriptive models for :Credit scoring and risk assessmentFraud detection and preventionCustomer segmentation and personalizationPricing optimization and product analyticsEnsure models are scalable, interpretable, and compliant with regulatory standards.Data Infrastructure & Governance :
Collaborate with data engineering to build robust pipelines and architecture.Set standards for data governance, security, and ethical AI practices.Integrate data science solutions seamlessly into production systems.Cross-Functional Collaboration :
Partner with Product and Engineering to embed ML models into applications.Work with Risk and Compliance to align models with regulatory frameworks (AML, KYC, GDPR).Deliver actionable insights to leadership for strategic decisions.Qualifications :
Education & Experience :
Bachelors, Masters, or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or related field.10+ years in data science or advanced analytics, with 5+ years in leadership roles.Experience in Fintech or Financial Services preferred.Technical Skills :
Expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and AI techniques.Strong programming skills in Python, R, and familiarity with SQL, Spark, or Scala.Hands-on experience with ML frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, XGBoost) and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).Knowledge of data infrastructure and MLOps principles.Leadership & Soft Skills :
Strategic thinker with ability to translate business needs into analytical solutions.Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.Proven track record of building and scaling data science teams.Strong ethical judgment in data use and AI decision-making.Why Join Us? :
Lead cutting-edge AI / ML initiatives that impact millions of users.Collaborate with top-tier professionals in technology, finance, and data science.Competitive compensation, equity options, and benefits package.Be part of a mission-driven company reshaping financial access and innovation.(ref : hirist.tech)