Delivery Head - Data Science - Retail/Healthcare/Lifesciences

Role Overview:
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Director to lead Data Science (DS) delivery projects, combining deep expertise in data science methodologies with strong project management skills. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of driving data-driven decision-making, managing end-to-end delivery of complex projects, and leading teams of data scientists and analysts in achieving business outcomes.
Key Responsibilities:
Data Science Leadership:
- Drive end-to-end execution of data science projects, from conceptualization to deployment.
- Apply advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI techniques to solve complex business problems.
- Ensure high-quality and scalable solutions by applying best practices in model development and validation.
Project Management:
- Oversee project delivery timelines, budgets, and quality metrics.
- Act as the bridge between business stakeholders and technical teams, translating business needs into technical requirements.
- Identify and mitigate risks in project execution while maintaining alignment with strategic objectives.
Team Leadership:
- Lead and mentor a team of data scientists, data engineers, and analysts.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the team.
- Ensure the team is equipped with the right tools, techniques, and training to meet evolving business needs.
Stakeholder Engagement:
- Collaborate with senior leadership to identify opportunities where data science can create business value.
- Communicate complex technical solutions and insights in a clear, actionable manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Strategic Vision:
- Define and implement the data science strategy in alignment with organizational goals.
- Stay updated with emerging trends and technologies in data science, ensuring their adoption within the team where applicable.
- Drive thought leadership initiatives and contribute to organizational data maturity.

Required Qualifications:
- 13-21 years of overall experience, with at least 8-10 years in data science roles and 5+ years in project/program management.
- Proven expertise in advanced analytics, machine learning, deep learning, and AI.
- Hands-on experience with programming languages such as Python, R, or Scala, and frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or scikit-learn.
- Strong experience in managing data science delivery projects across multiple domains.
- Proficiency in project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, or Waterfall) and tools like Jira, MS Project, or Asana.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving, and stakeholder management skills.
- Advanced degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field; MBA or PMP certification is a plus.
- Experience in deploying data science solutions in cloud environments (AWS, Azure, GCP).
Preferred Skills:
- Familiarity with big data technologies like Hadoop, Spark, and Hive.
- Experience with visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar.
- Strong business acumen with the ability to align data initiatives to strategic objectives.