VP of Data Science
Chicago, IL

Job Description

We are fast-paced, forward thinking and driven by data. We are accelerating the used car industry. We are looking for creative, talented, hard-working individuals to join us. Buckle up. It's going to be a great ride. Based in Chicago, DRIVIN is accelerating the used car industry by bringing data and technology together in a spectacular, first-of-its-kind fashion to help dealers acquire the right cars, at the right price, right now. We are committed to delivering data-driven solutions with a high-touch, personalized level of service to each of our clients. We are looking for people that will help us create a culture that is exciting, empowering, motivating and challenging. Are you interested in learning more?

At our core, we are an analytics company. The insights we gain from our analyses guide our strategic path forward as we grow revenue, enter new markets, and strengthen our customer relationships. The Data Science team proactively leads and collaborates with the business to identify the most valuable problems to solve, constructs a roadmap to delivery, and executes against that plan.

As the Vice President of Data Science, you are responsible for leveraging large internal and external data to provide advanced analytic data modeling systems. You will provide both strategic and tactical leadership and direction for a team of data scientists and data analysts as well as assess the organization's on-going talent acquisition, analytic methods, tool selection and development strategy. Your work will revolve around understanding complex business models, large and complex data manipulation, predictive model building, model validation, model deployment and ensuring all model documentation provides full model transparency. Responsible for building and refining predictive and descriptive statistical models to improve insights, enhance data-driven business strategies, and drive improved profitability. You will develop next-generation analytic approaches where current generation approaches are not adequate. You will oversee all data science activities ensuring alignment with departmental and business-wide vision and strategies.

This role is a highly collaborative one and will work closely with the data engineering team in creating big data applications through the utilization of structured and unstructured data, designing optimal data architecture, and experimenting on new machine learning techniques.

The VP of Data Science also works collaboratively with other senior leadership team members at DRIVIN and serves as a trusted advisor in the creation and deployment of useful insights that inform and activate business strategies across the organization.

It is also the responsibility of the VP of Data Science to build the business's data science talent needs through role definition, recruitment, and development of a team of data scientists that will jointly move the business's agenda forward. You will review, direct, guide, and inspire the

analytical work of more junior staff on your team; providing a clear path for career development.

RESPONSIBLITIES:

o Drive value to the broader business. Develop and communicate goals, strategies, tactics, project plans, timelines, and key performance metrics to align with multiple internal stakeholder departments.

o Aid in the development of predictive modeling and machine learning solutions that continually improve with the collection of real-time customer and salesperson results from the product portfolios.

o Lead a team of data scientists and data analysts as a player-coach, mentoring each individual to continue to develop their personal skillsets while contributing to model development as needed.

o Coordinate KPI goals and delivery dates with senior leadership, ensuring our results are measurable and delivered on time.

o Work in an Agile environment with team members, delivering solutions quickly and continuously exploring ways to improve our results.

o Actively seek out new potential problems to solve, building out the future roadmap while simultaneously executing on current deliverables.

o Collaborate with senior executives across the organization including sales, operations, marketing, technology and finance.

o Manage cross-disciplinary team. Oversees multiple program teams that develop and provide customer, product, and business operation insights, and analysis to improve and enhance companywide decision making. Ensure the department implements and utilizes the industry best practices and technology required to provide insights, analysis and modeling for the company.

o Command a good understanding of overall business, demonstrate in-depth understanding of predictive modeling life cycle, solution development lifecycle, and architect successful projects from inception through implementation and general availability.

o Exude 'executive presence' in both formal and informal communications.

o Be a people person who is able to form strong, lasting, and meaningful bonds with others.

REQUIREMENTS:

o Advanced level proficiency with statistical, machine learning modeling techniques such as regression, decision trees, neural networks, support vector machines, supervised/unsupervised clustering techniques, experimental test design, etc.

o Expert theoretical knowledge of machine learning modeling techniques and advanced applied skills in developing predictive targeting models within distributed computing platforms such as Hadoop, AWS, Azure, GCP using tools like Spark, SAS, R, Python, H2O and Kafka.

o Superior analytical skill combined with business discipline. Ability to perform insightful and actionable quantitative and qualitative analysis of the business.

o Ability to manage multiple complex projects while meeting all deadlines and manage people to achieve optimal results.

o Excels in a culture of collaboration, excellence, innovation, and teamwork.

o Strong interpersonal skills - an outstanding ability to build relationships, influence and navigate within a complex organization.

o Presence and self-confidence to interface and engage with the key constituents internally and externally. 'Crisp' communication skills.

o Self-awareness, maturity, irreproachable integrity.

o Confidence, hustle, energy, and drive - accountability is key and the impact of your work is crucial to our success.

o You are always ready for the next challenge, always one step ahead, looking for creative ways to improve upon processes.

JOB SPECIFICATIONS

o 8+ years in a Data Science position, building production level solutions

o 3+ years leading Data Science teams

o MS/PhD in Computer Science, Economics, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related quantitative field is a requirement

#CB