Director Data Science

Location: Illinois, IL, us, Remote

Company Description

Our Data Science teams help to provide NIQ’s clients with the most complete understanding of the market and its consumers. With a footprint in over 100 countries across the globe, our expansive data and measurement capabilities provide market context and confidence. We are constantly innovating to keep pace with emerging market trends and the increasingly diverse, demanding and connected consumer.

The Data Science Team supports multiple NIQ functions by providing expertise in panel development, enabling new products, data feeds, and estimation techniques. We are responsible for defining and maintaining best practices in panel weighting, data processing, and aggregation. Integrity is at the core of our work, guiding our processes, deliverables, and team collaboration.

Job Description

Approach to Work

• Operates in a technical leadership capacity, leading large teams or complex initiatives.
• Owns the design and delivery of key segments within the Data Science function.
• Drives teams to deliver scalable, high-quality, reproducible, and measurable experiments and PoCs.
• Sets scientific standards and champions strong methodological approaches.
• Identifies and applies industry innovations and emerging AI capabilities into day-to-day work.
• Designs robust experimentation frameworks and establishes trusted KPIs.
• Promotes the Data Science brand internally and externally through impactful delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Focus of Activities

• Defines and leads execution of complex, large-scale technology initiatives and teams.
• Ensures delivery of robust, reproducible data science solutions, PoCs, and applications.
• Shapes research directions aligned with business impact and emerging scientific trends.
• Reviews and improves methodologies across Data Science initiatives.
• Analyzes scientific literature to identify improvements and innovation opportunities.
• Drives vision and execution to meet commitments and ensure stakeholder satisfaction.

Stakeholder & Leadership Management

• Collaborates with Product Leaders, Program teams, and Senior Technology stakeholders.
• Influences decision-making and sets clear priorities and expectations.
• Navigates complex stakeholder environments with confidence and clarity.
• Manages teams directly or indirectly aligned to initiatives.
• Builds and maintains external partnerships within the ecosystem.
• Acts as a change agent, fostering alignment and overcoming resistance when needed.

Product Mindset

• Shapes and influences product development lifecycle based on deep product and technical knowledge.
• Partners with Product teams to define priorities and roadmap clarity.
• Promotes a product-centric culture focused on end-user experience.
• Drives continuous innovation and product improvement.
• Estimates and sizes complex initiatives with multiple dependencies.
• Defines both functional and non-functional solution requirements.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in Data Science, Statistics, or Mathematics
• 5+ years of experience in a leadership role
• Proven expertise in designing scalable data science solutions and leading complex initiatives
• Strong experience in experimentation design, KPIs, and scientific methodologies
• Demonstrated ability to influence product development and business strategy

Core Competencies

Analytical Problem Solving

• Expert-level ability to solve complex and interconnected problems.
• Identifies hidden data patterns and connections to support strategic decisions.
• Understands broader implications across technologies and processes.
• Encourages innovation, experimentation, and diverse perspectives.
• Applies new and emerging methodologies to solve challenging problems.

Social Intelligence

• Strong relationship-building skills in complex organizational environments.
• Communicates complex technical concepts with clarity and impact.
• Drives change and influences stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Builds collaborative, high-performing teams aligned around shared goals.

Additional Information

This role has a market-competitive salary with an anticipated base compensation of the following range: $110,000 -$200,000 . Actual salaries will vary depending on a candidate’s experience, qualifications, skills, and location. This role might also be eligible for a Sales-based incentive or performance-based bonus. Other benefits include a flexible working environment, comprehensive health insurance, industry-leading parental leave, life insurance, education support, and more.

Our Benefits

• Flexible working environment
• Volunteer time off
• LinkedIn Learning
• Employee-Assistance-Program (EAP)

NIQ may utilize artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the recruitment process, including résumé screening, candidate assessments, interview scheduling, job matching, communication support, and certain administrative tasks that help streamline workflows. These tools are intended to improve efficiency and support fair and consistent evaluation based on job-related criteria. All use of AI is governed by NIQ’s principles of fairness, transparency, human oversight, and inclusion. Final hiring decisions are made exclusively by humans. NIQ regularly reviews its AI tools to help mitigate bias and ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations. If you have questions, require accommodations, or wish to request human review were permitted by law, please contact your local HR representative. For more information, please visit NIQ’s AI Safety Policies and Guiding Principles: https://www.nielseniq.com/global/en/ai-safety-policies.

About NIQ

NIQ is the world’s leading consumer intelligence company, delivering the most complete understanding of consumer buying behavior and revealing new pathways to growth. In 2023, NIQ combined with GfK, bringing together the two industry leaders with unparalleled global reach. With a holistic retail read and the most comprehensive consumer insights—delivered with advanced analytics through state-of-the-art platforms—NIQ delivers the Full View™. NIQ is an Advent International portfolio company with operations in 100+ markets, covering more than 90% of the world’s population.

For more information, visit NIQ.com

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Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At NIQ, we are steadfast in our commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace that mirrors the rich diversity of the communities and markets we serve. We believe that embracing a wide range of perspectives drives innovation and excellence.  All employment decisions at NIQ are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws. We invite individuals who share our dedication to inclusivity and equity to join us in making a meaningful impact. To learn more about our ongoing efforts in diversity and inclusion, please visit the https://nielseniq.com/global/en/news-center/diversity-inclusion