Director, Data Science and Forecasting

Edwards Lifesciences • Alton, IL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Director, Data Science and Forecasting sits at the intersection of Corporate Finance (FP&A), advanced analytics, and enterprise planning. This leader defines and executes Finance forecasting and scenario-modeling strategy, using advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI to improve planning accuracy, decision quality, and business performance. The Director establishes and leads an Advanced Forecasting Center of Excellence (CoE), enabling data-driven decision making across Finance while ensuring governance, scalability, and enterprise adoption of forecasting and predictive analytics capabilities.

The role oversees forecasting models, scenario-planning frameworks, and predictive analytics, and serves as a strategic advisor to the VP, Corporate FP&A. It also advances planning capabilities within Anaplan and other enterprise planning systems. The position is on-site in Irvine.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Finance, Biostatistics, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of experience in data science, forecasting, advanced analytics, quantitative modeling, finance analytics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience developing and operationalizing forecasting and predictive models used to drive business decisions.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving Finance, FP&A, Data & Analytics, IT, and business stakeholders.
• Experience building analytics capabilities, governance frameworks, centers of excellence, or enterprise planning solutions.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree.
• PhD, preferred for highly advanced modeling and predictive analytics environments.

Responsibilities

• Establish and execute the Finance forecasting and advanced analytics strategy, including roadmaps for predictive forecasting, scenario planning, AI/ML applications, and decision-support capabilities across Corporate Finance.
• Lead the Advanced Forecasting Center of Excellence and establish standards for model governance, validation, documentation, forecasting methodologies, reusable frameworks, and planning playbooks.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the design, deployment, and continuous improvement of forecasting models, including time-series forecasting, driver-based models, AI/ML algorithms, and probabilistic scenario modeling for revenue, margins, operating expenses, cash flow, and workforce planning.
• Partner with FP&A, Finance leaders, and business stakeholders to integrate forecasting insights into planning, resource allocation, performance management, and strategic decision making.
• Advise executive leadership and communicate analytical findings, risks, opportunities, and recommendations clearly and actionably.
• Collaborate with Data, Digital, and IT teams to improve data quality, data governance, automation, and scalable analytics infrastructure.
• Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies, advanced analytics techniques, AI capabilities, and forecasting methodologies to improve business outcomes and competitive advantage.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries.
• Performance-based incentives.
• A wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of employees and their families.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director