Director, Data Science - Head of Acquisitions Credit Risk

PayPal • San Jose, CA

4d • $218,000 - $323,950 • Hybrid

About The Position

PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy. We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers. We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade. Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities. Job Summary: This is a rare opportunity to lead acquisitions credit risk strategy for PayPal and Venmo Credit Cards, two of the most recognized consumer brands in the US, with growing credit card businesses and significant runway ahead. You will be both the risk authority and a co-owner of the growth agenda, with direct influence over how we scale our credit card portfolio. We're looking for someone who brings analytical sharpness, business ownership, and the ambition to build something meaningful.

Requirements

• 10+ years relevant experience and a Bachelor’s degree OR Any equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2 years of experience leading others

Nice To Haves

• Experience in credit risk strategy, with a focus on credit card products across the full customer lifecycle (acquisition, account management, and collections)
• Experience building and scaling credit risk frameworks in 0-to-1 environments, as well as optimizing strategies within mature, high-volume portfolios.
• Proven track record of leading and developing high-performing teams, with the ability to attract, coach, and retain talent.
• Familiarity with consumer credit regulations, including ECOA, FCRA, and UDAAP, and experience partnering with compliance and legal teams to ensure sound risk practices.
• A strong sense of business ownership, with the ability to think beyond risk in isolation. This leader is expected to be an active partner in shaping the growth agenda for the credit card business, balancing sound risk principles with a genuine orientation toward portfolio expansion and business outcomes.
• Strong analytical foundation with hands-on experience using data to drive credit policy decisions; proficiency with tools such as SQL, Python, or similar platforms preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the overall data science strategy, aligning with corporate goals and objectives.
• Lead the design and execution of advanced data science projects to support strategic decision-making.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to identify and prioritize data-driven opportunities.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of data infrastructure, ensuring scalability and efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations.
• Drive innovation in data science practices and tools, staying ahead of industry trends.

Benefits

• At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset-you. That’s why we offer comprehensive, choice-based programs, to support all aspects of personal wellbeing—physical, emotional, and financial—delivering meaningful value where it matters most.
• We strive to create a flexible, balanced work culture with a holistic approach to benefits, including generous paid time off, healthcare coverage for you and your family, and resources to create financial security and support your mental health.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees