Director Data Science

Mercury Insurance Services, LLC • CA

65d • $133,226 - $346,026

About The Position

As Director, Data Science, you will lead a team of data scientists, analysts, and machine learning experts to deliver high-impact data science and AI solutions. This role will focus on applying data science to marketing, customer experience and sales growth using modeling, experimentation, and advanced analytics to improve business outcomes and guide strategic decisions. You will collaborate with senior leaders to shape enterprise-wide data and AI strategy and translate insights into measurable business impact.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in statistics, math, engineering, computer science or other related technical areas.
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. (or ACAS/FCAS credentials) preferred.
• At least 10 years of experience in data analysis, data science, data engineering, machine learning, actuarial science, computer science, and/or software development.
• At least 10 years of experience with SQL and Python/R.
• At least 5 years of experience in P&C insurance, preferably in a variety of technical and/or non-technical roles that span multiple functional areas.
• At least 3 years of experience leading a team of data engineers, data scientists, data analysts, actuaries, or computer scientists.

Nice To Haves

• Comprehensive knowledge of P&C insurance, including the industry’s concepts and principles.
• Understanding of the state of the industry (the general challenges, competitive landscape, etc.), including the technical proficiencies of other companies.
• Quantitative judgment: Demonstrated knowledge of building, tuning, validating, testing, deploying, and monitoring machine learning and/or statistical predictive models.
• Understanding how to avoid the common machine learning pitfalls that can affect a model’s fidelity and generalizability.
• Research methods: Knowledge of multiple quantitative research and analysis approaches and their tradeoffs.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple large projects simultaneously.
• Expert written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate technical concepts to all levels of leaders and associates.
• Ability to drive decisions, projects, and processes without formal authority.
• Ability to handle large and complex engagements focused on broader business activities.
• Experience working with cloud-based infrastructure, including cloud data warehouses (e.g., AWS Redshift, Snowflake).
• Experience leading a team that uses best practices in software engineering, including version control (e.g., GitHub/GitLab).
• Solid experience using R, Python, SQL, dbt and other programming languages.
• Strong data skills and the ability to work with large structured and unstructured data sources using supervised and unsupervised learning methodologies.
• Experience in text mining or other natural language processing techniques.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and deployment of predictive and prescriptive models to optimize marketing performance, customer engagement, and sales effectiveness.
• Partner with marketing, sales, and customer experience teams to deliver data driven insights on customer behavior, campaign performance, and growth opportunities.
• Build and scale analytics solutions for segmentation, personalization, churn reduction, and lifetime value optimization.
• Ensure methodological rigor, model transparency, and operational reliability in all data science initiatives.
• Communicate findings clearly to both technical and executive audiences, linking analytics to tangible business results.
• Define and execute a data science roadmap that sales and marketing advances analytics, customer experience modeling, and AI adoption across the organizations.
• Champion the use of data to connect marketing investment with business growth, ROI, and customer satisfaction.
• Balance near term analytical wins with long term innovation in modeling, automation, and experimentation.
• Develop and mentor a high performing team skilled in marketing data science and applied AI.
• Foster a collaborative, curious, and outcome-oriented culture.
• Serve as a thought leader on how data science and AI can drive customer centric growth and competitive advantage.
• Partner across business units to identify new opportunities and apply advanced analytics and sales challenges.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States for most positions
• Paid time off (vacation time, sick time, 9 paid Company holidays, volunteer hours)
• Incentive bonus programs (potential for holiday bonus, referral bonus, and performance-based bonus)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance
• 401 (k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Engaging work environment
• Promotional opportunities
• Education assistance
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Company recognition program
• Health and wellbeing resources, including free mental wellbeing therapy/coaching sessions, child and eldercare resources, and more

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees