Director, Data Science

SGI • Regina, SK

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director, Data Science leads a team of Senior Data Scientists and Data Scientists in developing statistical models, machine learning algorithms, and scientific methods to extract insights from large volumes of structured and unstructured data. This role is pivotal in setting direction and championing advanced analytics at SGI, enabling executives to make data-driven decisions and helping the business build better products and experiences for our customers. You will be accountable for delivering on data science and advanced analytics use cases, with a focus on using the right processes, governance, and toolsets to enable the creation and maintenance of predictive and prescriptive analytical models. Leverages advanced analytics and visualisation knowledge, combined with business acumen and data storytelling, to develop actionable solutions that result in tangible business value. Supports and contributes to the development of a departmental culture, policies, and strategy to strengthen the adoption of data and analytics within the organisation. Ensures the business adheres to the Data Policy and the Data Governance Framework.

Requirements

• A four-year degree from an accredited post-secondary education institution in a directly related field of study, such as Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or Statistics or a related discipline.
• Ten years of experience comprised of six years of progressively challenging leadership experience within the data science domain (with expertise in cloud-based D&A platforms, data management tools, reporting and visualization, implementing advanced analytics [AI/ML] use cases, etc.) and four years of relevant experience in the insurance or financial sector, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of how to structure a data problem, from framing the right questions to ask, to communicating the results effectively.
• Knowledge of advanced machine learning algorithms and mathematical and statistical concepts and techniques (e.g., clustering, decision tree learning, artificial neural networks) and their real-world advantages and drawbacks.
• Knowledge of and skill in using data science toolkits and statistical programming languages (e.g., R, Python, SAS, SQL) to extract meaningful insights from data.
• Knowledge of key metrics that measure and drive long-term health of the business.
• Knowledge of the insurance industry.
• Knowledge of A/B testing.
• Knowledge of project management methods.
• Skills to lead teams in the design and development of advanced analytics solutions.
• Skill in communicating complex data and analytical concepts at senior levels with confidence to a non-technical audience in an easy-to-understand fashion.
• Skill in building effective internal working relationships and ability to establish strategic external partnerships with customers, business partners, vendors, and other stakeholders.
• Skill in influencing others to implement optimal approaches to address problems and opportunities, leading the implementation and acceptance of change within the workplace.
• Skill in using Azure cloud-based data platform solution components and architectures.
• Skill in implementing practices that meet organizational needs and promote efficiency and value creation.
• Skill in strategic planning using quantitative techniques.
• Ability to proactively confront difficult issues, influence, and gain respect, credibility, and confidence from others.

Nice To Haves

• Certified Specialist in Predictive Analytics (CSPA) designation from the Casualty Actuarial Institute or equivalent certification(s) in Data Science will be considered an asset.

Responsibilities

• Leads and mentors Senior Data Scientists and Data Scientists in developing advanced analytics solutions that meet business needs (e.g., machine learning or predictive models).
• Leads design, development, operations, testing, and maintenance for advanced analytics solutions.
• Ensures a creative and innovative approach and continuous improvement are the cornerstones for all advanced analytics development.
• Participates as required in selecting data platform vendors, enhancing data and analytics (D&A) technical capabilities, and rationalizing advanced analytics tools across the organization.
• Provides production support; proactively monitors the machine learning models adoption and performance; and explores methods that can be employed to improve performance for any/all components.
• Collaborates with other departments in the Data Office and senior Data Office leadership: on business requirements to enable traceability and meaningful user acceptance testing for advanced analytics solutions; on exploring the “art of the possible” to extend other analytics, reporting, and visualization solutions with data science capabilities; to ensure corporate analytics products are consistent and standardized; and in establishing departmental goals and strategies.
• Develops work plans for the data science team and contributes to resource levelling for the broader Corporate Analytics and Data Office teams as required to meet ongoing demand.
• Ensures that data-driven projects are aligned with divisional and corporate strategies and meet business requirements.
• Manages cross-divisional initiatives requiring data sharing and integration that could be sensitive in nature.
• In collaboration with the Business Insights Advisors, builds and maintains strong relationships within the business area to understand goals and strategies and identify opportunities for data-driven insights.
• Champions the use of data in making key business decisions and informing strategy.
• Builds a high-performing workforce by actively leading human resource activities.
• Ensures development of divisional succession plans.
• Builds a culture of leadership and accountability to effectively deliver on strategic and corporate strategies, ensuring integration with employee performance development and career development plans.
• Drives performance through team members and is committed to leadership development across the company, supporting employees and workforce readiness through mentoring, training, and developmental opportunities.
• Ensures programs and policies are in alignment with corporate, strategic, and divisional strategies.
• Manages risk in area of authority.
• Prepares, reviews, manages, and/or approves departmental/divisional budgets.
• Prepares decision requests, decision and/or information items, and/or SGI board items.
• Ensures that the Health, Safety and Emergency Management Policy is applied in area of responsibility, including development, implementation, and managing of program components specific to departmental health and safety requirements.
• Makes decisions for departmental operations that are efficient, effective, and in alignment with strategic direction and priorities.
• Ensures department and program policies, procedures, and guidelines are in compliance with applicable federal and provincial legislation and regulations; implements and evaluates changes to legislation and regulations in area of authority.
• Establishes and maintains an effective system of internal controls to support reliable financial reporting and compliance in accordance with applicable laws and regulations within the span of control and communicates the importance of internal controls to staff.
• Implements methodologies, processes, and best practices to enhance data and analytics awareness (as required).

Benefits

• competitive pay
• great benefits, perks and options to balance work and everything else life sends their way
• support for education, accreditation and professional development

What This Job Offers

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