Director Data Science

NielsenIQ•Illinois, IL

5d•$110,000 - $200,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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.
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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.