Director, Finance - Data Science & Attendance Forecasting

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

Design, develop and evaluate advanced predictive and machine learning models with a focus on attendance and ticketing revenue forecasting/planning for UDX including, but not limited to, UOR, USH, USJ, and UBR. Analyze and extract relevant information about guest behaviors and preferences from both structured and unstructured data to better understand visitation by sales channel, origin, and ticket type. Help define and optimize financial strategy using a variety of techniques, ranging from statistical analysis and artificial intelligence to complex data mining and modeling. Deliver clear and compelling findings with data visualization tools and presentations that inform and assist in key decisions for internal stakeholders. Collaborate with colleagues in Marketing, Operations, Finance, and IT to infuse predictive analytics into increased forecasting accuracy and profitability.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree is required.
10+ years prior hands-on experience in data science.
Experience programming with statistical modeling tools to fuel and deliver forecasts with financial accuracy.
Strong familiarity with manipulating and mining unstructured data to transform business decisions that impact the bottom line.
Expert knowledge programming/statistics (R, Python, SAS)
Expert in Microsoft Products (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Access)
Capable of interacting with relational databases through SQL
Ability to manipulate unstructured data to form insights about the business
Ability to handle multiple projects required and work independently in a deadline-oriented environment
Consistent attendance is a job requirement.

Nice To Haves

Master’s is preferred.
PhD is preferred.
MS/PHD degrees in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Management Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Statistics or equivalent
Experience leveraging artificial intelligence, predictive modeling, big data analytics, exploratory data analysis, and machine learning to drive significant business impact
Experience with visual analytic tools Power BI
Ability to paint a picture through analytics that will enhance and determine business decisions
Demonstrated a willingness to both teach others and learn new techniques
Desire to work in a fast-paced environment required

Responsibilities

Develops relevant statistical models such as mathematical optimization, stochastic process models, artificial intelligence, econometric methods and decision analysis in the development of predictive analytics to assist in attendance and ticket revenue forecasting.
Create and execute automation and data mining requests utilizing SQL, Excel, R/SAS/Python and other statistical programs detecting patterns, opportunities and insights that drive our business.
Create the analytics to leverage known, inferred and appended information about origins and recognizing patterns to assist in outlook forecasting.
Trouble shoot forecast and optimization anomalies with FP&A team through the use of statistical and mathematical optimization models.
Develop testing to explain and or reduce these anomalies.
Oversee and develop key visitor forecasts as well as provide budget support based on trends in the business/industry.
Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.