Principal Data Science & Analytics Financial Services Consulting

TransUnion • Chicago, IL

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

As a senior leader in Data Science & Analytics (DSA), the Principal operates as a senior individual contributor, serving as a strategic co-leader and chief-of-staff to the Financial Services Consulting Data Science organization. This role is responsible for driving strategy, operating model design, and execution across a portfolio of advanced analytics, AI, and platform-enabled consulting solutions. The Principal combines technical depth, business leadership, and organizational influence to shape service offerings, enable revenue growth, and ensure operational excellence across the organization and reporting to a VP of Data Science & Analytics.

This is a hybrid position and involves regular performance of job responsibilities virtually as well as in-person at an assigned TU office location for a minimum of two days a week.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in data science, analytics consulting, or related field in Financial Services or adjacent industries
• 5+ years in leadership roles with enterprise-level scope
• Demonstrated ability to influence strategy, operations, and commercial outcomes
• Deep expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and AI along with experience building and deploying production-grade model pipelines
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a quantitative discipline

Nice To Haves

• Experience scaling analytics consulting practices or data products
• Familiarity with credit bureau data and regulated environments
• Experience with cloud platforms and big data ecosystems
• Track record of contributing to intellectual property or publications

Responsibilities

• Act as a co-leader and strategic advisor to DSA leadership.
• Drive multi-year strategy, including capability investment, portfolio prioritization, and operating model evolution.
• Own core business operations including revenue planning, capacity planning, resource allocation, and performance management.
• Guide design and delivery of machine learning, statistical, and AI-driven solutions.
• Establish best practices for consulting processes including AI-enabled and platform-enabled consulting, model development, validation, and production deployment.
• Ensure scalable, high-quality analytics outcomes.
• Partner with Solutions teams to define and commercialize new analytics products and platforms.
• Support client engagements, shape deals, and enable Sales through differentiated, data-driven narratives.
• Operate effectively across a matrixed environment spanning Data Science, Technology, Solutions, and Sales.
• Drive alignment and end-to-end integration across data, models, platforms, and delivery.
• Oversee development of high-value analytic data assets.
• Ensure strong governance across data quality, privacy, and regulatory compliance.
• Champion adoption of modern analytics tools and platforms.
• Contribute to intellectual property development including patents and proprietary methodologies.
• Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive offerings.
• Deliver external-facing thought leadership.
• Mentor senior talent, support recruiting strategy, and influence organizational culture.
• Drive adoption of best practices and improve productivity through process innovation.

Benefits

• medical, dental, and vision coverage
• supplemental plan options
• Spousal, domestic partner, and other eligible dependent coverage
• HSA and FSA accounts
• company-paid basic life and AD&D
• optional voluntary life and AD&D for you and your family
• short- and long-term disability
• legal plan
• pet insurance
• travel accident coverage
• adoption assistance
• fertility planning coverage
• caregiver support
• Dependent Care FSA for possibility of an employer match
• complimentary Care@Work membership
• up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave with eligibility for a thoughtful, gradual return
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• financial wellness resources
• career coaching
• optional long-term care insurance
• tuition reimbursement
• flexible time off for exempt employees or paid time off for nonexempt employees
• up to 12 paid holidays per year
• commuter benefits
• employee discounts
• charitable gift matching
• paid volunteer time off
• corporate volunteer events
• 24/7 support including professional therapy, coaching, and emotional well‑being programs
• guided meditation and resources that support physical, mental, social, and financial wellness

What This Job Offers

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