Sr Director, Chief Data Scientist

Phillips 66 • Houston, TX

1d

About The Position

Phillips 66 is seeking a Chief Data Scientist to lead advanced analytics and data science initiatives for the Commercial function, including trading and value chain optimization. This role is pivotal in driving quantamental research, combining fundamental supply and demand analysis with quantitative techniques to deliver actionable insights for trading and market analysis. The Chief Data Scientist will oversee a team of central and embedded data scientists, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and guide the development of production-grade models and tools that empower traders and analysts. This role requires a blend of technical expertise, leadership, and strategic vision to unlock the full potential of data science in a fast-paced, high-stakes trading environment.

Requirements

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, or a related field; Ph.D. preferred
• 10+ years of experience in advanced analytics and machine learning, with meaningful exposure to commodities trading, energy markets, or financial markets
• Advanced proficiency in Python and modern ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn), with hands-on experience using Databricks, Spark, and Azure cloud services
• Legally authorized to work in the posting country

Nice To Haves

• Deep foundations in statistics, time-series analysis, econometrics, and optimization techniques
• Proven ability to operate across front office, risk, compliance, IT, and digital teams
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, including interaction with senior leadership and executive committees
• High standards for model quality, documentation, and operational resilience
• Demonstrated experience setting direction and governance for data science in large, complex organizations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the stage-gated approval process for investing in Proof of Concept (POC), Minimum Viable Product (MVP), and production-grade models, ensuring alignment with business priorities and ROI.
• Identify and prioritize high-potential ideas for exploratory data analysis during ideation and planning, leveraging deep experience in developing data science models for trading.
• Guide quantamental research efforts, combining fundamental supply and demand analysis (e.g., refinery outages, runs, yields) with advanced quantitative techniques to deliver actionable insights.
• Oversee the ingestion and transformation of data from internal and external sources, ensuring datasets progress from bronze to gold standards for analytics.
• Manage and mentor a team of 4–6 central data scientists who float across high-value projects, and apprentice/review the performance of 4–8 embedded data scientists dedicated to specific trading desks.
• Collaborate closely with the Head of Market Analysis, data engineers, ML engineers, and software developers to transition MVP/POC models into production-grade solutions integrated with full-stack applications used by traders.
• Foster a culture of mentorship, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning within the data science team.
• Develop tools and frameworks that enable low-code or no-code self-service exploratory data analysis for traders and market analysts, empowering them to derive insights independently.
• Partner with trading desks to understand business challenges and deliver tailored data science solutions that drive decision-making and profitability.
• Establish and enforce processes, frameworks, and standards for model development, deployment, and monitoring to ensure scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Stay at the forefront of industry trends and emerging technologies, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the organization.

Benefits

• Annual Variable Cash Incentive Program (VCIP) bonus
• 8% 401k company match
• Cash Balance Account pension
• Medical, Dental, and Vision benefits with an annual company contribution to a Health Savings Account for employees on HDHP
• Total well-being programs and incentives, including Employee Assistance Plan, well-being reimbursement, and backup family care services

What This Job Offers

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