Sr. Director, Head of Methodology

Spins • Chicago, IL

12d • $185,000 - $205,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

For over 20 years, SPINS has been a leader in recognizing the transformative power of data in retail. We offer our clients cutting-edge tools to attract attention from a fast-growing segment within the Health & Wellness industry, the values-based consumer. Nearly half of shoppers prioritize products that emphasize wellness, social responsibility, and sustainable practices. SPINS retail consumer insights, analytics, and consulting services give our clients a competitive advantage to increase their share of this growing market. Our data is the most comprehensive and accurate in the industry, allowing clients to power AI models and machine learning algorithms that help them better understand and meet their customers' needs. At SPINS, behind all of our impressive data is our real differentiator, our people. We pride ourselves on our collaborative, flexible, and communicative culture that puts people at the center of everything we do. Sr. Director of Methodology SPINS is seeking an experienced leader in measurement science. This new role for a Sr. Director, Methodology is responsible for leading and innovating the core SPINS measurement methodologies for syndicated data products (POS, TLOG, etc.), while bringing modern analytical, modeling, and data science perspectives to SPINS measurement products. This role is well-suited for a mid-career analytics or measurement leader ready to step into enterprise-level ownership and drive the next phase of SPINS’ measurement evolution. The role is part of the Product team, reporting to the SVP of Platforms and will collaborate closely with Data Strategy, Data Science, and Data Operations teams across our portfolio of data products. Key Deliverables Measurement Science Charter: scope, governance, change control, and quarterly update cadence. Measurement definitions and supporting knowledgebase. Internal/external communications related to methodology and measures. Measurement science strategy and roadmap.

Requirements

• 8–12+ years of experience in market measurement, advanced analytics, or applied statistical modeling within CPG, retail, or adjacent data-driven industries.
• Advanced degree in Statistics, Econometrics, Data Science, or equivalent applied experience.
• Strong understanding of projection, weighting, calibration, and non-additive measures, or equivalent experience building and operationalizing complex statistical models at scale.
• Fluency in syndicated retail/CPG geography constructs (e.g., sample and census-based accounts, comparative retailer specific geographies) and integrated panel and POS approaches.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain complex methodologies to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Measure calculation methodology end‑to‑end.
• Apply advanced analytical frameworks (e.g., segmentation, market mix modeling, pricing and promotion elasticity, assortment and need-state analysis) to inform and evolve SPINS measurement methodologies.
• Own the SPINS projection strategy: census vs sample, projection weights policy, data sources, restatement policy, vendor expectations, handling exceptions, and approve changes.
• Geography definition and management: rules/decisions for market composition, ACV handling, closed‑store logic.
• Standards & competitive scan: track industry methodologies.
• Collaborate with Data Strategy and Product to define and prioritize methodology roadmap.
• Scoping of innovation data products: write methods specs for new universes/data products.
• Partner with Data Science to translate complex statistical and machine-learning models into durable, explainable, and scalable measurement standards suitable for syndicated products.
• Evaluate and incorporate AI- and ML-driven approaches where appropriate to improve projection accuracy, anomaly detection, data quality, and methodological scalability.

Benefits

• We embrace hybrid work options so that you have the flexibility to create a work/life balance that actually works!
• Each employee is allotted paid time to use to volunteer with an organization of their choice and charitable donations are matched.
• Semi-annual company-wide employee survey that is used to shape company programs, perks, and culture.

What This Job Offers

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