VP of Data Science job in San Francisco, CA

Are you a data-driven leader ready to harness the power of AI and advanced analytics to transform business outcomes? We are seeking a Vice President of Data Science to lead the data strategy of a high-growth tech company based in San Francisco, CA. This is a unique opportunity to shape data-driven innovation, build and mentor a world-class data science team, and collaborate with cross-functional leaders to influence the company’s most strategic decisions. If you’re passionate about scaling impact through data, this role is designed for you.

Drive Data-Powered Strategy in a Leading Tech Hub

A cutting-edge technology company in San Francisco, CA is looking for an experienced VP of Data Science to oversee the development of AI/ML models, predictive analytics, and data infrastructure. The ideal candidate will bring deep technical expertise, a strong product mindset, and the ability to align data initiatives with business goals. If you thrive in a dynamic environment where innovation meets execution, and you’re ready to elevate data as a core business asset, this is your chance to lead from the forefront of the data revolution.

Key Responsibilities of the Vice President of Data Science – Technology & Innovation

Strategic Data Leadership:
Define and execute a comprehensive data science strategy that aligns with the company’s vision and business priorities. Champion data-driven decision-making across all business units while fostering a culture of experimentation and innovation.

AI & Machine Learning Innovation:
Lead the development and deployment of advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning models to solve complex business problems. Drive experimentation and continuous improvement in predictive modeling, recommendation engines, and personalization algorithms.

Cross-Functional Collaboration:
Partner closely with product, engineering, marketing, and operations teams to integrate data science solutions into product roadmaps and business workflows. Ensure alignment between data initiatives and business impact.

Data Infrastructure & Governance:
Oversee the design and evolution of scalable data infrastructure, pipelines, and platforms. Ensure robust data governance, accuracy, accessibility, and compliance with security and privacy regulations.

Team Development & Leadership:
Build, lead, and mentor a high-performing team of data scientists, analysts, and ML engineers. Foster a collaborative environment that values diversity of thought, innovation, and continuous learning.

Business Impact & Performance Measurement:
Translate complex data insights into actionable recommendations that drive measurable business outcomes. Define KPIs, build dashboards, and develop models to track and forecast performance across critical metrics.

Customer & Product Insights:
Leverage customer behavior data and market trends to inform product strategy, improve user experience, and drive engagement. Collaborate on A/B testing, churn prediction, and customer segmentation initiatives.

Ethical AI & Responsible Use of Data:
Ensure that all AI/ML models and data solutions follow ethical guidelines, reduce bias, and align with industry standards for responsible AI. Advocate for transparency and explainability in AI systems.

Executive Reporting & Communication:
Present key findings, model performance, and strategic recommendations to C-suite executives, board members, and stakeholders. Influence business strategy through compelling data narratives and executive dashboards.

Innovation Scouting & Emerging Technologies:
Stay current with emerging trends in data science, AI, and big data technologies. Evaluate and implement new tools, methodologies, and partnerships that enhance the company’s data capabilities and competitive edge.

What the Client is Looking for in You

As the Vice President of Data Science, the client is seeking an inspiring and technically proficient leader who can transform vast amounts of data into meaningful business insights and competitive advantages. You should be a visionary thinker with deep expertise in AI/ML, a strategic mindset, and the ability to scale data science initiatives in a fast-paced, innovation-driven environment.

Proven Leadership in Data Science & AI

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading data science teams within high-growth technology organizations. You should demonstrate a strong track record in building data-driven products, deploying scalable machine learning models, and embedding analytics into core business operations. Your leadership should reflect a balance of technical excellence and business impact.

Strategic Mindset with a Product-Centric Approach

You must be a strategic thinker who understands how data drives product innovation and user experience. The client values professionals who can align data science efforts with broader business objectives, anticipate market shifts, and create long-term value through analytics and predictive insights.

Deep Technical Expertise and Innovation

The role demands a thought leader with hands-on experience in data architecture, machine learning, AI frameworks, and statistical modeling. You should be fluent in modern data technologies and capable of guiding technical teams through the full model lifecycle — from data acquisition to production deployment.

Strong Business Acumen

The client is looking for a data science leader who goes beyond models — someone who understands financial impact, ROI, customer metrics, and how to translate data into key strategic decisions. Your ability to articulate business value from complex data sets will be essential to driving company growth and executive alignment.

Exceptional Team Builder and Mentor

Leading a high-performing, multidisciplinary team is central to this role. You should have a track record of hiring top talent, fostering innovation, and developing career paths within technical teams. The client seeks a leader who inspires excellence and collaboration across functions.

Customer-Driven and Insight-Oriented

You should have experience in analyzing consumer behavior, engagement metrics, and user journeys to uncover actionable insights. A deep understanding of how to turn raw data into strategies that improve customer experience, retention, and satisfaction is key.

Executive Communication & Stakeholder Engagement

Strong communication skills are a must. You’ll be expected to present technical concepts in clear, compelling terms to C-level executives, investors, and cross-functional partners. The client values leaders who can influence strategy through storytelling powered by data.

Ethical and Responsible Data Leadership

The client places high importance on ethical data usage, bias mitigation in AI, and privacy compliance. You should demonstrate a commitment to building responsible AI systems and implementing governance practices that ensure fairness, transparency, and trust.

FAQs About the Role – Vice President of Data Science – Technology & Innovation

1. What are the key responsibilities of the VP of Data Science in this role?
As the Vice President of Data Science, you will be responsible for defining and executing the company’s data strategy, leading a high-performing team of data scientists, and developing scalable AI/ML solutions. You will collaborate with cross-functional leaders to embed data insights into product and business strategies, ensure ethical data use, and oversee the design of advanced analytics infrastructure to drive business outcomes.

2. What qualifications and experience are required for this position?
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in leading data science teams within tech-driven environments. A strong foundation in machine learning, statistical modeling, and AI is essential, along with experience building scalable data solutions. A Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related field is preferred. Experience collaborating with product and engineering teams and delivering measurable impact is highly valued.

3. What leadership qualities are essential for this role?
The client is seeking a visionary leader who combines technical depth with strategic insight. Strong communication skills, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to mentor and inspire diverse technical teams are key. You should demonstrate business acumen, adaptability, and a passion for innovation through data.

4. What challenges can I expect in this role?
You’ll face challenges such as aligning data initiatives with fast-evolving business goals, scaling machine learning systems, maintaining data quality and security, and navigating complex stakeholder needs. Balancing innovation with ethical AI practices and adapting to rapid changes in technology will also be critical.

5. What is the expected impact of the VP of Data Science on the organization?
The VP of Data Science will play a pivotal role in shaping the company’s data culture and driving innovation across the organization. Your leadership will directly influence product development, customer experience, and strategic decision-making. The success of your initiatives will significantly impact business growth, efficiency, and competitive differentiation.

6. What is the company’s culture and work environment like?
The company promotes a collaborative, inclusive, and data-first culture. They encourage experimentation, continuous learning, and cross-functional teamwork. Leaders are empowered to drive innovation while fostering a work environment grounded in trust, transparency, and impact.

What Remuneration Can You Expect from This Job?

As the Vice President of Data Science in San Francisco, CA, you can expect a highly competitive compensation package tailored to attract top-tier data science leadership talent. The remuneration for this executive-level position typically includes the following components:

1. Base Salary

The annual base salary for a VP of Data Science in a high-growth tech environment in San Francisco generally ranges from $220,000 to $350,000, depending on company size, funding stage, and your level of experience and expertise.

2. Performance-Based Bonuses

Most compensation packages include annual performance-based bonuses tied to data science impact metrics such as revenue contribution from data products, model performance, innovation delivery, and business enablement. These bonuses can range from 20% to 50% of the base salary.

3. Equity & Stock Options

Equity compensation is a major part of the total package, especially in startups or growth-stage companies. Depending on company valuation and role seniority, you may receive stock options, RSUs (Restricted Stock Units), or performance shares. Equity can significantly boost long-term wealth as the company scales or goes public.

4. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs)

Some companies offer long-term incentive plans or milestone-based equity vesting for sustained contribution and strategic impact. These plans help align your interests with long-term business goals and may include additional grants based on innovation, IP generation, or data platform scaling.

5. Executive Benefits & Perks

As a senior executive, you’ll also receive a comprehensive benefits package, which may include:

Premium health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) plans with company matching
Executive wellness stipends
Learning & development budgets
Tech and home-office reimbursements
Paid time off, sick leave, and parental leave

6. Signing Bonus & Relocation Assistance

In certain cases, the employer may offer a signing bonus (typically between $25,000 to $100,000) and relocation assistance if you’re moving from outside the Bay Area. These are designed to ease your transition and secure your onboarding quickly.

Total Compensation Potential

When combining base salary, bonuses, equity, and incentives, the total annual compensation for a Vice President of Data Science in San Francisco can range from $300,000 to $800,000+, with equity-based upside pushing overall rewards even higher in high-growth or publicly traded companies.

How to Apply

If you are an innovative, data-driven leader with a proven record in building and scaling advanced analytics and machine learning systems, we invite you to apply for the Vice President of Data Science – Technology & Innovation role based in San Francisco, CA. This is a rare opportunity to lead a top-tier data science organization, drive measurable business impact, and shape the future of data innovation at an enterprise level.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience in leading data science teams, driving AI/ML initiatives, collaborating across engineering and product teams, and delivering data strategies that enable business growth and efficiency. Be sure to highlight your ability to apply technical expertise to real-world problems, foster innovation, and scale data platforms in fast-paced environments.

This role presents a high-impact leadership opportunity where you will influence strategic direction, enhance product intelligence, and create data solutions that transform the way the organization operates. Apply now to take the next step in your career as Vice President of Data Science in San Francisco, CA!

For more information or to explore similar roles in data leadership, visit our AI & Data Science Executive Recruiters page.

Job Category: AI & Data Science

Job Type: Full Time

Job Location: San Francisco

VP of Data Science job in San Francisco, CA