Are you a visionary leader in the field of data science, passionate about leveraging artificial intelligence to solve complex, real-world problems? Do you thrive on building and mentoring high-performance teams that push the boundaries of what’s possible? JRG Partners is exclusively representing a pioneering AI platform provider, a category leader based in the vibrant tech hub of Austin, TX. We are seeking a transformative Vice President of Data Science to steer their data strategy, drive innovation, and cement their position as a market leader. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of an organization at the forefront of the AI revolution, making a tangible impact on products used by millions globally.
Role Overview for VP, Data Science with an AI Platform Provider – Austin, TX
The Vice President of Data Science is a critical executive role, reporting directly to the Chief Technology Officer (CTO). You will be the organization’s senior-most authority on data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Your primary mission is to build and lead a world-class data science organization that serves as the engine of innovation for the entire company. You will be responsible for defining and executing the data science vision and roadmap, ensuring it aligns with overarching business goals and product strategy.
This role requires a rare blend of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership. You will act as a key partner to the executive team, providing insights and guidance on how data-driven intelligence can create a sustainable competitive advantage, enhance customer experiences, and unlock new revenue streams. You will be tasked with fostering a culture of rigorous experimentation, intellectual curiosity, and data-driven decision-making across all departments, from product development to marketing and sales. Your leadership will be instrumental in scaling our AI capabilities, overseeing the entire lifecycle of model development from ideation and research to deployment and ongoing optimization in a production environment.
Key Responsibilities of VP, Data Science with an AI Platform Provider – Austin, TX
Strategic Leadership & Vision
Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive data science and AI strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term vision and business objectives. Identify new opportunities to leverage data and AI to drive product innovation, operational efficiency, and market differentiation.
Team Building & Mentorship
Recruit, lead, and mentor a high-caliber team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI researchers. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and inclusive team culture that attracts and retains top-tier talent. Provide career development, coaching, and technical guidance to team members.
Research & Development Oversight
Direct the research and development of novel algorithms, predictive models, and machine learning techniques. Stay at the forefront of the field by continuously evaluating and incorporating the latest advancements in machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision.
Model Lifecycle Management
Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of machine learning models, including data acquisition and preparation, feature engineering, model training and validation, deployment into production, and continuous monitoring and performance tuning.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Partner closely with leaders in Product, Engineering, Marketing, and Sales to identify business challenges and opportunities. Translate complex business needs into well-defined data science projects and deliver actionable insights and scalable AI-powered solutions.
Technical Excellence & Best Practices
Establish and enforce best practices for data science workflows, including coding standards, version control, model validation, and documentation. Ensure the team’s work is scientifically rigorous, statistically sound, and computationally efficient.
Data Governance & Ethics
Champion ethical AI principles and data privacy. Work with legal and security teams to establish robust data governance policies and ensure all data science practices comply with regulatory requirements like GDPR and CCPA.
Stakeholder Communication
Effectively communicate complex data science concepts, project updates, and strategic recommendations to a diverse audience, including the executive leadership team, board of directors, and non-technical stakeholders.
Infrastructure & Tooling
Collaborate with the engineering and infrastructure teams to define the requirements for and build a scalable, state-of-the-art MLOps platform and data infrastructure to support the entire data science lifecycle.
Budget & Resource Management
Develop and manage the data science department’s budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to achieve strategic goals and deliver maximum ROI.
Requirements for the VP, Data Science with an AI Platform Provider – Austin, TX
Educational Background
A Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline with a strong focus on machine learning or artificial intelligence.
Executive Leadership Experience
A minimum of 10-12 years of professional experience in data science, with at least 5-7 years in a senior leadership role (Director, Senior Director, or VP level) managing and scaling data science teams in a fast-paced, product-driven tech environment.
Deep Technical Expertise
Proven, hands-on experience in developing and deploying sophisticated machine learning models in a production environment. Expert-level knowledge of statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning, reinforcement learning).
Programming & Framework Proficiency
High proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and extensive experience with core data science libraries (e.g., Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn). Deep familiarity with modern ML/DL frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or JAX.
Cloud & Big Data Experience
Significant experience working with large-scale datasets and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark). Hands-on experience with major cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and their associated AI/ML services (e.g., SageMaker, Vertex AI, Azure ML).
Strategic Mindset
Demonstrated ability to think strategically, connect data science initiatives directly to business value, and influence executive-level decisions. Experience developing multi-year roadmaps and technology strategies.
Exceptional Communication Skills
Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complex technical topics into clear, concise insights for both technical and non-technical audiences.
Proven Track Record
A portfolio of successfully launched AI/ML-powered products or features that have delivered measurable business impact. Experience in a B2B or SaaS environment is highly preferred.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to creating a supportive, rewarding, and inclusive work environment. They believe in investing in their people and offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. This includes:
- Competitive executive salary and performance-based bonus structure.
- Substantial equity/stock options package.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.
- 401(k) retirement plan with a generous company match.
- Unlimited Paid Time Off (PTO) and flexible work policies.
- Generous parental leave policy.
- Annual professional development stipend for conferences, courses, and certifications.
- Wellness stipend for gym memberships, fitness classes, and mental health resources.
- State-of-the-art office in Austin, TX, with a fully stocked kitchen, collaborative spaces, and regular team events.
- Relocation assistance for qualified candidates.
How to Apply
JRG Partners is the exclusive recruitment partner for this confidential search. If you are a visionary data science leader ready to make a significant impact at a high-growth AI company, we encourage you to apply. Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your leadership philosophy and relevant experience. For more information or to explore other opportunities within our network, please visit the JRG Partners’ Technology & Data Science practice page. We look forward to reviewing your application.
