Role Overview for VP, Data Science with a Technology Services Firm – Seattle, WA

JRG Partners is proud to lead the exclusive search for a visionary and transformative VP, Data Science on behalf of our client, a premier technology services firm based in Seattle, WA. Our client is a recognized leader in delivering cutting-edge digital transformation solutions to a diverse portfolio of Fortune 500 companies. They are at the forefront of innovation, and at the heart of their strategy is the power of data. We are seeking an exceptional leader to helm their Data Science organization, a pivotal role responsible for shaping the future of their data-driven products and services.

As the Vice President of Data Science, you will be the chief evangelist and strategist for all things data. You will report directly to the Chief Technology Officer and will be a key member of the senior technology leadership team. Your mission will be to build, lead, and inspire a world-class team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, and AI researchers. You will define the vision and roadmap for leveraging data science to solve complex business challenges, create unparalleled value for clients, and establish a significant competitive advantage in the marketplace. This is a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact, driving the strategic application of artificial intelligence and machine learning across the entire organization and its client engagements. You will be responsible for fostering a culture of innovation, rigorous experimentation, and continuous learning, ensuring that the company remains on the leading edge of the data science field.

Key Responsibilities of VP, Data Science with a Technology Services Firm – Seattle, WA

The VP, Data Science will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, encompassing strategic vision, team leadership, technical oversight, and business growth. Success in this role requires a blend of deep technical expertise, exceptional leadership skills, and strong business acumen.

Strategic Vision & Leadership

Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year data science and AI strategy that aligns with overarching business goals. Identify new opportunities for leveraging company and client data to drive innovation, revenue growth, and operational efficiency.

Team Building & Mentorship

Recruit, develop, and retain a high-performing, globally distributed team of data scientists and ML professionals. Foster a collaborative and inclusive culture that encourages curiosity, creativity, and a passion for solving complex problems. Provide mentorship and career guidance to team members at all levels.

Technical & Execution Oversight

Establish and enforce best practices for the entire data science lifecycle, from data collection and model development to deployment and monitoring (MLOps). Provide expert guidance on statistical analysis, machine learning algorithms, predictive modeling, and experimental design. Ensure the delivery of robust, scalable, and reliable data science solutions.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner closely with executive leadership, product management, engineering, sales, and marketing teams to identify business needs and deliver impactful data-driven solutions. Act as the primary technical advisor on data science for all internal and external stakeholders.

Innovation & Research

Champion a culture of research and development. Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, deep learning, NLP, and related fields. Encourage the team to explore new technologies and methodologies to maintain a competitive edge.

Stakeholder Communication

Translate complex data science concepts and the results of analyses into clear, compelling narratives for both technical and non-technical audiences, including the C-suite and client executives. Effectively communicate the value and ROI of data science initiatives.

Governance & Ethics

Establish and oversee a robust data governance framework. Champion ethical AI practices, ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in all models and algorithms. Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations such as GDPR and CCPA.

Requirements for the VP, Data Science with a Technology Services Firm – Seattle, WA

We are seeking a seasoned leader with a proven track record of building and scaling data science functions in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment. The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

Educational Background

A Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline is required.

Executive Experience

A minimum of 12-15 years of professional experience in data science, with at least 7 years in a senior leadership capacity (e.g., Director, Senior Director, VP) managing and scaling teams of 20+ members.

Industry Expertise

Prior experience in a technology services, consulting, or B2B SaaS environment is highly preferred. A demonstrated history of applying data science to solve client-facing business problems is essential.

Technical Proficiency

• Expert-level knowledge of machine learning, statistical modeling, and predictive analytics. Deep experience with NLP, computer vision, recommendation engines, and time-series analysis.
• Hands-on proficiency with data science programming languages (Python is preferred, R is a plus) and relevant libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, Pandas).
• Extensive experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop, Kafka) and modern data warehousing solutions (e.g., Snowflake, BigQuery, Redshift).
• Strong familiarity with cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and their associated ML/AI services.

Leadership Qualities

• An inspirational leader with a proven ability to attract, develop, and retain top-tier talent.
• Exceptional strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and complexity.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, capable of influencing and building consensus across all levels of an organization.
• Strong business acumen with a track record of linking data science initiatives directly to business value and financial outcomes.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client is committed to investing in their employees and offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation package designed to attract and retain the very best talent. As a key member of the executive team, you can expect:

Competitive Compensation

A highly competitive base salary, an aggressive annual performance-based bonus, and a significant equity package (RSUs).

Comprehensive Health & Wellness

Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents, along with a generous wellness stipend and access to mental health resources.

Retirement Planning

A 401(k) plan with a generous company match to help you plan for your future.

Generous Time Off

A flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) policy, in addition to company-paid holidays, to encourage a healthy work-life balance.

Professional Development

A substantial annual budget for professional development, including conferences, certifications, and executive coaching.

Work Environment

A state-of-the-art office in the heart of Seattle’s tech hub, with flexible hybrid work options.

Additional Perks

Relocation assistance package available, commuter benefits, catered lunches, and regular team-building events and offsites.

How to Apply

This is an exclusive, retained search conducted by JRG Partners. We invite qualified candidates to submit their resumes and a cover letter detailing their experience and vision for this role. Our client is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity at their company. They do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

To be considered for this pivotal leadership opportunity, please apply through our dedicated portal. To learn more about our expertise in this domain, please visit our Technology & Data Science Recruiting practice area page.

Role Overview for VP, Data Science with a Technology Services Firm – Seattle, WA

JRG Partners is proud to represent a premier, forward-thinking technology services firm based in the vibrant tech hub of Seattle, WA. Our client is at the forefront of digital transformation, delivering cutting-edge solutions to a diverse portfolio of global enterprises. They are seeking a visionary and transformative Vice President of Data Science to join their executive leadership team. This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of data-driven decision-making and artificial intelligence for both the firm and its prestigious clients.

As the VP of Data Science, you will be the chief architect of the company’s data science vision, strategy, and execution. You will be responsible for building, leading, and mentoring a world-class team of data scientists, machine learning engineers, and data analysts. Your primary objective will be to harness the power of data to unlock new revenue streams, optimize operational efficiency, enhance client offerings, and establish a sustainable competitive advantage. You will champion a culture of innovation, rigorous experimentation, and continuous learning, ensuring that the organization remains on the cutting edge of AI and machine learning technologies.

This role requires a unique blend of deep technical expertise, strategic business acumen, and inspirational leadership. The ideal candidate is a seasoned data science leader who has a proven track record of translating complex data into tangible business impact. You will collaborate closely with C-suite executives, product managers, engineering leaders, and client stakeholders to identify high-impact opportunities and deliver robust, scalable data science solutions. If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for building high-performing teams and solving challenging problems with data, we invite you to apply for this pivotal role.

Key Responsibilities of VP, Data Science with a Technology Services Firm – Seattle, WA

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop, articulate, and execute a comprehensive, long-term data science and AI roadmap that aligns with the company’s overarching business goals and client needs.
• Act as the primary thought leader for data science within the organization, evangelizing the potential of data and AI to drive business value across all departments.
• Establish and govern the company’s data science principles, standards, and best practices, ensuring ethical, responsible, and secure use of data and AI models.
• Continuously evaluate the competitive landscape and emerging industry trends to identify new opportunities for innovation and strategic investment in data science capabilities. Stay abreast of the latest advancements in the field by engaging with premier academic and industry research, such as publications from conferences like NeurIPS.
• Define and own the key performance indicators (KPIs) and metrics to measure the success and ROI of data science initiatives, reporting progress to the executive team and board of directors.

Team Building & Mentorship

• Recruit, hire, and retain top-tier talent in data science, machine learning, and data analytics, building a diverse and high-performing team.
• Provide strong leadership, mentorship, and career development guidance to the data science team, fostering a collaborative and innovative culture.
• Establish clear roles, responsibilities, and career paths within the data science organization to promote growth and employee satisfaction.
• Champion a culture of intellectual curiosity, rigorous analysis, and continuous improvement, encouraging the team to push the boundaries of what’s possible with data.

Technical Oversight & Execution

• Oversee the entire lifecycle of data science projects, from conception and requirements gathering to model development, deployment, and ongoing monitoring.
• Provide expert technical guidance on machine learning algorithms, statistical modeling, experimental design, and data architecture.
• Ensure the development of robust, scalable, and production-ready machine learning models and data products that meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
• Partner with the engineering and infrastructure teams to build and maintain a state-of-the-art data science platform and tooling ecosystem (e.g., MLOps, data pipelines, feature stores).
• Implement and manage a rigorous process for model validation, A/B testing, and performance monitoring to ensure accuracy and prevent model drift.

Cross-Functional Collaboration & Business Impact

• Serve as a strategic partner to leaders across Product, Engineering, Marketing, Sales, and Operations to identify and prioritize business problems that can be solved with data science.
• Translate complex business requirements into well-defined data science projects and effectively communicate technical concepts and results to non-technical stakeholders.
• Drive the integration of AI/ML capabilities into the company’s core products and services, creating new value propositions for clients.
• Work closely with the sales and consulting teams to support client engagements, providing data science expertise and helping to scope and deliver data-driven solutions.
• Champion data literacy across the organization, empowering teams to make better decisions through data and analytics.

Requirements for the VP, Data Science with a Technology Services Firm – Seattle, WA

Educational & Professional Experience

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Physics, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of 15 years of professional experience in the field of data science, with a clear progression of responsibilities.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in a leadership role, managing and scaling data science teams in a fast-paced, technology-driven environment.
• Proven track record of successfully building and deploying machine learning models that have delivered significant business value.
• Experience in a technology services, consulting, or B2B SaaS environment is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Expert-level knowledge of statistical analysis, predictive modeling, and machine learning algorithms (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, deep learning, reinforcement learning, NLP).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science, such as Python (preferred) and R, along with their associated libraries (e.g., scikit-learn, pandas, NumPy, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with SQL and working with large-scale relational and non-relational databases.
• Hands-on experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and their associated data and machine learning services.
• Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and MLOps principles and tools (e.g., Kubeflow, MLflow, Sagemaker).

Leadership & Business Acumen

• Exceptional leadership and people management skills with a demonstrated ability to inspire, motivate, and develop a high-performing team.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills, with the ability to distill complex technical information for executive and non-technical audiences.
• Strong strategic thinking and business acumen, with a talent for identifying business opportunities and aligning data science initiatives with strategic goals.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• A collaborative and influential leader who can build strong relationships and drive consensus across different functions and levels of the organization.

Benefits & Perks Offered

Our client believes in investing in their people and offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package designed to support your professional and personal well-being. This includes:

Competitive Compensation

A highly competitive base salary, performance-based bonus, and a meaningful equity package.

Comprehensive Health Coverage

Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your dependents.

Retirement Planning

A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.

Generous Time Off

Flexible and generous paid time off (PTO) and company holidays to encourage work-life balance.

Professional Development

A significant annual budget for conferences, courses, certifications, and other learning opportunities to keep you at the top of your field.

Wellness Programs

Subsidies for gym memberships, mental health resources, and other wellness initiatives.

Cutting-Edge Technology

Access to the latest tools, technologies, and hardware to do your best work.

Relocation Assistance

A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.

How to Apply

If you are a visionary data science leader ready to make a significant impact at a leading technology services firm, we encourage you to apply. JRG Partners is managing this exclusive search. To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your experience and qualifications. For more information on our expertise in recruiting top technology talent, please visit the JRG Partners’ Technology Practice Area page. We look forward to reviewing your application.