Data Science Chapter Lead

Company Description

Our Data Science chapter (team) has continued to go from strength and strength and is involved in the most significant projects across the business. We have big shoes to fill, with our current Data Science Chapter Lead moving across the Tasman. We need someone to continue our journey of transformation, so this is an opportunity to join one of the most dynamic Data Science teams in NZ and shape the team for the future.

**Job Description**:
Our Data Science chapter sits within our Data Domain, which is focused on helping our customers and the business make better decisions faster through integrated insights solutions enabled by the next-generation of data, analytics, science and technology.

We are looking for someone with experience in the commercial use of Data Science, as we evolve our team with capabilities split between Data Science build/development and Data Science productionise/maintain expertise.

As a Chapter Lead your role is two-fold. Your time will be split between hands on work and team leadership.

The team leadership will see you build on our Data Science strategy though the people, processes and tools that we have with in the Data Domain. You will be responsible for facilitating capability growth, consistency and allocation of resources within your chapter (circa x8 Chapter Members). This is where you will draw on your coaching skillset by tuning into the diverse team, empowering them and leading by example. You will be constantly looking at our processes and tools, ensuring they are fit for purpose and future proof. Engaging with stakeholders across the business to ensure we have the right engagement and support is a critical part of the role.

Allocated to a tribe, you will be working collaboratively with a cross-functional team to deliver solutions to important business challenges. Using your Data Science skillset to its fullest you will scope, influence, and support the business to adopt and unlock the value delivered by our Data Science solutions. This is where your ability to break down technical speak and speak a language that the business understands and can engage with will be critical.

**Qualifications**:
You'll have a love for data - you're the type of person who gets excited about huge and unique data sets without losing sight of the business context. Your proven ability to translate business needs and customer problems into technical requirements will be key.

Your excellent communication and relationship management skills will put you in good stead, as this role will see you work cross functionally with a range of internal stakeholders at all levels along with external partners.

Equally important is your ability to develop, empower and nurture your team to drive engagement and best practice. Your passion and drive to share knowledge and raise the bar will be infectious. Living and breathing Agile attributes such as servant leadership, collaboration and a growth mindset will come naturally to you.

Our wish list also includes:

- Ideally 5+ years of commercial experience in data science, consulting experience is also desirable
- Curious to explore new tools and data science methods, self-motivated, creative problem solver, and strategic thinker.
- A positive mindset and proven ability to navigate complex situations within a large organization, possessing a delivery-focused mentality despite challenges.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills. You enjoy explaining complex concepts succinctly in a way that resonates with non-technical audiences and you are comfortable presenting to large groups of people.
- Previous people management experience.
- Technical_
- Must have proven experience building, deploying, and maintaining data science models end-to-end using cloud tools for end-user consumption (ex. AzureML, Databricks, MLFlow).
- Understands the principles of MLOPs, fundamental statistical theories, and statistical inference.
- Experience with the following tools/languages: Must be proficient in R, Python, and SQL (any flavour). Having experience in Azure, Snowflake, Docker, Git etc. would be a bonus
- A GitHub project repository to showcase past/current Data Science work portfolio (preferred)

Additional Information

We need people who are up for a challenge and committed to ‘helping Kiwis live better, every day.’

We offer a dynamic, supportive team environment within a business that cares about and recognises individuals. When you join us, you also get discounts across most of our brands, great team member benefits, and excellent career development opportunities no matter where you are in the business We have a flexible working policy that can see you balance your week with up to 2 days working from home (if you wish).

The scope and profile this role offers is a rare find. Interested? Express your interest now and we look forward to talking.