Director - Data Science

Paragon Digital Services Private Limited; Chennai District; On-site; INR 1,100,000 - 1,700,000; Full time

Job summary

Paragon leads a data science team in Chennai, owning delivery of marketing analytics models and ensuring rigorous methodologies.

This role blends hands-on model building with coordinating team output and quality across MMM, incrementality, RBA, and forecasting projects for multiple client portfolios.

Qualifications

• 7+ years experience in data science or analytics with 2+ years in a leadership/mentorship role.
• Expert-level knowledge of marketing mix modeling, econometrics, and causal inference methods.
• Deep proficiency in Bayesian modeling (PyMC, Meridian) and frequentist statistical methods.
• Strong Python and SQL skills with emphasis on reproducible, well-documented analytical code.
• Experience managing model development lifecycles from research through production deployment.
• Track record of building and leading data science teams in a delivery-focused environment.
• Excellent communication skills for translating complex methodology into business recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Lead the DGS Data Science team, managing workload allocation, quality standards, and delivery timelines
• Own end-to-end model development for MMM, incrementality, RBA, and forecasting across client portfolios
• Manage 3rd Party Agentic Analytics client pilot setup: data preparation, model configuration, validation, and handoff to Media Effectiveness teams
• Develop GTM strategy POV and recommendations briefs for 3rd Party Agentic Analytics product expansion
• Establish methodology standards and model validation frameworks that ensure consistency across all client engagements
• Partner with the VP, Data Science on strategic decisions around model architecture, tooling, and team capability building
• Work with the AI Agents team to make models agentic: define APIs, output schemas, and interfaces that agents can consume
• Train and mentor Data Scientists and Senior Data Scientists on Bayesian methods, causal inference, and client communication
• Create reusable model templates, documentation, and training materials that accelerate future client deployments
• Coordinate with Data Architecture on data requirements, pipeline dependencies, and quality standards

Skills

Data science leadership

Bayesian modeling

Causal inference

Python

SQL

Model deployment

Team mentoring

Communication

Tools

PyMC

Meridian

Job description

Role Summary Lead the DGS Data Science team, owning the delivery of measurement and marketing science models that power Dentsu's client analytics. You will manage model development pipelines, ensure methodological rigor, and drive the productization of MMM, incrementality, RBA, and forecasting models. This is a player-coach role: you build models yourself while also coordinating the team's output and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the DGS Data Science team, managing workload allocation, quality standards, and delivery timelines
• Own end-to-end model development for MMM, incrementality, RBA, and forecasting across client portfolios
• Manage 3rd Party Agentic Analytics client pilot setup: data preparation, model configuration, validation, and handoff to Media Effectiveness teams
• Develop GTM strategy POV and recommendations briefs for 3rd Party Agentic Analytics product expansion
• Establish methodology standards and model validation frameworks that ensure consistency across all client engagements
• Partner with the VP, Data Science on strategic decisions around model architecture, tooling, and team capability building
• Work with the AI Agents team to make models agentic: define APIs, output schemas, and interfaces that agents can consume
• Train and mentor Data Scientists and Senior Data Scientists on Bayesian methods, causal inference, and client communication
• Create reusable model templates, documentation, and training materials that accelerate future client deployments
• Coordinate with Data Architecture on data requirements, pipeline dependencies, and quality standards

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in data science or quantitative analytics with 2+ years in a leadership/mentorship role
• Expert-level knowledge of marketing mix modeling, econometrics, and causal inference methods
• Deep proficiency in Bayesian modeling (PyMC, Meridian) and frequentist statistical methods
• Strong Python and SQL skills with emphasis on reproducible, well-documented analytical code
• Experience managing model development lifecycles from research through production deployment
• Track record of building and leading data science teams in a delivery-focused environment
• Excellent communication skills for translating complex methodology into business recommendations
• Experience with project management and workload planning across multiple concurrent engagements

Location: DGS India - Chennai - Anna Nagar Tyche Towers

Brand: Paragon

Time Type: Full time

Contract Type: Permanent

About dentsu

For over 120 years, innovation has been a core tenet of our offering - exploring new ways to reach, engage and nurture relationships with audiences. Together we drive a multiplier effect for clients at a global scale, through the development of Integrated Growth Solutions that are underpinned by our promise to clients: innovating to impact. Be a force for good. Sustainability is a vital part of our business and an important area of focus for our clients. We're leading the way - helping to build a more sustainable planet. Dream loud. In this moment of transformation, we need our people to be fearless, embracing change and ambiguity, driven by the love for their work and excitement for the future. Team without limits. We create opportunities for connection and collaboration between our colleagues and clients, building a sense of belonging and having some fun along the way.

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