Lead Data Scientist

Mastercard Inc.; Pune District; On-site; INR 3,500,000 - 6,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Mastercard Inc. is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive advanced analytics initiatives and deliver data-driven insights that address critical business challenges.

This role requires strong technical leadership, stakeholder management, and the ability to translate complex problems into scalable analytical solutions. You will lead end-to-end data science projects, mentor teammates, develop predictive models, dashboards, and analytical products, and ensure timely delivery within budget.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading analytics initiatives from concept to implementation.
• Strong expertise in statistical modeling and ML techniques.
• Experience translating business needs into scalable analytical solutions.
• Experience presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytics initiatives and translate business needs into analyses, models, and data science solutions.
• Guide the design and development of predictive models, dashboards, and analytic prototypes.
• Mentor team members and ensure project milestones are met without impacting downstream apps.
• Manage data integration, quality, and transformations to ensure reliable data.
• Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders clearly and effectively.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Predictive analytics

Data visualization

Stakeholder management

Mentoring

Job description

Title and Summary Lead Data Scientist

Mastercard is seeking a highly skilled and results-driven Lead Data Scientist to drive advanced analytics initiatives and deliver data-driven insights that address critical business challenges. This role requires strong technical expertise, stakeholder management, and leadership capabilities to translate complex business problems into scalable analytical solutions. The ideal candidate will lead end-to-end data science projects, mentor team members, and contribute to building innovative analytical products that generate measurable business value.

Role

Lead complex analytics initiatives and projects to derive actionable insights from large and diverse datasets, enabling informed business decision-making. Partner with clients, stakeholders, and cross-functional teams to translate business needs into technical analyses, models, and data science solutions. Present analytical findings, recommendations, and business outcomes effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. Identify and leverage rich data sources while overseeing data integration, transformation, and quality processes to ensure reliability and consistency. Own the delivery of high-quality analytical solutions within established timelines and budget parameters, including conducting post-implementation reviews and continuous improvement activities. Guide the design and development of sophisticated predictive models, analytical frameworks, dashboards, and prototypes using advanced statistical and machine learning techniques. Review and delegate work across the team to ensure project milestones are achieved and downstream applications are not impacted. Drive best practices in analytics, model development, and data science methodologies to improve solution effectiveness and scalability. Serve as a technical leader and trusted advisor for complex analytical challenges across the organization.

All About You

Proven experience leading complex analytics and data science initiatives from concept through implementation. Strong expertise in statistical modeling, machine learning, predictive analytics, and advanced data science methodologies. Demonstrated ability to translate business requirements into scalable analytical solutions and actionable insights. Experience working with large, complex datasets and managing data quality, integration, and transformation processes. Strong stakeholder management and communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts to diverse audiences. Experience developing analytical products such as predictive models, dashboards, visualization tools, and decision-support frameworks. Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver high-quality outcomes in a fast-paced environment. Proven mentoring and coaching experience, with a passion for developing technical talent and fostering a collaborative team culture. Strong problem-solving skills, intellectual curiosity, and a continuous learning mindset. Experience working in cross-functional, global, and matrixed environments is preferred.

Corporate Security Responsibility

All activities involving access to Mastercard assets, information, and networks comes with an inherent risk to the organization and, therefore, it is expected that every person working for, or on behalf of, Mastercard is responsible for information security and must: Abide by Mastercard’s security policies and practices; Ensure the confidentiality and integrity of the information being accessed; Report any suspected information security violation or breach, and Complete all periodic mandatory security trainings in accordance with Mastercard’s guidelines.

Everyone wants easier ways to pay; we invent them. Checkout lines are slow; we speed them along. Merchants want more sales; we give them data and insights. People need financial access; we connect them. Corporate purchasing is complicated; we make it simple. Commuters are busy; we speed them on their way. Governments need greater efficiencies; we help create them. Small businesses are virtual; we give them access to a world of buyers. Retailers want to fight fraud; we provide the tools.