Associate Director, Data Science

Grifols, S.A; North Carolina; On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Grifols, S.A. seeks an experienced Senior Data Scientist to transform a complex data ecosystem into actionable insights across portfolio planning, supply chain, and commercial execution.

You will lead advanced models, forecasting, and cross-functional analytics, partnering with Commercial leadership, data teams, and stakeholders to drive ROI and strategic decisions. The role requires SQL, Python or R, and visualization tools expertise, plus strong business acumen and storytelling to influence

Qualifications

• MS/PhD/MBA in a quantitative field is strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical, biopharma, life sciences consulting or agency space.
• 4–6+ years of dedicated experience in a hands-on commercial analytics, data science, decision support, or insights function.
• Domain expertise in rare disease, plasma-derived therapies, or specialty biologics is a significant advantage.
• Leadership and influence with senior leadership and data-driven commercial strategy.
• Proficiency with SQL; Python or R; and visualization tools (Tableau/Power BI).

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary analytics partner to Commercial leadership and translate business challenges into analytics-driven solutions.
• Lead analytics for portfolio optimization, TA strategy, and in-line brand performance to shape strategy.
• Develop and oversee sophisticated scenario models, competitive assessments, and demand forecasts for long-range planning and launches.
• Design models for commercial effectiveness to measure ROI and optimize resources.
• Translate complex analyses into clear narratives for senior leadership.
• Collaborate with data teams to integrate fragmented data sources into a holistic view of the business.

Skills

SQL

Python

R

Forecasting

Data storytelling

Leadership

Education

Advanced degree (MS/PhD/MBA) in quantitative field

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

IQVIA

PLD data

Job description

Would you like to join an international team working to improve the future of healthcare? Do you want to enhance the lives of millions of people? Grifols is a global healthcare company that since 1909 has been working to improve the health and well‑being of people around the world. We are leaders in plasma‑derived medicines and transfusion medicine and develop, produce and market innovative medicines, solutions and services in more than 110 countries and regions.

We are looking for a candidate who can do more than just manage data; we need someone who can tame it. You will be responsible for transforming our complex and fragmented data ecosystem into a cohesive insights engine. This role is a unique blend of a data scientist, a decision scientist, and a strategic advisor. You will be empowered to provide the actionable recommendations that optimise our business end‑to‑end, from portfolio planning and supply chain to brand‑level commercial execution.

Responsibilities

• Strategic & Consultative Partnership: Serve as a primary insights partner to Commercial leadership. Proactively identify business challenges and translate them into analytics‑driven solutions.
• End‑to‑End Business Optimization: Lead analytics for portfolio optimisation, therapeutic area (TA) strategy, and in‑line brand performance. Providing insights to shape strategy.
• Advanced Modelling & Forecasting: Personally develop and oversee the creation of sophisticated scenario models, competitive assessments, and demand forecasts. Your work will directly inform long‑range planning, launch strategy, and supply/channel mix decisions.
• Commercial Effectiveness: Design and implement advanced models for commercial effectiveness (e.g., Mix Modelling, Sales Force Effectiveness/SFE, cross‑channel analytics) to measure ROI and optimise resource allocation.
• Data‑Driven Storytelling: Act as the primary "storyteller," translating complex analyses from disparate data sources into a clear, compelling, and actionable narrative for senior leadership.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Be a hands‑on, collaborative leader, working with data teams to integrate fragmented data sources (e.g., patient‑level data, claims, specialty pharmacy, CRM, plasma collection data) into a holistic view of the business.

Skills / Qualifications / Education

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, education, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This role requires a leader who is both technically proficient and possesses a high degree of business acumen.

Required Experience

• Advanced Degree (MS, PhD, or MBA) in a quantitative field such as Data Science, Statistics, or Economics is strongly preferred.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in the pharmaceutical, biopharma, life sciences consulting or agency space.
• 4 – 6+ years of dedicated experience in a hands‑on commercial analytics, data science, decision support, or insights function.
• Domain Expertise: Experience in the rare disease, plasma‑derived therapies, or specialty biologics market is a significant advantage.
• Leadership & Influence: Proven track record of influencing senior leadership (VP level and above) and shaping commercial strategy with data‑driven recommendations.
• Technical Proficiency: Hands‑on proficiency with SQL is required. High‑level proficiency in a data science language (Python or R) and data visualization tools (Tableau or Power BI) is strongly preferred.
• Data Expertise: Deep familiarity with US pharmaceutical data sources (e.g., IQVIA, Komodo, Symphony, patient‑level data (PLD), specialty pharmacy/distributor data).
• Functional Expertise: Demonstrated mastery in demand forecasting, competitive intelligence, scenario modelling, and commercial effectiveness analytics.
• Exceptional business acumen; an ability to see the "big picture" from collection to patient.
• A consultative mindset with the ability to manage ambiguity and frame complex problems.
• Superior communication and "storytelling" skills; you must be able to build a narrative from the numbers.

Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to electrical office equipment. Frequently sits for 6–8 hours per day. Frequent hand movement of both hands with the ability to make fast, simple movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists. Frequently walks. Occasionally bends and twists neck. Light to moderate lifting and carrying objects with a maximum lift of 25 lbs. Frequently drives to site locations and frequently travels within the United States. Able to communicate complex information and ideas so others will understand; with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. Frequently interacts with others, relates sensitive information to diverse groups. Ability to apply abstract principles to solve complex conceptual issues. Performs a wide range of complex tasks as dictated by variable demands and changing conditions with little predictability as to the occurrence.

Grifols provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious practices and observances, national origin, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, status as a protected veteran or spouse/family member of a protected veteran, or disability. We will consider for employment all qualified applicants in a manner consistent with the requirements of all applicable laws.