Data Science Manager

Kemper; Columbus (OH); Hybrid; USD 115,700 - 192,900; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health and dental plans

401(k) match

Tuition assistance

Paid time off

Job summary

Kemper is seeking a leader of data science and AI initiatives for Claims. You will manage a small team, drive ML/AI solutions into production, and partner with IT and business teams to deliver impactful analytics.

Strong Python/SQL, governance, and communication skills are essential; hybrid work is available and sponsorship is not provided. This role includes mentorship and strategic input at senior levels.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or other STEM field with 6-8 years of experience in insurance or related data science analytics.
• PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or other STEM fields preferred with 4-6 years in insurance or related data science/AI environments.
• Mentoring or managing talent experience.
• Experience deploying predictive models into production.
• At least 6 years in statistical modeling, ML, and AI technologies.
• Strong proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Experience with software development practices (Git, code reviews, testing, model lifecycle).
• Strong communication skills; ability to convey insights to leadership.
• Claims experience preferred.
• Hybrid work option; sponsorship not provided.

Responsibilities

• Manages a small team of data scientists and data engineers to develop ML/AI solutions for Claims.
• Communicates project progress, insights, and recommendations to business partners and senior leadership.
• Manages project scope, expectations, and timelines.
• Collaborates with Data Engineering, IT, and business partners to operationalize ML/AI solutions.
• Follows model governance: planning, documentation, validation, deployment, monitoring, review.
• Oversees model performance and supports ongoing monitoring and improvement.
• Develops and mentors team members to maintain technical excellence in AI/ML and solution design.

Skills

Python

SQL

Leadership

Mentoring

Communication

Git

Code reviews

Education

Graduate degree in STEM

PhD preferred

Tools

Git

Job description

Location(s)

Alpharetta, Georgia, Bloomington, Illinois, Boston, Massachusetts, Chicago, Illinois, Columbus, Ohio, Hartford, Connecticut, Omaha, Nebraska

Details

Kemper is one of the nation’s leading specialized insurers. Our success is a direct reflection of the talented and diverse people who make a positive difference in the lives of our customers every day. We believe a high-performing culture, valuable opportunities for personal development and professional challenge, and a healthy work-life balance can be highly motivating and productive. Kemper’s products and services are making a real difference to our customers, who have unique and evolving needs. By joining our team, you are helping to provide experience to our stakeholders that delivers on our promises.

Position Summary:

Responsible for developing and delivering machine learning and AI solutions for Claims use cases, including claim triage, fraud detection, severity prediction, litigation, subrogation, workflow optimization, and other claims analytics applications, while providing technical leadership and leading projects. This role includes direct people leadership responsibilities, including coaching, mentorship, and performance management

Position Responsibilities:

• Manages a small team of data scientists and data engineers to research, design, develop, deploy, and maintain machine learning, AI, and agentic AI solutions supporting the Claims organization.
• Communicates project progress, insights, results, and recommendations to business partners and senior leadership.
• Manages project scope, expectations, and timelines.
• Collaborates with Data Engineering, IT, and business partners to operationalize machine learning and AI solutions.
• Follows the model governance process including planning, documentation, validation, deployment, monitoring, and review.
• Oversees model performance and supports ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement of deployed solutions.
• Develops and mentors team members to maintain technical excellence in AI/ML, software engineering, and solution design.

Position Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or other STEM field with 6-8 years of experience in insurance industry or related industry in a data science/analytics environment.
• PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or other STEM fields preferred with 4-6 years of experience in insurance industry or related industry in a data science, analytics, or AI environment.
• Prior experience mentoring or managing talent.
• Experience developing and deploying predictive models into production.
• At least 6 years of experience with statistical modeling, machine learning, and AI technologies.
• Strong proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Experience with software development best practices, including version control (Git), code reviews, testing, and model lifecycle management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts and analytical insights to business stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Claims experience preferred.
• This position can be worked hybrid out of a local Kemper office. Remote options will be considered for non-local candidates.
• Sponsorship is not accepted for this opportunity
• The range for this position is $115,700 to $192,900. When determining candidate offers, we consider experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location among other factors. This job is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and Kemper benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401k, etc.)

Kemper is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We are committed to supporting diversity and equality across our organization and we work diligently to maintain a workplace free from discrimination.

Kemper does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Kemper and Kemper will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.

Kemper will never request personal information, such as your social security number or banking information, via text or email. Additionally, Kemper does not use external messaging applications like WireApp or Skype to communicate with candidates. If you receive such a message, delete it.

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Kemper at a Glance

The Kemper family of companies is one of the nation’s leading specialized insurers. With approximately $12 billion in assets, Kemper is improving the world of insurance by providing affordable and easy-to-use personalized solutions to individuals, families and businesses through its Kemper Auto and Kemper Life brands. Kemper serves over 4.6 million policies, is represented by approximately 24,200 agents and brokers, and has approximately 7,500 associates dedicated to meeting the ever-changing needs of its customers.

*Alliance United Insurance Company is not rated.

We value diversity and strive to be an employer of choice. An Equal Opportunity Employer, M/F/D/V

Eligible employees may enjoy benefits such as:

• Qualify for your choice of health and dental plans within your first month.
• Save for your future with robust 401(k) match, Health Spending Accounts and various retirement plans.
• Learn and Grow with our Tuition Assistance Program, paid certifications and continuing education programs.
• Contribute to your community through United Way and volunteer programs.
• Balance your life with generous paid time off and business casual dress.
• Get employee discounts for shopping, dining and travel through Kemper Perks.

Benefits eligibility may vary based on position classification, scheduled hours, work location, temporary or contingent status, independent contractor status, SkillBridge participation, and applicable plan terms.