Data Science Manager: Lead Impactful Analytics & Models

McGough; Raleigh (NC); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

McGough in Raleigh, NC seeks a Manager of Data Science to build and lead a high-impact team solving complex business problems through applied data science. You will define how data science informs decisions across the business with close partnership across analytics and engineering.

The role balances statistical rigor with real-world outcomes, guiding model development, validation, production readiness, and actionable analytical workflows in a hybrid office setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field
• 6-10+ years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, or applied modeling
• Proven experience building statistical or machine learning models and delivering them in real-world business contexts with measurable outcomes
• Strong programming experience in Python (or equivalent), including data manipulation, modeling, and evaluation
• Experience leading or mentoring analytical teams
• Experience working with version control (e.g., Git) and structured development practices
• Strong communication skills translating technical outputs into business decisions
• Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering or related field
• Experience in complex operational environments (construction, manufacturing, logistics, etc.)
• Experience selecting, building, evaluating machine learning models across multiple problem types
• Experience with optimization, simulation, or advanced forecasting
• Familiarity with modern data platforms and engineering concepts
• Experience applying machine learning in real-world business settings

Responsibilities

• Translate loosely defined business challenges into structured analytical problems
• Define success criteria tied to business decisions and measurable outcomes
• Determine appropriate approaches including forecasting, optimization, or modeling
• Identify key assumptions, constraints, and risks early
• Lead development of predictive models, scenario analysis, and decision frameworks
• Guide team through ambiguous data environments without stalling on perfection
• Ensure outputs are actionable, interpretable, and aligned to business use
• Guide model evaluation, validation, and performance monitoring practices
• Ensure models are designed for production use, including scalability, robustness, and maintainability
• Accountable for the full analytical lifecycle from problem framing through model development, validation, deployment readiness, and post-deployment performance tracking
• Ensure analytical outputs are reproducible, well-documented, and stable enough for business use beyond initial delivery
• Define and enforce intake criteria focused on high-value, non-routine problems
• Prioritize work based on business impact rather than request volume
• Manage project-based work cycles (8-24 weeks) with clear start and end points
• Ensure completed work is transitioned to BI, Data Engineering, or business teams for ongoing use
• Guide development of models and analytical workflows that can be reused or extended beyond one-time analysis
• Establish lightweight practices for versioning, validation, and documentation of analytical work
• Ensure clear ownership and transition plans for models after delivery
• Define when analytical solutions require further operationalization versus remaining project-based
• Build and lead a small team of advanced analysts or data scientists
• Act as a player-coach, contributing directly to complex analytical work
• Set standards for analytical rigor, clarity, and business relevance
• Develop team capability in both technical and business-facing skills
• Actively contribute as a member of the Digital Operations group, collaborating to support shared goals and objectives
• Attend and participate in project management and other company meetings
• Represent McGough professionally at all events, upholding company standards and serving as a positive ambassador
• Attend company and team meetings, pursuing ongoing personal and professional development to enhance skills and performance
• Collaborate across departments and with external stakeholders to ensure cohesive project execution
• Actively support and participate in Lean events, promoting the McGough Way and fostering a culture of continuous improvement

Skills

Problem structuring

Analytical reasoning

Data handling

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Model validation

Python proficiency

Results communication

Practical application

Education

Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related field

Master's degree in Data Science or related field

Job description

McGough in Raleigh, NC seeks a Manager of Data Science to build and lead a high-impact team solving complex business problems through applied data science. You will define how data science informs decisions across the business with close partnership across analytics and engineering.

The role balances statistical rigor with real-world outcomes, guiding model development, validation, production readiness, and actionable analytical workflows in a hybrid office setting.