Director, Data Science and Forecasting

Edwards; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 174,000 - 246,000; Full time

Job summary

Edwards Lifesciences in Irvine, CA, seeks a Director of Data Science & Forecasting to define finance forecasting strategy and lead advanced analytics across Corporate Finance. This role establishes the Advanced Forecasting Center of Excellence, governs models, and partners with FP&A and IT to deliver data-driven planning and improved decision quality.

The successful candidate will communicate insights to executives and drive innovative forecasting methods using AI/ML, time-series, and scenario

Qualifications

• Quantitative Bachelor's degree in a relevant field required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Finance forecasting and analytics strategy.
• Lead the Advanced Forecasting Center of Excellence and governance.
• Oversee design and deployment of forecasting models (time-series, driver-based, AI/ML).
• Partner with FP&A and business teams to embed insights into planning.
• Communicate complex analytics to executives with actionable recommendations.
• Collaborate with Data, Digital, and IT to enhance data quality and scalable analytics.

Skills

Forecasting

Advanced analytics

Time-series modeling

AI/ML applications

Cross-functional leadership

Data governance

Education

Bachelor's degree in quantitative field

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

Anaplan

Job description

Imagine how your ideas and expertise can change a patient’s life. Patients are at the heart of what we do at Edwards Lifesciences. Our Finance teams work hard to optimize our current and long-term success and enable our ongoing strategy of innovation, leadership, and focus. As part of the team, whether providing analysis, forecasting, or reporting financial information, your application of accurate financial business practices will play a fundamental role in how we impact the quality of life for patients all over the world.

The Director, Data Science & Forecasting sits at the intersection of Corporate Finance (FP&A), advanced analytics, and enterprise planning. This leader is responsible for defining and executing the Finance forecasting and scenario modeling strategy, leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI capabilities to improve planning accuracy, decision quality, and business performance.

The Director will establish and lead an Advanced Forecasting Center of Excellence (CoE) that enables data-driven decision making across Finance. This role will oversee the development and deployment of forecasting models, scenario planning frameworks, and predictive analytics capabilities while ensuring strong governance, scalability, and adoption across the enterprise. The position serves as a strategic advisor to the VP, Corporate FP&A and plays a key role in advancing planning capabilities within Anaplan and other enterprise planning systems.

On-site in Irvine

How you’ll make an impact:

• Establish and execute the Finance forecasting and advanced analytics strategy, including the roadmap for predictive forecasting, scenario planning, AI/ML applications, and decision-support capabilities across Corporate Finance.
• Lead the Advanced Forecasting Center of Excellence, establishing standards for model governance, validation, documentation, forecasting methodologies, reusable frameworks, and planning playbooks.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the design, deployment, and continuous improvement of forecasting models, including time-series forecasting, driver-based models, AI/ML algorithms, and probabilistic scenario modeling used for key financial outcomes such as revenue, margins, operating expenses, cash flow, and workforce planning.
• Partner with FP&A, Finance leaders, and business stakeholders to integrate data-driven forecasting insights into planning, resource allocation, performance management, and strategic decision making.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to executive leadership, communicating complex analytical findings, risks, opportunities, and recommendations in a clear and actionable manner.
• Collaborate with Data, Digital, and IT teams to improve data quality, data governance, automation, and scalable analytics infrastructure that supports forecasting and planning capabilities.
• Drive innovation through evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies, advanced analytics techniques, AI capabilities, and forecasting methodologies that improve business outcomes and competitive advantage.

What you'll need (Required):

• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Finance, Biostatistics, or related quantitative field required.

What else we look for (Preferred):

• Master's Degree.
• PhD preferred for highly advanced modeling and predictive analytics environments.
• 10+ years of experience in data science, forecasting, advanced analytics, quantitative modeling, finance analytics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience developing and operationalizing forecasting and predictive models used to drive business decisions.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving Finance, FP&A, Data & Analytics, IT, and business stakeholders.
• Experience building analytics capabilities, governance frameworks, centers of excellence, or enterprise planning solutions.

Aligning our overall business objectives with performance, we offer competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, and a wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of our employees and their families.
For California (CA), the base pay range for this position is $174,000 to $246,000 (highly experienced).
The pay for the successful candidate will depend on various factors (e.g., qualifications, education, prior experience). Applications will be accepted while this position is posted on our Careers website.