Lead Data Scientist

Mastercard; Helena (MT); On-site; USD 150,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Mastercard leads a search for a highly skilled Lead Data Scientist to drive advanced analytics initiatives and deliver data-driven insights. You will guide end-to-end data science projects, mentor team members, and build analytical products that deliver measurable business value.

The role demands leadership, stakeholder management, and the ability to translate complex problems into scalable solutions. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure robust data strategies, strong

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading analytics and data science initiatives.
• Strong expertise in statistical modeling and ML.
• Ability to translate requirements into scalable analytical solutions.
• Experience with large, complex datasets and data quality management.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience building predictive models and dashboards.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in fast-paced environments.
• Mentoring and coaching of technical staff.

Responsibilities

• Lead analytics initiatives to derive insights from large datasets.
• Translate business needs into technical analyses and models.
• Present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Oversee data integration, transformation, and quality.
• Deliver high-quality analytical solutions on time and budget.
• Develop predictive models, dashboards, and analytical frameworks.
• Review work and ensure milestones are met across the team.
• Drive best practices in analytics methodologies.
• Act as a technical leader and trusted advisor.

Skills

Data science leadership

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Stakeholder communication

Job description

Our Purpose

Mastercard powers economies and empowers people in 200+ countries and territories worldwide. Together with our customers, we’re helping build asustainableeconomy where everyone can prosper. We support a wide range of digital payments choices, making transactionssecure, simple, smart and accessible. Our technology and innovation, partnerships and networks combine to deliver a unique set of products and services that help people, businesses and governments realize their greatest potential.

Title and Summary

Lead Data ScientistOverviewMastercard 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.