Lead Data Scientist

Harnham; Tempe (AZ); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Harnham in Tempe, AZ is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to tackle complex financial risk problems, build production-ready models, and deliver analytics that influence executive decisions.

This high-visibility role requires end-to-end ownership, defending methodological choices, and communicating complex results to senior leaders. Hybrid work (4 days onsite) and collaboration with risk and finance teams are key elements of this opportunity.

Qualifications

• 8+ years in Data Science, Quant Analytics, Risk Analytics, or Modeling.
• Advanced Python and SQL proficiency.
• Experience owning projects end-to-end in regulated environments.
• Ability to present complex results to executives.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of predictive and quantitative models for critical business decisions.
• Analyze large-scale financial and credit-related datasets to identify opportunities and risks.
• Build, enhance, validate, and defend sophisticated risk models in a regulated environment.
• Translate model outputs into clear financial recommendations and measurable business value.
• Partner with senior leadership to present findings and influence strategy.
• Own projects from problem definition through deployment and adoption.
• Support external audits and explain model methodology, performance, and governance.

Skills

Advanced Python

SQL

Statistics / Econometrics

Project Ownership

Executive Communication

Regulated Environments

Education

Master's in Data Science

Master's in Statistics

Quantitative Field

Job description

Lead Data Scientist | Financial Risk & Advanced Analytics

Hybrid (4 days onsite, Monday-Thursday)

US Citizens & Green Card Holders Only

Are you looking for a role where your models don't sit on a shelf?

A highly respected organization is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to tackle complex financial risk problems, uncover multi-million-dollar business opportunities, and deliver analytics that directly influence executive decision-making. This is a high-visibility position where your work will be implemented, measured, and tied directly to business outcomes.

If you're someone who enjoys owning projects end-to-end, defending your analytical thinking, and seeing your work create measurable financial impact, this opportunity offers a rare combination of technical depth, business influence, and autonomy.

What You'll Do

• Lead the development of predictive and quantitative models that drive critical business decisions.
• Analyze large-scale financial and credit-related datasets to identify opportunities and risks.
• Build, enhance, validate, and defend sophisticated risk models within a regulated environment.
• Translate complex model outputs into clear financial recommendations and measurable business value.
• Partner directly with senior leadership and executive stakeholders to present findings and influence strategy.
• Own projects from initial problem definition through deployment and business adoption.
• Support external audits and confidently explain model methodology, performance, and governance.

What We're Looking For

• 8+ years of Data Science, Quantitative Analytics, Risk Analytics, or Modeling experience.
• Advanced Python and SQL skills.
• Strong foundation in statistics, mathematics, econometrics, or quantitative modeling.
• Proven experience owning projects independently and delivering business results.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present technical concepts to non-technical executives.
• Experience operating within regulated environments and supporting model audits.

Required Domain Experience

Candidates must have experience in financial or risk modeling environments, including areas such as:

• Probability of Default (PD) Modeling
• Loss Forecasting or Credit Loss Assessment
• Financial Risk Analytics
• Scorecard Development
• Payment Behavior Modeling
• Credit Attribute Modeling
• Banking, Lending, Credit Bureau, Mortgage, or Consumer Finance Analytics

Preferred Education

Mathematics

Statistics

Economics

Computer Science

Related quantitative field

Master's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Economics, or a similar quantitative field is highly preferred.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Unlike many Data Science positions, the impact here is immediate and visible.

You'll join a lean, high-performing team responsible for identifying and delivering opportunities worth millions of dollars annually. Leadership places significant value on data-driven decision-making, and the right person will have direct exposure to executives while maintaining ownership of mission-critical initiatives.

Ideal Candidate

This role is perfect for a senior individual contributor or lead-level data scientist who enjoys solving complex financial problems, building production-ready models, proving business value through analytics, and operating as a trusted strategic partner to leadership.

Confidential search. Qualified candidates will be contacted directly for additional details.

Location: Tempe, AZ preferred; Dallas, TX or Atlanta, GA also considered