Lead Data Scientist – Commercial Intelligence & ML Operations

McKesson; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 155,000 - 259,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Long-term incentives

Competitive pay package

Job summary

McKesson seeks a Lead Data Scientist specialized in Pricing Intelligence and ML Operations to drive advanced analytical models and scalable deployment within our pricing and commercial platforms. You will mentor other data scientists and partner with engineering to operationalize solutions.

The role requires 7+ years in data science, strong Python/SQL, and production experience on large datasets in cloud environments. Advanced analytics, governance, and clear business impact are essential.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, Advanced Analytics, or a related quantitative field.
• Strong Python and SQL skills.
• Strong foundation in statistical modeling, machine learning, regression, clustering, and predictive analytics.
• Experience deploying and supporting models in production environments.
• Experience working with large-scale datasets and cloud-based analytical platforms.
• Strong understanding of data pipelines, model inputs/outputs, and data-quality validation.
• Experience with model monitoring, lifecycle management, and explainability.
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical work and collaborate across business and technology teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve predictive and machine-learning models
• Lead advanced analytics initiatives across customer, product, pricing, and commercial domains
• Monitor production models for accuracy, reliability, and data quality
• Troubleshoot model and data issues across analytical workflows
• Establish model validation, testing, monitoring, and governance standards
• Translate analytical findings into clear business recommendations
• Partner with engineering teams to operationalize models and analytical solutions
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other data scientists
• Support development of optimization, forecasting, recommendation, and AI-driven decisioning capabilities

Skills

Python

SQL

Statistics

ML Ops

Production deployment

Cloud platforms

Data pipelines

Model monitoring

Explainability

Leadership

Education

Master's degree preferred

Bachelor's degree required

PhD in a quantitative discipline is a plus

Job description

McKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and affordable. Here, we focus on the health, happiness, and well-being of you and those we serve – we care. What you do at McKesson matters. We foster a culture where you can grow, make an impact, and are empowered to bring new ideas. Together, we thrive as we shape the future of health for patients, our communities, and our people. If you want to be part of tomorrow’s health today, we want to hear from you.

NewCo Build Job Summary

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Lead Data Scientist specializing in Pricing Intelligence and Machine Learning Operations to join McKesson Corporation. This role will lead the development and implementation of advanced analytical models and ML solutions to optimize pricing strategies and ensure robust, scalable, and efficient deployment of these models within our operational frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, maintain, and improve predictive and machine-learning models
• Lead advanced analytics initiatives across customer, product, pricing, and commercial domains
• Monitor production models for accuracy, reliability, and data quality
• Troubleshoot model and data issues across analytical workflows
• Establish model validation, testing, monitoring, and governance standards
• Translate analytical findings into clear business recommendations
• Partner with engineering teams to operationalize models and analytical solutions
• Provide technical leadership and mentorship to other data scientists
• Support development of optimization, forecasting, recommendation, and AI-driven decisioning capabilities

Required Skills

• 7+ years of experience in Data Science, Machine Learning, Advanced Analytics, or a related quantitative field
• Strong Python and SQL skills
• Strong foundation in statistical modeling, machine learning, regression, clustering, and predictive analytics
• Experience deploying and supporting models in production environments
• Experience working with large-scale datasets and cloud-based analytical platforms
• Strong understanding of data pipelines, model inputs/outputs, and data-quality validation
• Experience with model monitoring, lifecycle management, and explainability
• Strong problem-solving and communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead technical work and collaborate across business and technology teams

Education

Master’s degree preferred in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Operations Research, Economics, Engineering, or another quantitative discipline
Bachelor’s degree required in a quantitative or technical field with substantial relevant experience
PhD in a quantitative discipline is a plus, but not required

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in pricing, revenue management, forecasting, optimization, or commercial analytics
• Experience with recommendation systems, segmentation, or predictive modeling
• Experience with MLOps and production model deployment
• Familiarity with Generative AI and modern AI-assisted analytical solutions
• Experience supporting business-critical analytical applications
• Prior experience mentoring or leading other data scientists
• Experience in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industry is a plus.

About MMS

McKesson Medical‑Surgical (MMS), which is expected to become Wellverse in early 2027, is a subsidiary and publicly reported segment of the McKesson Corporation. MMS distributes medical‑surgical supplies, pharmaceuticals, diagnostic equipment and supplies, along with other solutions and services to virtually every type of healthcare setting and provider outside of the traditional hospital. These markets – often referred to as Alternate Care or Non‑Acute Care – include physician offices, surgery centers, long‑term care providers, laboratories, home health and hospice agencies, health systems, government facilities and online marketplaces and retailers. Alternate Care markets are growing rapidly, and MMS is proud to be a leader in this space. With a team of approximately 8,000 employees, a network of 15 distribution centers and approximately 900 delivery vehicles, we collaborate with more than 2,200 leading manufacturers and serve over 200,000 customer accounts across the U.S. Our catalog includes more than 270,000 SKUs of branded and private‑label medical‑surgical products – from bandages to specialty pharmaceuticals and COVID‑19 tests.

Benefits

• We are proud to offer a competitive compensation package at McKesson as part of our Total Rewards.
• The pay range shown below is aligned with McKesson's pay philosophy, and pay will always be compliant with any applicable regulations.
• In addition to base pay, other compensation, such as an annual bonus or long‑term incentive opportunities may be offered.

Base Pay Range

Our Base Pay Range for this position $155,300 - $258,800

McKesson is an Equal Opportunity Employer McKesson provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, genetic information, or any other legally protected category. For additional information on McKesson’s full Equal Employment Opportunity policies, visit our Equal Employment Opportunity page. McKesson is committed to being an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and offers opportunities to all job seekers including job seekers with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation to assist with your job search or application for employment, please contact us by sending an email to (United States) [e-mail] or (Canada) [e-mail]. Resumes or CVs submitted to this email box will not be accepted.

McKesson is an impact-driven, Fortune 10 company that touches virtually every aspect of healthcare. We are known for delivering insights, products, and services that make quality care more accessible and affordable. Here, we focus on the health, happiness, and well-being of you and those we serve – we care. What you do at McKesson matters. We foster a culture where you can grow, make an impact, and are empowered to bring new ideas. Together, we thrive as we shape the future of health for patients, our communities, and our people. If you want to be part of tomorrow’s health today, we want to hear from you.