Manager, Applied Data Science — AI/ML & Next Best Actions

AppFolio; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 167,000 - 209,000; Full time

Job summary

AppFolio is seeking a Manager, Applied Data Science to lead a team building AI/ML products that power Next Best Actions, analytics, and forecasting automations for GTM, Finance, and Customer Success. You’ll coach a growing team, bridge applied ML with go-to-market strategy, and shape data science services across the business.

You will own signal modeling, data platforms, and cross-functional delivery, partnering with senior leaders to drive adoption and explainability while scaling the Cerberus

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a STEM field with 8+ years building and deploying predictive models for business stakeholders.
• 2+ years leading data scientists, as a people manager or technical lead.
• Strong programming background with Python and SQL; production deployment of models.
• Experience with end-to-end ML lifecycle including classification and propensity models.
• Experience with LLM-based products or natural-language analytics in production.
• Experience with cloud data warehousing and orchestration tooling (Snowflake, dbt, Airflow, version control, CRM data).
• Ability to set priorities with senior leadership and drive impact.

Responsibilities

• Own signal modeling and scoring logic for all products and Next Best Action per persona.
• Own data science services, forecasting automations, and data access with governance.
• Own Cerberus model fleet standards: coding, reviews, deployment, monitoring, retraining.
• Review PRs and ensure quality and risk of models, analyses, and automations.
• Coordinate delivery with Sales, Marketing, Customer Success, and Finance leaders; set priorities.
• Set direction for applied AI/ML with leadership.
• Manage and grow a team of Data Scientists: 1:1s, coaching, hiring and growth paths.

Skills

Python

SQL

People management

Predictive modeling

ML workflows

Education

Bachelor’s degree in STEM

Tools

Snowflake

dbt

Airflow

Salesforce

Job description

AppFolio is seeking a Manager, Applied Data Science to lead a team building AI/ML products that power Next Best Actions, analytics, and forecasting automations for GTM, Finance, and Customer Success. You’ll coach a growing team, bridge applied ML with go-to-market strategy, and shape data science services across the business.

You will own signal modeling, data platforms, and cross-functional delivery, partnering with senior leaders to drive adoption and explainability while scaling the Cerberus