Principal Data Science & Analytics Financial Services Consulting

TransUnion; Chicago (IL); Hybrid; USD 169,000 - 281,000; Full time

Job summary

TransUnion is seeking a Principal in Data Science & Analytics to serve as a senior individual contributor and strategic co-leader for the Financial Services Consulting Data Science organization. This role shapes strategy, operating models, and execution across advanced analytics, AI, and platform-enabled solutions.

The position requires 8+ years in data science or analytics consulting with leadership experience, and an advanced degree.

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in data science, analytics consulting, or related field in Financial Services or adjacent industries.
• 5+ years in leadership roles with enterprise scope.
• Deep expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and AI; production-grade pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Drive multi-year strategy and operating model evolution for the DSA portfolio.
• Lead design and delivery of ML, statistical, and AI-driven analytics solutions.
• Partner with Solutions to define and commercialize analytics products and platforms.
• Lead across Data Science, Technology, Solutions, and Sales in a matrixed environment.
• Oversee governance of data quality, privacy, and regulatory compliance.

Skills

Data science leadership

Analytics consulting

Machine learning

AI & statistical modeling

Leadership & strategy

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MS or PhD in a quantitative field

Job description

TransUnion's Job Applicant Privacy Notice Personal Information We Collect Your Privacy Choices Team Overview As a senior leader in Data Science & Analytics (DSA), the Principal operates as a senior individual contributor, serving as a strategic co-leader and chief-of-staff to the Financial Services Consulting Data Science organization. This role is responsible for driving strategy, operating model design, and execution across a portfolio of advanced analytics, AI, and platform-enabled consulting solutions. The Principal combines technical depth, business leadership, and organizational influence to shape service offerings, enable revenue growth, and ensure operational excellence across the organization and reporting to a VP of Data Science & Analytics. This is a hybrid position and involves regular performance of job responsibilities virtually as well as in-person at an assigned TU office location for a minimum of two days a week.

Role Overview and Core Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Operating Model - Act as a co-leader and strategic advisor to DSA leadership. Drive multi-year strategy, including capability investment, portfolio prioritization, and operating model evolution. Own core business operations including revenue planning, capacity planning, resource allocation, and performance management. Analytics & AI Consulting Leadership - Guide design and delivery of machine learning, statistical, and AI-driven solutions. Establish best practices for consulting processes including AI-enabled and platform-enabled consulting, model development, validation, and production deployment. Ensure scalable, high-quality analytics outcomes. Product & Commercial Enablement - Partner with Solutions teams to define and commercialize new analytics products and platforms. Support client engagements, shape deals, and enable Sales through differentiated, data-driven narratives. Cross-Functional Leadership - Operate effectively across a matrixed environment spanning Data Science, Technology, Solutions, and Sales. Drive alignment and end-to-end integration across data, models, platforms, and delivery. Data & Platform Stewardship -Oversee development of high-value analytic data assets. Ensure strong governance across data quality, privacy, and regulatory compliance. Champion adoption of modern analytics tools and platforms. Thought Leadership & Innovation - Contribute to intellectual property development including patents and proprietary methodologies. Maintain awareness of industry trends, emerging technologies, and competitive offerings. Deliver external-facing thought leadership. Talent & Organizational Impact - Mentor senior talent, support recruiting strategy, and influence organizational culture. Drive adoption of best practices and improve productivity through process innovation.

Required Knowledge and Experiences

8+ years of experience in data science, analytics consulting, or related field in Financial Services or adjacent industries 5+ years in leadership roles with enterprise-level scope Demonstrated ability to influence strategy, operations, and commercial outcomes Deep expertise in machine learning, statistical modeling, and AI along with experience building and deploying production‑grade model pipelines Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a quantitative discipline We're also looking for the preferred skills below. Whether you are proficient or could use some brushing up, we're happy to support your career development and growth in: Experience scaling analytics consulting practices or data products Familiarity with credit bureau data and regulated environments Experience with cloud platforms and big data ecosystems Track record of contributing to intellectual property or publications.

Benefits that support every part of your life

• For Your Health: Enjoy day‑one eligibility for medical, dental, and vision coverage, plus supplemental plan options.
• Spousal, domestic partner, and other eligible dependent coverage is available on select plans.
• Choose tax‑advantaged HSA and FSA accounts to make everyday care more affordable.
• For Your Protection: We’ve got your back with company‑paid basic life and AD&D, optional voluntary life and AD&D for you and your family, and short‑and long‑term disability.
• You can also opt into a legal plan, pet insurance, and travel accident coverage.
• For Your Family: From adoption assistance and fertility planning coverage to caregiver support, we’re here for every chapter.
• Access Dependent Care FSA for possibility of an employer match, a complimentary Care@Work membership, and up to 12 weeks of paid parental leave with eligibility for a thoughtful, gradual return.
• For Your Future: Build toward what’s next with our 401(k) with employer match and Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Tap financial wellness resources, career coaching, and optional long‑term care insurance to plan confidently.
• For You: Grow and recharge with tuition reimbursement, flexible time off for exempt employees or paid time off for nonexempt employees, up to 12 paid holidays per year, commuter benefits, employee discounts, charitable gift matching, and paid volunteer time off, plus corporate volunteer events that make it easy to give back.
• For Your Wellness: Access 24/7 support including professional therapy, coaching, and emotional well‑being programs alongside guided meditation and resources that support physical, mental, social, and financial wellness.

Pay Scale Information

The U.S. base salary range for this position is $168,750.00 - $281,250 annually. *The salary range for this position reflects a reasonable estimate of the range of compensation for this job. At TransUnion, actual compensation is based on careful consideration of additional factors such as (but not limited to) an individual’s education, training, work experience, job‑related skill set, location, and industry knowledge, as well as the scope and responsibilities of the position and market considerations. Regular, fulltime non-sales positions may be eligible to participate in TransUnion’s annual bonus plan. Certain positions may be also eligible for long‑term incentives and other payments based on applicable company guidance and plan documents.

TransUnion Overview

At TransUnion, we encourage and are committed to creating a real, positive impact and shared sense of purpose within our Workforce for Good, which empowers our people to grow, innovate and contribute to a better future for our communities and customers. We strive to build an environment where our associates are in the driver’s seat of their professional development— while having access to help along the way. We recognize that success comes when our associates thrive both professionally and personally; that’s why we prioritize work/life flexibility and offer resources for our teams across the globe to collaborate and drive excellence. Be a part of our Workforce for Good – you’ll work with great people, pioneering products and cutting‑edge technology.

TransUnion's Internal Job Title: Principal, Data Science and Analytics Company: TransUnion LLC

We are committed to being a place where diversity is not only present, it is embraced. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by law. Additionally, in accordance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974, TransUnion takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in all levels of employment and develops annual affirmative action plans. Components of TransUnion’s Aff... Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable law, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and the California Fair Chance Act. Adherence to Company policies, sound judgment and trustworthiness, working safely, communicating respectfully, and safeguarding business operations, confidential and proprietary information, and the Company’s reputation are also essential expectations of this position.