[Hiring] Senior Director Data Science @Circana

Role Description

Sr. Director, Data Science for various and unanticipated worksites throughout the U.S. (HQ: Chicago, IL). Support and manage highly complex software development initiatives, including data engineering, data analysis, user support, and enterprise-scale data solutions. Manage and drive integrated teams, delivering high-quality technology solutions across big data platforms.

Job Responsibilities

• Designing, developing, and maintaining highly scalable ETL applications on Hadoop/Spark environments.
• Delivering big data projects using Spark, Python, Scala, SQL, and Hive within distributed computing ecosystems.
• Leading and mentoring onshore and offshore development teams, ensuring high-quality delivery and consistent engineering standards.
• Actively participating in—and at times leading—Agile/Scrum ceremonies, including daily stand-ups, sprint planning, retrospectives, and code reviews.
• Tuning and optimizing ETL pipeline performance to meet strict SLAs across highly complex, concurrent processing environments.
• Engaging with business partners to understand needs, translate requirements, and identify appropriate technology solutions.
• Coordinating development project execution from initiation through release, including dependency planning and sprint scheduling.
• Managing team velocity, financials, and other critical delivery metrics.
• Reviewing product backlog, designs, code, and test results to mitigate delivery risks and ensure product quality.
• Leading adoption of innovative technologies to support evolving software product and data platform needs.
• Assessing, installing, and enhancing software required for the organization’s broader big data platform.
• Building robust ETL pipelines supporting day-to-day client delivery operations.

Technical Environment

• Databricks
• Spark architecture
• Spark SQL
• PySpark/Scala
• Data frames
• Performance tuning
• Python
• SQL
• UNIX shell scripting
• Cloud platforms (Azure/AWS)
• Snowflake
• Synapse
• Google BigQuery
• Ab Initio
• Hadoop/HBase
• Database Design
• Data Modeling
• Agile/Waterfall/Kanban SDLC frameworks

Qualifications

• 10+ years of software development experience.
• 5+ years of hands-on experience developing ETL Spark applications in PySpark or Scala.
• 5+ years managing globally distributed teams of 4+ developers, including mentorship, performance oversight, and delivery management.
• Strong understanding of Spark architecture, data frames, distributed processing, and performance tuning.
• Experience designing, developing, and supporting data-driven analytical applications in big data environments.
• Experience with relational databases such as Oracle or PostgreSQL.
• Experience reviewing complex code, troubleshooting software/data issues, and ensuring on-schedule delivery.
• Hands-on software experience with Spark (Databricks), Python, Scala, SQL, UNIX shell scripting, SQL scripting.
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS).
• Expertise in database design, data modeling, and workflow/diagramming tools (flowcharts, data flows).
• Familiarity with enterprise data platforms such as Synapse, Snowflake, Google BigQuery, and tools like Ab Initio.
• Experience using SDLC methodologies including Agile, Scrum, Kanban, and Waterfall.
• Excellent leadership skills with proven ability to manage onshore/offshore engineering teams.

Requirements

• Telecommuting permitted.

Benefits

• Comprehensive package of benefits including paid time off, medical/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k) to eligible employees.
• This job is also eligible for bonus pay.

Location

This position can be located in the following area(s): Remote U.S.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $202,779 USD to $231,000 USD. This range may be modified in the future.