Associate Director - Data Science - BFSI - IIM/FMS/MDI/IBS

Role Overview:

We are seeking a seasoned Associate Director of Data Science to lead our advanced analytics initiatives within the BFSI domain in Pune. In this strategic leadership role, you will bridge the gap between complex machine learning research and tangible business value, overseeing the end-to-end lifecycle of high-impact data products. You will work closely with executive stakeholders, product managers, and engineering teams to translate business challenges into scalable algorithmic solutions. By driving innovation in predictive modeling and decision science, you will directly influence our competitive positioning, risk management frameworks, and customer personalization strategies, ensuring our data-driven initiatives deliver measurable growth and operational efficiency.

Key Responsibilities:

• Architect and deploy sophisticated machine learning models to solve critical BFSI problems, such as credit risk assessment, fraud detection, and customer churn, to enhance organizational profitability.

• Lead and mentor a high-performing team of data scientists, fostering a culture of technical excellence and rigorous experimentation to ensure project delivery meets stringent quality standards.

• Collaborate with cross-functional business heads to identify data-driven opportunities, ensuring that analytical outputs are seamlessly integrated into core banking workflows and decision-making processes.

• Translate complex technical findings into actionable business insights for senior leadership, facilitating data-backed strategic planning and long-term organizational transformation.

• Oversee the development of intuitive data visualization dashboards that empower stakeholders to monitor key performance indicators and operational health in real-time.

Required Skillset :

• Demonstrate deep expertise in designing and implementing machine learning algorithms and statistical models, with a proven track record of applying these to large-scale financial datasets.

• Exhibit strong proficiency in data visualization tools and storytelling techniques, enabling the clear communication of complex analytical results to non-technical executive audiences.

• Possess an MBA or a Masters/PhD in a quantitative discipline from a Tier-1 institute, providing a solid academic foundation for complex problem-solving.

• Display exceptional leadership and stakeholder management abilities, with the capacity to influence organizational strategy and navigate the nuances of a high-growth BFSI environment.

• Maintain a high degree of adaptability to an on-site work environment in Pune, demonstrating the ability to lead teams effectively through direct collaboration and hands-on mentorship.

• Bring 10 - 12 years of progressive experience in data science and analytics, specifically within the financial services or banking sector, to drive immediate impact.