Lead Data Science Consultant – Customer Excellence Data & Analytics Strategy Leader at arenaflex

About arenaflex – Pioneering Financial Innovation

At arenaflex, we believe that data is the heartbeat of modern finance. Recognized as a top-tier employer in the industry, we consistently rank among the best workplaces for career growth, diversity, and employee well‑being. Our mission is to empower customers to achieve financial confidence while providing our people with an environment that nurtures curiosity, collaboration, and continuous learning. If you thrive on turning complex data into actionable insight and want to shape the future of customer excellence, you’ve found your next home.

Why Join arenaflex?

We offer a competitive compensation package that includes a robust base salary, performance‑driven bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits suite designed to support your health, wealth, and work‑life balance. Our arenaflex Total Rewards program emphasizes wellness, financial security, and personal development, ensuring you have the resources to thrive both at work and beyond.

• Industry‑leading health, dental, and vision plans.
• Generous retirement contributions and financial planning resources.
• Flexible work arrangements, generous paid time off, and parental leave.
• Continuous learning opportunities, tuition reimbursement, and professional certifications.
• Employee resource groups that celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Position Overview – Lead Data Science Consultant

The Lead Data Science Consultant within our Customer Excellence Data & Analytics (CEDA) organization will own the end‑to‑end analytics development lifecycle. You will mine and analyze massive data sets, craft predictive models using cutting‑edge Machine Learning (ML) and Natural Language Processing (NLP) techniques, and translate complex findings into clear, business‑driving recommendations. This role sits at the intersection of technology, strategy, and customer experience, offering you a platform to influence high‑impact decisions across the enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead multi‑disciplinary, high‑visibility initiatives that leverage advanced analytics, statistical modeling, and algorithmic design to solve ambiguous business problems and deliver measurable outcomes.
• End‑to‑End Model Development: Own the full lifecycle of predictive models—from data discovery, feature engineering, and model training to validation, deployment, and ongoing monitoring.
• Cross‑Functional Collaboration: Partner with senior managers, product owners, risk officers, and technology teams to translate data insights into strategic recommendations that drive customer satisfaction, risk mitigation, and revenue growth.
• Thought Leadership & Mentorship: Serve as a subject‑matter expert, providing guidance on best practices, emerging tools, and methodological rigor to peers and junior data scientists.
• Experimental Design & Innovation: Design and execute sophisticated analytical experiments, including A/B testing, causal inference studies, and simulation models to uncover hidden opportunities.
• Communication Excellence: Craft compelling narratives and visualizations that make complex analytical concepts accessible to non‑technical stakeholders, ensuring alignment and actionable next steps.
• Documentation & Governance: Produce thorough documentation of model assumptions, validation results, and compliance checks, adhering to internal governance and regulatory standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Monitor model performance in production, implement enhancements, and proactively address issues related to explainability, fairness, robustness, and bias.

Essential Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of hands‑on data science experience, demonstrated through professional work, academic research, or equivalent training.
• Master’s degree or higher in a quantitative discipline (e.g., Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Computer Science).
• Proficiency in statistical programming languages and tools, specifically SAS, Python, and SQL (Teradata).
• Deep expertise in Machine Learning algorithms (supervised, unsupervised, reinforcement) and Natural Language Processing techniques.
• Demonstrated experience building, validating, and deploying large‑scale models, preferably with exposure to Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Strong communication skills with a proven ability to convey technical concepts to diverse audiences.
• Track record of designing robust model testing frameworks that address explainability, fairness, and bias mitigation.

Preferred Qualifications & Additional Skills

• Hands‑on experience with cloud‑based ML platforms (e.g., AWS SageMaker, Azure ML, Google Vertex AI).
• Familiarity with data engineering pipelines, big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop), and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Experience in financial services, risk analytics, or customer behavior modeling.
• Knowledge of regulatory compliance frameworks relevant to data science (e.g., GDPR, CCPA, Fair Lending).
• Certification in data science or related fields (e.g., AWS Certified Machine Learning, TensorFlow Developer).

Core Competencies for Success

• Analytical Rigor: Ability to dissect complex data problems, apply statistical theory, and generate reproducible results.
• Business Acumen: Understanding of financial products, customer journeys, and risk management to align analytics with strategic goals.
• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills to work effectively across functional boundaries and influence senior leadership.
• Innovation Mindset: Curiosity to explore emerging AI techniques and translate them into practical business solutions.
• Ethical Stewardship: Commitment to responsible AI, ensuring models are fair, transparent, and compliant with ethical standards.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

At arenaflex, your development is a priority. As a Lead Data Science Consultant, you will have access to:

• Mentorship from senior data science leaders and industry experts.
• Rotational assignments across different business units to broaden domain expertise.
• Sponsored attendance at premier conferences (e.g., NeurIPS, KDD, Strata Data Conference).
• Internal hackathons and innovation labs where you can prototype cutting‑edge solutions.
• Leadership development programs that prepare you for future managerial or principal‑level roles.

Work Environment & Culture at arenaflex

Our culture is built on three pillars: Customer Focus, Risk‑Aware Innovation, and Inclusive Collaboration. We foster an environment where data‑driven thinkers feel empowered to challenge the status quo, share ideas openly, and celebrate diverse perspectives. Whether you’re working from our modern campuses in Chandler, AZ; Minneapolis, MN; West Des Moines, IA; or Charlotte, NC, you’ll find vibrant workspaces, collaborative meeting zones, and quiet zones for deep work.

Key cultural highlights include:

• Employee‑led affinity groups that champion diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Regular town‑hall meetings with senior leadership to discuss strategy, performance, and employee feedback.
• Recognition programs that celebrate technical excellence, teamwork, and community impact.
• Flexible work‑hours and a hybrid model that balances on‑site collaboration with remote productivity (subject to location‑based policies).

Compensation, Perks & Benefits (General Overview)

While exact figures vary by location and experience, successful candidates can expect:

• A competitive base salary aligned with market benchmarks for senior data science roles.
• Annual performance bonuses tied to individual and company outcomes.
• Equity participation opportunities through stock awards.
• Comprehensive health, vision, and dental coverage for you and your dependents.
• Retirement savings plans with generous employer matching.
• Paid parental leave, adoption assistance, and flexible paid time off.
• Wellness programs, on‑site fitness centers, and mental‑health resources.
• Employee assistance programs and financial counseling services.

Location & Travel Requirements

This role is based in one of our designated hubs: Chandler, AZ; Minneapolis, MN; West Des Moines, IA; or Charlotte, NC. Candidates must be willing to work on‑site according to arenaflex’s standard operating model and may need to travel up to 10 % of the time for client engagements, cross‑location collaborations, or industry events. Please note that this position does not sponsor visas.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

arenaflex is an equal‑opportunity employer. We celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences each employee brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We provide accommodations for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process—please let us know your needs.

Application Process

If you are ready to lead transformative data science initiatives and drive customer excellence at a forward‑thinking financial institution, we invite you to apply today. Submit your resume, a concise cover letter highlighting your most relevant achievements, and any supporting portfolio or code samples that demonstrate your expertise.

Join arenaflex and become part of a team that turns data into decisive action, fuels innovation, and creates lasting value for customers and communities alike.

Apply Now!