Lead Data Scientist
HarnhamAbout the role
LEAD DATA SCIENTIST - CREDIT RISK & ADVANCED ANALYTICS
DALLAS, TX (HYBRID)
$140,000 - $150,000 BASE + ANNUAL BONUS
The Opportunity Join a high-impact Analytics team focused on solving complex business challenges through advanced data science, predictive modeling, and risk analytics.
This is a highly visible leadership role where you'll partner directly with executives and cross-functional stakeholders to influence key business decisions, improve customer outcomes, and drive measurable financial impact.
You'll own projects from concept through implementation, applying machine learning, statistical modeling, and business insight to deliver solutions that make a real difference.
What You'll Do
Lead analytical initiatives from problem definition through implementation and measurement
Develop predictive models to support business strategy, financial forecasting, and risk assessment initiatives
Leverage machine learning techniques such as gradient boosting, random forests, clustering, and segmentation to generate actionable insights
Identify trends, quantify opportunities, and uncover root causes within large and complex datasets
Collaborate with senior stakeholders to translate business challenges into analytical solutions
Present findings and recommendations to leadership through compelling data storytelling and executive presentations
Guide and mentor less experienced team members on project execution and analytical methodologies
Build scalable processes and analytical frameworks that improve business performance over time
What We're Looking For
8+ years of experience in data science, quantitative analytics, predictive modeling, or risk analytics
Experience applying statistical and machine learning techniques to real-world business problems
Advanced Python and SQL skills with experience working across large, complex datasets
Strong understanding of predictive modeling, segmentation, experimentation, and statistical analysis
Proven track record of influencing business decisions through data-driven recommendations
Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts to executive audiences
Experience leading initiatives independently with minimal direction
Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field such as Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, Engineering, or a related discipline
Nice to Have
Master's degree in a quantitative discipline
Experience within financial services, consumer lending, real estate, healthcare, or other regulated industries
Background in risk management, portfolio analytics, or credit-related modeling
Exposure to model validation, governance, audit, or regulatory review processes
Knowledge of cloud-based data environments including AWS and Snowflake
Experience utilizing bureau data, scorecards, or advanced forecasting methodologies
Why This Role
High-visibility role with regular interaction with executive leadership
Opportunity to drive business outcomes through production-ready analytics and machine learning
Strong autonomy and ownership over projects and strategy
Work on initiatives with measurable multi-million-dollar business impact
Mentor and influence without direct people-management responsibilities
Collaborative, supportive culture that values innovation, curiosity, and continuous improvement
Opportunity to see your models implemented and your work recognized across the organization
If you're a data science leader who enjoys solving complex business problems, influencing executive decisions, and building predictive models that drive real-world results, we'd love to connect.
Responsibilities
- Lead analytical initiatives from problem definition through implementation and measurement
- Develop predictive models to support business strategy, financial forecasting, and risk assessment initiatives
- Leverage machine learning techniques to generate actionable insights
- Identify trends, quantify opportunities, and uncover root causes within large datasets
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders to translate business challenges into analytical solutions
- Present findings and recommendations to leadership through data storytelling
- Guide and mentor less experienced team members on project execution
- Build scalable processes and analytical frameworks that improve business performance
Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in data science, quantitative analytics, predictive modeling, or risk analytics
- Experience applying statistical and machine learning techniques to real-world business problems
- Advanced Python and SQL skills with experience working across large datasets
- Strong understanding of predictive modeling, segmentation, experimentation, and statistical analysis
- Proven track record of influencing business decisions through data-driven recommendations
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to explain complex concepts to executive audiences
- Experience leading initiatives independently with minimal direction
- Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field
Benefits
- High-visibility role with regular interaction with executive leadership
- Opportunity to drive business outcomes through analytics and machine learning
- Strong autonomy and ownership over projects and strategy
- Collaborative, supportive culture that values innovation and continuous improvement
Skills mentioned
About Harnham
Harnham provides specialist Data and AI recruitment and staffing services, along with bespoke training solutions, across multiple industry verticals, operating in the UK, the USA and EU - contact us today to discuss your requirements: info@harnham.com Our recruitment and talent teams cover all aspects of the data and AI pipeline, from collection to consumption, across multiple data roles and functions. Whether you need full-time staff, contract talent, specialized training, Data-qualified graduates, or C-suite executives, Harnham Group is equipped to fulfill all your data talent requirements. Our five core services: * ATD - Rockborne – our graduate development arm – deploys expertly trained data consultants, who have gone through an intensive 12-week data training programme. After two years in the scheme, your consultant could become a * Contract / C2C / Freelance: Whether you're addressing a talent shortage, augmenting a project team, or encountering resource gaps, our specialist consultants offer bespoke interim talent solutions to address your unique challenges and drive success. * Full-Time / Direct Hiring: From early career professionals to senior management, our comprehensive services enable you to unearth outstanding data talent across various specializations, ensuring your organization thrives in the data-driven era. * Executive Search: With our dedicated executive search team and an extensive network encompassing the director to C-suite level, we assist both global corporations and ambitious startups in securing top-tier leadership talent to accomplish their goals. * GenAI, Prompt, LLM Training: Elevate your team's data expertise with our all-encompassing training programs covering essential tools and technologies such as Python, SQL, Machine Learning, LLM’s and AI. Highly bespoke, customised to your team learning requirements and budgets.