Head of Data Science, Planning & Optimization

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Business Overview 

KINESSO is the technology-driven performance marketing agency that sits at the very heart of IPG Mediabrands, providing actionable growth for both our agency partners and clients. We turn ‘action’ into ‘outcome’ for our clients, leveraging our unique capabilities in optimization, analytics, AI, and experimentation. KINESSO has brought together the collective power of what was formerly Matterkind, Reprise, and Kinesso under one collective entity that will serve as the most powerful delivery engine in the industry. We have extensive offerings spanning across performance marketing and data and technology. Fueled by a deep understanding of consumer behavior, we offer an end-to-end engine of planning and optimization while also delivering on data-driven strategy for social platforms, actionable growth in e-commerce, and creating curated marketplaces specific to each client’s function and needs. The company has more than 6,000 employees operating in more than 60 countries. Learn more at www.KINESSO.com.

Position Summary

As the Head of Data Science for Planning and Optimization (P&O), you will spearhead a global team of data scientists dedicated to innovating and advancing a suite of products on the Market Intelligence Engine (MIE) platform. This role is pivotal in developing cutting edge AI/ML approaches to redefine digital attribution and measurement. You will act as a crucial bridge between the product, engineering and data science teams, ensuring alignment of technological advancements with strategic business objectives.

This is a hybrid role consisting of both management and hands on data science. A commitment to collaborative problem solving, sophisticated design, and quality product is essential.

Responsibilities

Leadership and Strategy:

• Oversee and expand the capabilities of a distributed team of 8+ data scientists embedded in the P&O product scrum teams.
• Develop and execute a strategic vision for employing advanced AI, ML, and time-series econometrics in the areas of digital attribution and optimization.
• Build data science for scale, ease-of-use, and deployment across our agencies’ client portfolio. Data science should be simple, easy-to-explain, and anchored in business value.

Innovation and Development:

• Lead the research, development, and maintenance of data science that pushes the boundaries of what is possible in digital attribution and measurement.
• Foster a culture of innovation, encouraging the exploration of new techniques and technologies that enhance and scale our product capabilities.

Collaboration and Communication:

• Serve as a key liaison between Data Science, Product and Engineering, ensuring clear and effective communication of product roadmaps, statuses, challenges, and successes.
• Collaborate closely with product teams to understand their needs and integrate AI/ML technologies into our products that meet those needs, driving value and efficiency.

Required Skills & Experience

• Python: Advanced knowledge of Python is essential (Numpy, Pandas,…), with the ability to write efficient, clean, and commented code for model and package development, automation processes and application development.
• Machine Learning: Expertise in machine learning, including regression, classification, and ensemble methods like Random Forest and Gradient Boosting. Skilled in model development and feature engineering. Experience with Deep Learning is a plus.
• Statistical Analysis: Knowledge of Bayesian modelling is a preferred, while experience with Pyro is a plus. This may include hypothesis testing, time series forecasting and backtesting.
• Data Management: Proficient in data manipulation and transformation techniques. Experience with SQL databases, ETL processes and frameworks (Dagster, Airflow, Spark,…), and data modeling as well as cloud-based data warehousing solutions like Snowflake or Google BigQuery. Understanding of data governance and quality control.
• MLOps: Experience in overseeing the life cycle of machine learning models from development to production. This includes observability, reproducibility and evaluation of both data and models..
• CI/CD: Experience with agile development methodologies, such as Scrum or Kanban. Proficiency in automation tools and frameworks for continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), and monitoring model performance in production environments.
• Cloud: Experience with cloud platforms (e.g. AWS, Azure, GCP) and containerization technologies like Docker and Kubernetes

Desired Skills & Experience

• 6+ years of hands-on experience and 2+ years of management experience in designing and productionizing machine learning models and AI applications preferred.
• Demonstrated experience leading a data science team, preferably with a focus on product development.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience with time series analysis and forecasting through ML/AI is a strong plus. Practical experience in other industries, for example, financial time series, is welcome.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and grow a team.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to align technological solutions with business objectives.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills, with a focus on delivering practical and innovative solutions.
• Adaptability and willingness to embrace new technologies and challenges in a fast-paced and evolving environment.

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We See You  

At IPG Mediabrands, we are unified behind a commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion and belonging. Together, we shine through a set of shared values and behaviors. We take pride in our responsibility to our clients, communities, and to each other. We embrace differences and recognize the unique value that each of us brings to our community.  

We encourage you to apply, as unique backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences are welcomed.   

We See You at IPG Mediabrands. 

Wage and Benefits

We offer a Total Rewards package that includes medical and dental coverage, 401(k) plans, flex spending, life insurance, disability, employee discount program, employee stock purchase program and paid family benefits to support you and your family. To give you the ability to better meet your personal needs, and in support of your physical and emotional well-being, you will receive discretionary time off days and company-wide Appreciation Weeks and Wellness Days. 

We also offer a competitive Total Compensation package, including a competitive salary and eligibility for an annual discretionary incentive award or a relevant incentive award. 

The salary range for this position is posted below.  Where an employee or prospective employee is paid within this range will depend on, among other factors, actual ranges for current/former employees in the subject position, market considerations, budgetary considerations, tenure and standing with the Company (applicable to current employees), as well as the employee’s/applicant’s skill set, level of experience, and qualifications.   

Employment Transparency

It is the policy of Mediabrands, division of the Interpublic group, to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, creed, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, citizenship, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local law. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the American with Disabilities Act of 1990. The job description will be reviewed periodically as duties and responsibilities change with business necessity. Essential and other job functions are subject to modification. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

For applicants to jobs in the United States: In compliance with the current Americans with Disabilities Act and state and local laws, if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position with Mediabrands, please email [email protected].

About IPG Mediabrands 

IPG Mediabrands is the media and marketing solutions division of Interpublic Group (NYSE: IPG). IPG Mediabrands manages over $47 billion in marketing investment globally on behalf of its clients across its full-service agency networks UM, Initiative and Mediahub and through its award-winning specialty business units Healix, Kinesso, MAGNA, Mediabrands Content Studio, Orion Holdings, Rapport, and the IPG Media Lab. IPG Mediabrands clients include many of the world’s most recognizable and iconic brands from a broad portfolio of industry sectors including automotive, personal finance, consumer product goods (CPG), pharma, health and wellness, entertainment, financial services, energy, toys and gaming, direct to consumer and e-commerce, retail, hospitality, food and beverage, fashion and beauty. The company employs more than 18,000 diverse marketing communication professionals in more than 130 countries. Learn more at www.ipgmediabrands.com.