Director of Data Science, AI/ML & Optimization

The Director of Data Sciences - AI/ML & Optimization will lead the development and deployment of advanced analytics solutions that integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and optimization into Niagara's core business processes. This role is responsible for building scalable, ethical, and high-impact data science capabilities-including generative AI, classical ML, and predictive/prescriptive modeling-that drive measurable business value. The Director will also champion responsible AI practices and advanced optimization techniques to enhance decision-making across the enterprise.

As part of the newly formed Data and Decision Intelligence (DDI) team, this role plays a critical part in Niagara's transformation toward a centralized, insight-driven organization. The DDI team unifies the former Business Intelligence and Data Science functions to deliver trusted insights through intelligent automation, focused expertise, and advanced analytics. By aligning closely with business needs, DDI empowers smarter, faster, and more scalable decision-making across all functions.

The DDI organization is built on a value-first, decision-back strategy-starting with the business question and working backward to deliver actionable insights. This approach moves beyond traditional reporting and modeling, embedding analytics directly into business workflows. The team operates with agility, using design thinking and flexible frameworks to rapidly deliver solutions that are both impactful and user centric.

Structured around three strategic pillars-Analytics Product Management & Insights, Data Science, and Connected Data Foundation & Intelligent Automation-DDI enables Niagara to break down silos and scale analytics capabilities horizontally across the enterprise. This integrated model ensures that data is not only accessible and reliable but also actively drives business outcomes through automation, optimization, and innovation.

Essential Functions

• Collaborate with full-stack product team & business partners to develop novel ways to meet business objectives utilizing cutting edge technology, models/algorithms and techniques

• Effectively communicate the analytics approach and how it will meet and address objectives to business partners

• Advocate and educate on the value of data driven decision making focusing on the "how and why" of solving problems

• Help the organization accelerate the journey to predictive and prescriptive analytics - focused on business decisions

• Lead analytic approaches, integrating work into applications and tools with data engineers, business leads, analysts and developers

• Create repeatable, interpretable, dynamic and scalable models that are seamlessly incorporated into analytic products

• Engineer features by using business acumen to find new ways to combine disparate internal and external data sources

• Educate & share passion for Data Science with broader enterprise community; identify and develop long-term processes, frameworks, tools, methods and standards

• Collaborate, coach, and learn with a growing team of Data Scientists

• Stay connected with external sources of ideas through conferences and community engagements

• AI governance, responsible AI / ethical AI, and scaling data science best practices across the organization

• Please note this job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list 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 prior notice.

• Must have Python or R proficiency and experience working with Snowflake

• Statistics, Modeling, algorithms expert, with proficiency in classical AI Machine Learning (ML), and GenAI to solve clustering, time series, classification, regression, anomaly detection, simulation and optimization problems on large scale data sets

• Experience with designing data warehouses and/or data lakes with big data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark or distributed databases like Redshift and Snowflake.

• Experience with Big Data technologies desired - Hadoop, containerization, etc.

• Experience with containerization and managing pipelines and microservices, e.g., Docker, Kubernetes

• Experience with data visualization tools preferred - PowerBI, Alteryx, etc.

• Strong understanding of agile methodologies

• Experience as a Data Scientist on a cross-functional agile team preferred

• Strong communication skills with ability to communicate complex technical concepts and align organization on decisions

• Sound problem-solving skills with the ability to quickly process complex information and present it clearly and simply

• Utilizes team collaboration to create innovative solutions efficiently

• Value focused, Agile delivery with think-big, fail-fast mindset, and measurable outcomes

• Passionate about technology, responsible AI and excited about the impact of emerging / disruptive technologies

• Wants to unleash inner self-starter and work in an environment that fosters entrepreneurial minds

• Believes in culture of brutal transparency and trust and open to learning new ideas outside scope or knowledge

This position embodies the values of Niagara's LIFE competency model, focusing on the following key drivers of success:

• Lead Like an Owner

• Provides strategic input and oversight to departmental projects

• Skilled in reducing costs and managing timelines while prioritizing long run impact

• Leads/facilitates discussions to get positive outcomes for the customer

• Makes strategic and sustainable data driven decisions which prioritize the needs of the customer over departmental/individual goals

• InnovACT

• Continuously evaluates existing programs and processes, and develops new initiatives to increase efficiency and reduce waste

• Creates, monitors, and responds to departmental performance metrics to drive continuous improvement

• Communicates a clear vision, organizes resources effectively, and adjusts the strategy as needed when managing change

• Find a Way

• Demonstrates ability to think analytically and synthesize complex information

• Effectively delegates technical tasks to subordinates

• Works effectively with depts, vendors, and customers to achieve organizational success

• Identifies opportunities for collaboration in strategic ways

• Empowered to be Great

• Engages in long term talent planning

• Provides opportunities for the development of all direct reports

• Understands, identifies, and addresses conflict within own team and between teams

Education

• Minimum Required:

• Bachelors or Master's Degree in Supply Chain/Information Technology/Statistics/Computer Science/Data Science or other related field

• Preferred:

• Ph.D in Supply Chain/Information Technology/Statistics/Computer Science/Data Science or other related field

Certification/License:

• Required: N/A

• Preferred: ASCM CPIM/CSCP, PMP PMI

Foreign Language

• Required: None Required

• Preferred: None Required