Director, Data Science

The Midland Credit Management Data Science team is seeking a strong quantitative leader to provide analytic direction in the global Data Science function. The Director of Data Science will act as lead architect on data science modeling projects, and be responsible for the development of new analytical solutions and MLOps for valuation, forecasting, and operation based processes. Hands on modeling and coaching direct reports and a broader team are important components of the role, specifically in the areas of data science, data science tooling, model governance, business analysis. Candidates should have credit risk experience (both data sources and modeling use cases), longitudinal and outcome-based modeling expertise, and bring a commitment to analytic rigor, innovative thinking, and evaluating ideas without ego. This role will influence corporate strategic thinking and requires significant functional knowledge across multiple areas including experimental design and hypothesis testing, risk scoring and risk management, and operational analysis. Successful candidates are likely to show equal comfort discussing the academic merits of a new statistical method, the impact of macroeconomic factors on consumer behavior, or the mechanisms that drive a business channel’s revenue and cost expectations.  Lastly, the candidate should demonstrate the ability to connect novel machine learning solutions to actionable business applications.

Primary responsibilities include

Act as lead designer and team leader for a broad range of statistical and computational activities that may include:

• Development of asset-based risk models
• Behavioral modeling of consumer financial decision making and activities
• Developing new ML models to support valuation, collections, and other operation activities
• Partnering with the various operational channels to develop solutions aimed at increasing profitability (optimization or maximization)

• People management within the Data Science team, including significant mentorship around analytic frameworks and approaches, and ability to influence peers and colleagues across departments (total staff will be 4-8 professionals, and could include a global presence)
• Serve as a primary statistical consultant to the broader organization around hypothesis testing, experimental design, and operational analysis
• Act as a cross-functional leader for projects and initiatives of significant importance to the department and company, often in conjunction with one or more of the operational channels

Related Skills/Experience

• 8-10 years of relevant work experience in a non-academic field, preferably financial services
• 5 plus years of direct people management, including goal setting, performance evaluation, and compensation responsibility
• Direct experience with Credit Bureau data and third party data vendors (FCRA, GLBA)
• Experience with propensity modeling/scoring using both traditional algorithms and machine learning algorithms
• Experience with traditional longitudinal and cohort analyses
• Strong knowledge of some or all of the following: Logit models, generalized linear models, categorical data analyses, ANOVA and regression, Random Forest, Boosted Machine, Ensemble Models, Unstructured data analysis (Speech and Text), Unsupervised learning algorithms, Digital and Web/Steaming data manipulation
• Proficiency with cloud computing and Python

Education Experience Requirements

• MA/MS degree in mathematics, statistics, econometrics or a quantitative science, with substantial coursework in statistics and design of experiment (PhD in mathematics or a quantitative science preferred)

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Starting Compensation

Annual Salary: $185,000.00 - $220,000.00 (Amount based on office location, relevant experience, skills, and competencies)

If you are wondering why you should work for us, here is something to help you decide:

• Pay and Bonuses: Earn a competitive salary. All employees are eligible for uncapped commission or annual bonus incentives.

• Career Progression: Grow at MCM with paid training and development programs – including our very own MCM Academy – as well as a promote-from-within philosophy.

• Reward and Recognition: We are committed to honoring great results – ranging from informal accolades to formal company-wide awards and prizes like all-inclusive vacations.

• Tuition Assistance: Pursue a degree or coursework related to your current role, or the role you are striving for.

• Healthcare Insurance: Take advantage of comprehensive healthcare plans and options to ensure your continued health, plus fitness membership reimbursements, weight watchers, our wellness rewards Program and more.

• Volunteering Opportunities: Enjoy up to eight hours of paid time off each year to volunteer. We also offer volunteer grants and matching financial donations, up to US$ 2,500 per employee annually.

• Retirement Savings: Build a strong financial foundation and reach your goals for the future. With all the effort you invest in us, we’re proud to invest in you.

• New Family Support: Celebrate your new arrival with company paid leave, new parent flex time, and child back-up care options.

• Team-building: Enjoy experiences that inspire bonds with your colleagues through a wide range of company-sponsored team-building events, such as holiday celebrations and department outings.

• Work-Life Balance: Enjoy paid and floating holidays, as well as generous paid-time-off.

Our compensation and benefits programs were created with an 'Employee-First Approach' focused on supporting, developing, and recognizing YOU.  We offer a wide array of wellness and mental health initiatives, support volunteerism, and environmental efforts, encourage employee education through leadership training, skill-building, and tuition reimbursements, and always strive to provide promotion opportunities from within.

About Us

We are more than a specialty finance company providing debt recovery solutions for consumers. We are a global team of over 4,000 employees whose daily mission is to empower consumers to begin their path towards financial recovery and build a better life for themselves and their families. We know that the only way to support this mission is by hiring exceptional people who bring a diversity of ideas, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for attaining breakthrough results.  If you are results-driven, have a passion for helping others, and thrive in an innovative environment, this might be the right place for you!

Encore Capital Group and all of its subsidiaries are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender perception or identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application and/or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation at Talent@mcmcg.com.