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Head Data Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

D.W. Simpson

Head of Data Science - Hybrid

Fort Lee, NJ · On-site

$200K/yr

The ideal candidate would have 8+ years of data science marketing experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with SQL, Python, and Databricks. Must be comfortable reporting to the C-suite ...

Adobe, Inc.

Sr. Manager, People Data Science

San Jose, CA · On-site

$161K - $303K/yr

This role will report to the Head of People Analytics and will lead a team of data scientists to derive insights and recommendations that inform strategic people-related decisions. What you'll Do ...

Adobe

Sr. Manager, People Data Science

Seattle, WA · On-site

$161K - $303K/yr

This role will report to the Head of People Analytics and will lead a team of data scientists to derive insights and recommendations that inform strategic people-related decisions. What you'll Do ...

Adobe

Sr. Manager, People Data Science

San Jose, CA · On-site

$161K - $303K/yr

This role will report to the Head of People Analytics and will lead a team of data scientists to derive insights and recommendations that inform strategic people-related decisions. What you'll Do ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Junior Data Scientist

Chicago, IL · On-site +1

This position will report to the Head of Data Science and Geospatial Analytics. The ideal candidate is a practitioner who thinks first like an economist, real estate analyst, or quantitative urban ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Junior Data Scientist

Denver, CO

This position will report to the Head of Data Science and Geospatial Analytics. The ideal candidate is a practitioner who thinks first like an economist, real estate analyst, or quantitative urban ...

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All JobsHead Data Science Jobs

Head Data Science information

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$37.5K

$122.7K

$196.5K

How much do head data science jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for head data science in the United States is $122,738.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $98,500.00 and $136,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How to become head of data science?

To become a head of data science, professionals typically need extensive experience in data analysis, machine learning, and leadership roles, often requiring 8-10 years in data-related positions. A strong educational background in computer science, statistics, or related fields, along with skills in programming, data management, and strategic planning, is essential. Advanced degrees and certifications in data science or analytics can also enhance prospects for leadership positions.

Is 40 too late for data science?

The Head Data Science role and similar data science positions do not have strict age limits; many professionals transition into data science later in their careers. Success depends on relevant skills, experience, and continuous learning in areas like programming, statistics, and machine learning, regardless of age.

What is the highest paid job in data science?

The highest paid roles in data science are often senior positions such as Chief Data Officer, Director of Data Science, or Lead Data Scientist, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually and sometimes reaching over $200,000 for those with extensive experience, advanced skills in machine learning, and industry expertise. These roles typically require strong leadership, strategic thinking, and proficiency with tools like Python, R, and cloud platforms.

What is the 80 20 rule in data science?

In data science, the 80/20 rule, also known as Pareto principle, suggests that roughly 80% of results come from 20% of the efforts or features. Data scientists often use this concept to focus on the most impactful variables or tasks to optimize model performance and efficiency.

What does a Head of Data Science do?

A Head of Data Science is responsible for leading and managing the data science team within an organization. They oversee the development and implementation of data-driven strategies, ensuring that the team delivers valuable insights and predictive models to support business goals. This role involves collaborating with other departments, setting the vision for data initiatives, and ensuring best practices in data analysis and machine learning are followed. Additionally, the Head of Data Science often mentors team members and helps shape the organization's overall data strategy.

What are some common challenges faced by a Head of Data Science when building and leading a data science team?

As a Head of Data Science, one of the main challenges is balancing strategic leadership with hands-on technical guidance. You'll often need to align the team's goals with broader business objectives while ensuring that team members have the right mix of skills and resources. Additionally, fostering effective collaboration between data scientists, engineers, and business stakeholders can be complex, especially in cross-functional environments. Managing expectations around project timelines and communicating technical insights in a clear, actionable way are also key aspects of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Head of Data Science, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Head of Data Science, you need advanced expertise in statistics, machine learning, data modeling, and a strong background in computer science or a related quantitative field, often supported by a master's or Ph.D. Proficiency with programming languages like Python or R, big data platforms such as Hadoop or Spark, and familiarity with cloud-based analytics tools are typically required. Strategic leadership, excellent communication skills, and the ability to mentor and inspire teams are crucial soft skills for this role. These abilities are essential to drive data-driven decision-making, foster innovation, and align analytics initiatives with organizational goals.

What is the difference between Head Data Science vs Data Science Manager?

AspectHead Data ScienceData Science Manager
ResponsibilitiesStrategic leadership, setting data science vision, overseeing multiple teamsTeam management, project delivery, coordinating data science projects
Required SkillsAdvanced analytics, leadership, strategic planningTeam management, technical expertise, project management
ExperienceSenior data science background, leadership rolesData science experience with managerial responsibilities
Work EnvironmentExecutive level, cross-departmental collaborationTeam-focused, project-oriented

The Head Data Science typically holds a strategic, leadership role overseeing the entire data science function, while the Data Science Manager focuses on managing teams and project execution. Both roles require strong technical backgrounds, but the Head Data Science emphasizes vision and strategy, whereas the Data Science Manager concentrates on operational management.

What cities are hiring for Head Data Science jobs? Cities with the most Head Data Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Data Science jobs? The most popular types of Data Science jobs are:
What states have the most Head Data Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Head Data Science jobs include:
Head Data Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Head Data Science job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,738 per year, or $59 per hour.
Head of Data Science - Hybrid

Head of Data Science - Hybrid

D.W. Simpson

Fort Lee, NJ • On-site

$200K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Description
Want to have a part in revolutionizing the industry with advanced analytic techniques? A growing Health insurance sales & marketing client has a great opportunity for a hands-on data leader who will support advanced analytics projects that impact the entire sales funnel & touch all product categories. The ideal candidate would have 8+ years of data science marketing experience, strong leadership skills, and proficiency with SQL, Python, and Databricks. Must be comfortable reporting to the C-suite and be able to work on market segmentation & analysis. (#58688)
Compensation:
  • Salary of $200K

Location:
  • Fort Lee, NJ / Hybrid

Meet Your Recruiter
Arturo Aguilera
Director, Social Media & Marketing
Arturo joined DW Simpson in 2017 and is currently the Social Media Specialist. He is in charge of running and maintaining DW Simpson's social media presence, increasing brand awareness and improving marketing efforts.
Arturo attended Columbia College Chicago where he graduated with a BFA in Advertising Art Direction. He enjoys attending concerts, dive bars, and art museums.
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  • arturo.aguilera@dwsimpson.com
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About DW Simpson

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We have offices all over the United States and place professionals globally. Our expertise includes property & casualty, life, health, pension, and increasingly non-traditional areas such as risk management, catastrophe modeling, predictive modeling, financial modeling, and data analytics. Mission Our mission is to be the premier executive recruiting firm specializing in the placement of actuaries and analytics professionals; to be recognized for the best service, integrity and forthrightness that the firm brings to each business relationship; and to be willing at all times to sacrifice short-term gain for the long-term good and prosperity of our clients, our candidates and, as a result, our organization as well. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Statement We are dedicated to hiring and retaining diverse talent and ensuring that we treat everyone with respect and support. We embrace diversity and strive to create conditions that provide everyone with an equal opportunity to thrive. Our employment practices will not be influenced or affected by an applicant’s or employee’s race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, pregnancy, national origin, marital status, genetic information, age, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local laws.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Chicago, IL, US

Year founded

1989

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