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Senior Director Data Science Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Elanco

Senior Director-Data Science

Indianapolis, IN

We value diversity of thought and are committed to an environment where everyone can "Involve Purposefully." Senior Director, Data Science The Senior Director, Data Science is a pivotal leadership ...

GoTo Foods

Sr. Director, Data Science

Atlanta, GA · On-site

As the Senior Director of Data Science at GoTo Foods, you will lead a high-performing team of data scientists, overseeing critical data science initiatives that directly impact business growth and ...

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$25K

$80.3K

$163.5K

How much do senior director data science jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior director data science in the United States is $80,287.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $41,500.00 and $103,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Director Data Science, you need deep expertise in advanced analytics, machine learning, statistical modeling, and a strong educational background in a quantitative field, often with a master's or PhD. Familiarity with data platforms (like AWS, Azure), programming languages (such as Python, R), and leadership in deploying enterprise-level data solutions is vital, along with experience managing large teams. Exceptional strategic thinking, communication, and stakeholder management skills set top candidates apart in this role. These abilities are crucial for driving data-driven business strategies, leading high-performing teams, and ensuring impactful outcomes at the organizational level.

How does a Senior Director of Data Science typically collaborate with other departments within an organization?

A Senior Director of Data Science frequently partners with leaders from product, engineering, marketing, and business strategy to align data-driven insights with organizational goals. They facilitate cross-functional collaboration by translating complex analytics into actionable business recommendations, ensuring that data science initiatives support top-level priorities. This role often leads a team of data scientists while serving as a bridge between technical teams and non-technical stakeholders, fostering a culture of data-informed decision-making throughout the company.

What does a Senior Director of Data Science do?

A Senior Director of Data Science leads and oversees the data science strategy for an organization, managing teams of data scientists, analysts, and engineers. They are responsible for aligning data initiatives with business goals, guiding advanced analytics projects, and ensuring the effective use of data to drive decision-making. This role often involves collaborating with other executives to develop data-driven solutions, establishing best practices, and setting the vision for how data science supports organizational growth.

What is the difference between Senior Director Data Science vs Data Science Manager?

AspectSenior Director Data ScienceData Science Manager
ResponsibilitiesOversees multiple teams, sets strategic vision, aligns data science initiatives with business goalsManages day-to-day operations of data science teams, executes projects, and ensures deliverables
Required CredentialsAdvanced degree (Master's/PhD), extensive experience, leadership skillsRelevant degree, experience in managing data projects, technical expertise
Work EnvironmentStrategic, cross-departmental, executive collaborationOperational, team-focused, project management

The Senior Director Data Science typically holds a higher strategic leadership role, overseeing multiple teams and aligning data initiatives with company goals. In contrast, a Data Science Manager focuses on managing teams and executing projects. Both roles require strong technical backgrounds, but the Senior Director emphasizes strategic vision and leadership across departments.

More about Senior Director Data Science jobs
What cities are hiring for Senior Director Data Science jobs? Cities with the most Senior Director Data Science job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Senior Data Science jobs? The most popular types of Senior Data Science jobs are:
What states have the most Senior Director Data Science jobs? States with the most job openings for Senior Director Data Science jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Senior Director Data Science jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Senior Director Data Science jobs are:
Senior Director Data Science jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Director Data Science job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 65% In-person, and 35% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,287 per year, or $38.6 per hour.
Senior Director-Data Science

Senior Director-Data Science

Elanco Animal Health Incorporated

Indianapolis, IN • On-site

Full-time

Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Elanco rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 70 rated pharmaceutical

Job description

At Elanco (NYSE: ELAN) - it all starts with animals!
As a global leader in animal health, we are dedicated to innovation and delivering products and services to prevent and treat disease in farm animals and pets. At Elanco, we are driven by our vision of Food and Companionship Enriching Life and our purpose - all to Go Beyond for Animals, Customers, Society and Our People.
At Elanco, we pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. We believe that diversity is the driving force behind innovation, creativity, and overall business success. Here, you'll be part of a company that values and champions new ways of thinking, work with dynamic individuals, and acquire new skills and experiences that will propel your career to new heights.
Making animals' lives better makes life better - join our team today!
Why Elanco?
Purpose-Driven Work: Your work directly contributes to the health and well-being of pets and livestock globally.
Innovation at Scale: Be part of a digital transformation where your ideas can change the trajectory of a global company.
Inclusive Culture: We value diversity of thought and are committed to an environment where everyone can "Involve Purposefully."
Job Description: Senior Director, Data Science
The Senior Director, Data Science is a pivotal leadership role responsible for defining and driving Elanco's global data science strategy. You will lead a high-performing team of data scientists and will collaborate with architects and engineers in Elanco's IT department to deliver long-term business value across our value chain-from R&D and manufacturing to commercial operations.
The focus will be enhancing decision-making though data, optimizing processes, and create competitive advantages. You will be a champion for a data-driven culture, ensuring that data science is not just a technical function but a core driver of Elanco's business outcomes.
Your Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership
  • Define the Vision: Develop and execute a multi-year data science roadmap that aligns with the Elanco 2030 strategic plan.
  • Drive Value: Identify and prioritize high-impact use cases where AI and machine learning can deliver measurable ROI and long-term value.
  • AI & Automation Advocacy: Lead the adoption of Generative AI, predictive modeling, and intelligent automation across the enterprise.

Team Management & Development
  • Build & Lead: Recruit, mentor, and retain a world-class team of data scientists, fostering a culture of bold innovation and purposeful involvement.
  • Empowerment: Provide professional development opportunities, build leadership capabilities and ensure the team stays at the cutting edge of industry trends.
  • Operational Excellence
  • Scalable Solutions: Drive the development and deployment of production-grade AI models and automated workflows, in partnership with IT Data Product Teams, Engineers and Architects
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with IT, R&D, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Commercial, and Finance to integrate data science solutions into core business processes.
  • Governance: Ensure all data science activities comply with the Elanco AI Policy, ethics, and data privacy standards.

Innovation & Influence
  • External Engagement: Stay connected with the broader tech and animal health ecosystem to bring outside-in innovation to Elanco.
  • Executive Communication: Translate complex technical concepts into compelling business narratives for senior leadership and stakeholders.

What You Need to Succeed (Minimum Qualifications):
  • Education: Master's or equivalent in business or data management
  • Required Experience: Minimum of 10-12 years of experience in data science or advanced analytics, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
  • Proven track record of delivering large-scale data and AI/ML projects that resulted in significant business impact.
  • A "Founder's Mentality"-the ability to own outcomes and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.

What Will Give You the Competitive Edge (Preferred Qualifications):
  • Experience in the Life Sciences or Pharmaceutical industry.
  • Strong understanding of Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs).
  • Graduate work or additional certifications in Data Science and/or certifications in line with DAMA/DMBOK
  • Certified Data Management Professional (CDMP), 2026

Additional Information:
  • Location: Indianapolis, US (Global Headquarters) / Hybrid
  • Reports to: Executive Director, Data & Analytics
  • Travel: Up to 10%

Don't meet every single requirement? Studies have shown underrecognized groups are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Elanco we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment. If you think you might be a good fit for a role but don't necessarily meet every requirement, we encourage you to apply. You may be the right candidate for this role or other roles!
Elanco Benefits and Perks:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package focusing on financial, physical, and mental well-being while encouraging our employees to pursue our purpose! Some highlights include:
  • Multiple relocation packages
  • Two weeklong shutdowns (mid-summer and year-end) in the US (in addition to PTO)
  • 8-week parental leave
  • 9 Employee Resource Groups
  • Annual bonus offering
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Up to 6% 401K matching

Elanco is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status
Elanco may use automated tools, including AI, to support parts of our recruitment process, such as reviewing applications against job-related criteria and/or transferrable skills. These tools help ensure a consistent, structured evaluation, but they do not make hiring decisions. All decisions involve a human reviewer. For more information on how we handle personal data, please see our Elanco Workforce Privacy Notice.

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