Lead Data Scientist

Overview

Position Summary:

The Team Lead – Data Science is responsible for leading a team focused on analytical projects on identifying business opportunities, answering business questions and developing business solutions.  The team member will need to be able to understand business needs and create research and implementation plans using data, statistical models and machine learning techniques.  

Geo-Salary Information

An in-person interview may be required during the hiring process

State specific pay scales for this role are as follows:

$118,614 to $230,619 (CA, NJ, NY, WA, HI, AK, MD, CT, RI, MA)

$107,876 to $209,653(NV, OR, AZ, CO, WY, TX, ND, MN, MO, IL, WI, FL, GA, MI, OH, VA, PA, DE, VT, NH, ME)

$97,089 to $188,688 (UT, ID, MT, NM, SD, NE, KS, OK, IA, AR, LA, MS, AL, TN, KY, IN, SC, NC, WV)

The expected base salary for this position will vary depending on a number of factors, including relevant experience, skills and location.

Responsibilities

Essential Job Functions: 

• Direct analytical initiatives, leveraging data, statistical modeling, and machine learning to drive process improvements and decision-making.

• Work closely with cross-functional teams—including software engineers, data analysts, and product leaders—to implement business solutions.

• Lead discussions, present findings, and make recommendations to colleagues and management.

• Establish and oversee monitoring procedures, review results, and identify further optimization opportunities.

• Collaborate with departments such as Underwriting, Claims, Marketing, and Advertising to understand processes and identify areas for improvement.

• Provide analytical support and facilitate solution implementation through business or IT processes.

• Research and integrate new data sources and infrastructure, developing documentation and standards for easy business access.

• Create and optimize data repositories, reports, dashboards, and automated procedures to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

• Respond to ad hoc analytical requests and ensure data accuracy.

• Leads a small team of data scientists (1–3), providing technical expertise and mentoring.

• Oversees development and application of algorithms/models to key business metrics, with the goal of improving operations or answering business questions.

• Identifies projects or initiatives within their area that could benefit from quantitative review.

• Runs day-to-day execution, code/design reviews, and onboarding for new team members.

• Collaborates with the Manager on staffing, performance feedback, and strategic priorities.

• Other functions may be assigned.

Qualifications

Education: 

• Worker characteristics are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Bachelor's degree in math, statistics, computer science or other related areas. 

• Master's Degree (or ACAS/FCAS) preferred. 

Experience:

• At least 5 years of experience in data mining and data/statistical analysis.

• At least 5 years experience with SQL and statistical software packages (Python, R, SAS) required.

• At least 5 years experience working as a data scientist or similar role, with proven track record in data processing, predictive modeling, and machine learning techniques

• At least 1 year experience in P&C insurance

• At least 1 year experience leading projects in group settings and mentoring peers/interns

Knowledge and Skills:

• Demonstrated solid skills in data mining, machine learning, programming and optimization.

• Knowledge with cloud-based advanced data and analytics environment. 

• Passion for problem-solving, comfort with ambiguity.

• Ability to think conceptually, analytically and creatively.

• Knowledge of working with AWS, GitHub or other cloud-based infrastructure.

• Solid experience using R, Python and other programing languages.

• Strong data skills and the ability to work with large structured and unstructured data sources.

• Solid experience in predictive modeling, general model building, and validation procedures. 

• Solid experience in text mining or other text analytics techniques.

• Excellent problem-solving skills required. 

• Excellent analytical and critical thinking required.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills required.

• Demonstrate Company’s Core Values.

About the Company

Why choose a career at Mercury?

At Mercury, we have been guided by our purpose to help people reduce risk and overcome unexpected events for more than 60 years. We are one team with a common goal to help others. Everyone needs insurance and we can’t imagine a world without it.

Our team will encourage you to grow, make time to have fun, and work together to make great things happen. We embrace the strengths and values of each team member. We believe in having diverse perspectives where everyone is included, to serve customers from all walks of life.

We care about our people, and we mean it. We reward our talented professionals with a competitive salary, bonus potential, and a variety of benefits to help our team members reach their health, retirement, and professional goals.

Learn more about us here: https://www.mercuryinsurance.com/about/careers

Perks and Benefits

We offer many great benefits, including:

• Competitive compensation
• Flexibility to work from anywhere in the United States for most positions
• Paid time off (vacation time, sick time, 9 paid Company holidays, volunteer hours)
• Incentive bonus programs (potential for holiday bonus, referral bonus, and performance-based bonus)
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance
• 401 (k) retirement savings plan with company match
• Engaging work environment
• Promotional opportunities
• Education assistance
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Company recognition program
• Health and wellbeing resources, including free mental wellbeing therapy/coaching sessions, child and eldercare resources, and more

Mercury Insurance is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

Pay Range

USD $118,664.00 - USD $230,619.00 /Yr.

Compensation: 118664 to 230619 (USD)