Manager, Data Science

At American Equity we offer leading annuity products that help empower our clients to fulfill their needs and wants in retirement. Our success comes from hiring high-energy individuals who embody the beliefs that drive our unique culture. We currently fund over half a million retirements nationwide, and have been headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, for over twenty-five years with satellite offices in Charlotte, NC and New York, NY.

GENERAL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The Manager, Data Science is responsible for leading a high-performing technical team that applies their skills in artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced analytics, statistical analysis and programming to develop data-driven solutions to support corporate initiatives. This person will lead a team that uses advanced analytical techniques, artificial intelligence, and machine learning to build and analyze models that predict the best course of action to impact business results. The Manager of Data Science is involved in setting strategic direction to establish near term goals for area of responsibility, closely align with senior management to which involves negotiating or influencing on large and small roadmap initiatives.

Position sits in West Des Moines and will work an onsite hybrid schedule

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND :

• Leads a dynamic team of highly skilled Data Science professionals dedicated to developing advanced data driven solutions to support corporate initiatives.
• Leads, executes and analyzes complex data related analytical projects that drive business decisions and efficiencies.
• Provides subject matter expertise in advanced analytics across variety of techniques, including data aggregation, statistical modeling, predictive modeling, machine learning, and artificial intelligence
• Drive technical excellence within the team, ensuring best practices, processes, frameworks, tools, methods and standards are adhered to.
• Accountable for the implementation of a technical roadmap for automation team(s) supporting the Business Functions requiring effective partnerships with function teams and a variety of the IT staff, including but not limited to direct reports, other IS managers, IT leadership, business units and business partners.
• Responsible for managing the employee life cycle and experience, including but not limited to, selection and retention of talent, continuous feedback and performance management, reward and recognition, corrective action and employee development.
• Partners with IT leaders to help implement employee engagement strategies; collaborates with other IS managers and IT leadership to identify learning initiatives and implement training programs based on the initiatives.
• Ensures the proper utilization of all team members to promote the team approach for employee allocation and problem resolution.
• Communicates and coordinates process, procedure and expectation additions/changes to employees that align with corporate strategy.
• Establishes and monitors metrics for performance oversight and processes improvement.
• Remains current on technological advances, emerging trends and applicable laws, rules and regulations impacting the business.
• Performs other related work as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Direct Reports: 4-8 direct reports including and Data Scientists and Data Analysts.

Indirect Reports: None.

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE:

Bachelor's degree in quantitative field such as statistics, mathematics, computer science, data science OR Graduate degree in a quantitative discipline and demonstrated Data Science skill set; plus, Five (5) or more years of progressively responsible related experience; or equivalent combination of education an/or experience.

Minimum of three (3) years of prior supervisory experience required.

Minimum of three (3) years with writing advanced SQL queries, feature engineering, data analysis, data tools, building prototypes, deploying and maintaining production models, using and creating algorithms and creating simulations.

Prior experience in an Agile environment preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS: None required for this position.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Advanced experience using statistical computer languages such as Python/R.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in statistical and machine learning techniques including GLM/Regression, Random Forest, Boosting, Trees, text mining, social network analysis, etc.
• Experience writing advanced SQL to query databases
• Advanced experience creating and using advanced machine learning algorithms and statistics including regression, classification, anomaly detection, simulation, scenario analysis, modeling, clustering, decision trees, neural networks, etc. on large data sets.
• Experience with natural language processing, LLMs (GPT, Claude, Grok, etc.), text analytics, and prompt engineering.
• Experience with data pipelines, feature stores, MLOps, CI/CD, containerization, and monitoring model drift.
• Knowledge of bias detection, fairness, interpretability, and governance frameworks.
• Experience visualizing data for business stakeholders using tools such as Tableau (preferred), Power BI, MicroStrategy, Domo, Qlik.
• Strong understanding of Agile principles and Scrum Framework
• Experience with Atlassian tools such as Jira and Confluence
• Strong software development/programming expertise, including knowledge of emerging technical innovations and best practices.
• Broad knowledge of information technology functions and disciplines, including but not limited to, architecture, data management, operations, security and business analysis.
• Knowledge of the financial risks and best practices applicable to information systems supporting investments and financial systems.
• Ability to lead software development efforts in a dynamically changing environment.
• Knowledge of vendor management.
• Ability to mentor and build strong teams.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively and successfully with employees, customers, and other outside third parties.
• Ability to successfully handle pressure and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.

This description covers the major purpose and essential functions of the job. It is not intended to give all the details or a step-by-step account of the way each task is to be performed. Employees may receive other job-related instructions and be required to perform other job related work requested by their manager. All requirements are subject to possible modification to provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities.

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