Lead Data Science Consultant - Customer Excellence Data Analytics & Business Intelligence

Join arenaflex: Where Your Analytics Career Reaches New Heights

Are you ready to transform your career at one of the most respected financial services organizations in the nation? At arenaflex, we don't just process numbers—we unlock the power of data to shape the future of banking and financial services for millions of customers across the globe. We are seeking a visionary Lead Data Science Consultant to join our dynamic Customer Excellence Data and Analytics (CEDA) team, where innovation meets impact.

At arenaflex, we believe that exceptional customer experiences begin with exceptional data insights. Our CEDA organization serves as the analytical backbone of our customer strategy, driving innovation across every touchpoint of our business. As a Lead Data Science Consultant, you will play a pivotal role in harnessing the power of advanced analytics, machine learning, and natural language processing to deliver meaningful, actionable insights that directly influence business decisions and customer satisfaction.

This is more than just a job—it's an opportunity to grow alongside industry leaders, work on transformative projects, and make your mark on the future of financial services. If you're passionate about data, driven by challenges, and eager to contribute to a culture that values innovation, inclusion, and excellence, we invite you to explore this exciting opportunity with arenaflex.

About the Role: Lead Data Science Consultant

As a Lead Data Science Consultant within our Customer Excellence Data and Analytics organization, you will be at the forefront of our data-driven transformation. You will own the complete analytics development cycle—from mining and analyzing complex datasets to building sophisticated predictive models using cutting-edge NLP and machine learning techniques. Your work will identify performance opportunities, deliver actionable insights, and create comprehensive documentation of validation methods and results that drive business value.

This position offers the unique opportunity to lead complex analytical initiatives that have cross-functional impact across the organization. You will collaborate with stakeholders at all levels, providing expertise that shapes strategies and drives measurable business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

As a Lead Data Science Consultant at arenaflex, your contributions will be instrumental in advancing our analytical capabilities. Here is what you can expect to own and deliver:

• Lead Complex Analytical Initiatives: Design and execute data-driven projects utilizing advanced statistical techniques, sophisticated algorithms, and predictive models to generate actionable insights, trends, and recommendations that span multiple business units and have broad organizational impact.
• Drive Innovation Through Advanced Analytics: Apply cutting-edge machine learning, natural language processing, and statistical modeling techniques to solve complex business challenges. Develop innovative solutions that push the boundaries of what's possible in financial services analytics.
• Build Strategic Recommendations: Deliver insights and recommendations in complex, multi-faceted situations requiring deep analytical expertise and strong technical capabilities. Translate complex findings into clear, strategic guidance for business leaders.
• Collaborate Across Functions: Strategically partner with peers, colleagues, and senior managers across the organization to drive data-informed decision-making. Lead cross-functional projects and serve as a trusted advisor on analytical best practices.
• Execute Advanced Analytical Experiments: Create and implement innovative statistical models to discover solutions for abstract business problems across various domains, from customer behavior prediction to risk assessment.
• Interpret and Analyze Complex Data: Utilize advanced analytics modeling methods and programming expertise to interpret data, identify patterns, and recommend strategies that solve business problems and influence key decisions.
• Provide Technical Guidance: Mentor and consult with peers on data science best practices, methodologies, tools, and techniques. Share knowledge that elevates the entire team's analytical capabilities.
• Communicate Insights Effectively: Present actionable insights and recommendations using data in digestible, compelling formats to diverse non-technical audiences across all organizational levels.
• Develop Comprehensive Documentation: Create thorough documentation of model development processes, validation methods, testing procedures, and results to ensure transparency and regulatory compliance.

Essential Qualifications

To thrive in this role at arenaflex, you will need to bring proven expertise and a passion for analytical excellence:

• Professional Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of demonstrable data science experience, or equivalent expertise gained through a combination of relevant work experience, specialized training, military service, or advanced education.
• Academic Background: Master's degree or higher in a quantitative discipline such as mathematics, statistics, engineering, physics, economics, computer science, or a related field. Equivalent demonstrated expertise through practical application is also valued.
• Technical Proficiency: Strong foundation in analytical tools and programming languages, with particular emphasis on statistical modeling, machine learning implementation, and data manipulation.
• Analytical Mindset: Proven ability to approach complex business problems with analytical rigor, creative problem-solving, and a data-first mentality.
• Travel Requirement: Willingness to travel up to 10% of the time as needed to support business objectives and collaborate with stakeholders across locations.

Preferred Qualifications

While we value all qualified candidates, the following experiences and skills would distinguish you as an ideal fit for the arenaflex team:

• Programming Expertise: Fluency in SAS, Python, and SQL (particularly Teradata) for advanced data manipulation, statistical analysis, and model development.
• Machine Learning Mastery: Deep experience with machine learning techniques, including supervised and unsupervised learning, ensemble methods, and model optimization.
• NLP and LLM Experience: Extensive experience with Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Large Language Model (LLM) development and deployment. Familiarity with text analytics, sentiment analysis, and conversational AI implementations.
• Model Development Lifecycle: Comprehensive experience with end-to-end model development and validation, from initial discovery and prototyping through production deployment and ongoing monitoring.
• Model Testing Expertise: Adept at designing and performing rigorous model testing, including model explainability, robustness testing, fairness and bias assessment, and performance validation.
• Documentation Excellence: Strong track record of creating detailed, compliant documentation throughout the model development process, ensuring reproducibility and regulatory adherence.
• Executive Communication: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, translating analytical findings into business impact.
• Financial Services Background: Experience in the financial services industry is a plus, with familiarity of banking products, customer analytics, risk modeling, or regulatory requirements.

Skills and Competencies for Success

At arenaflex, we look for professionals who embody both technical excellence and interpersonal effectiveness. The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Advanced Statistical Analysis: Deep knowledge of statistical methodologies, hypothesis testing, experimental design, and quantitative reasoning.
• Machine Learning Expertise: Proficiency in building, validating, and deploying machine learning models at scale. Understanding of feature engineering, model selection, and performance optimization.
• Data Engineering Capabilities: Ability to work with large-scale data infrastructure, cloud platforms, and distributed computing environments.
• Business Acumen: Strong understanding of business strategy, customer experience, and how analytics drives value in financial services.
• Stakeholder Management: Skill in building relationships, managing expectations, and influencing decisions across organizational boundaries.
• Project Leadership: Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, prioritizing effectively and meeting tight deadlines.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to staying current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices in data science.

Career Growth and Development Opportunities

At arenaflex, your career trajectory is limited only by your ambition. We are committed to investing in your professional growth and providing pathways for advancement:

• Leadership Development: Access to comprehensive leadership programs designed to cultivate the next generation of analytical leaders.
• Technical Advancement: Opportunities to work with cutting-edge technologies and methodologies, expanding your expertise in AI, ML, NLP, and cloud-based analytics.
• Cross-Functional Exposure: Experience collaborating across business units, gaining holistic understanding of how analytics powers every aspect of our organization.
• Mentorship Programs: Both receiving guidance from senior leaders and mentoring junior team members, fostering a culture of knowledge sharing.
• Industry Recognition: Platform to present findings at internal and external conferences, building your professional reputation.
• Advanced Training: Generous tuition reimbursement and professional certification support for relevant credentials.

Work Environment and Culture at arenaflex

When you join arenaflex, you become part of a community that values innovation, collaboration, and individual well-being. Here's what makes our workplace special:

• Inclusive Culture: We believe that diverse teams build better solutions. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion creates a workplace where every voice matters and every individual can thrive.
• Work-Life Balance: We understand that your best work happens when you're at your best. We offer flexible work arrangements and support for maintaining healthy work-life integration.
• Collaborative Environment: Join a team of passionate data scientists, analysts, and business partners who work together to solve complex challenges and celebrate shared successes.
• Innovation Focus: We encourage experimentation, calculated risk-taking, and creative problem-solving. Your ideas have the power to shape how we serve our customers.
• Employee Wellness: Comprehensive wellness programs designed to support your physical, mental, and financial well-being.
• Community Impact: Opportunities to participate in initiatives that give back to our communities, from financial literacy programs to environmental sustainability efforts.

Compensation and Benefits

At arenaflex, we recognize that our people are our greatest asset. We offer a competitive Total Rewards package that includes:

• Industry-Leading Salary: Competitive compensation that recognizes your experience, expertise, and contributions.
• Comprehensive Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage for you and your family, with extensive network options.
• Retirement Savings: 401(k) plan with generous company matching to help you build your financial future.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, personal, and sick leave to support work-life balance.
• Parental Leave: Comprehensive parental leave programs for growing families.
• Employee Assistance Program: Confidential support for personal and professional challenges.
• Performance Bonuses: Annual incentive programs that reward individual and organizational success.
• Stock Purchase Plans: Opportunities to share in the company's success through equity programs.

Location and Work Arrangements

This position is based at one of arenaflex's primary operational hubs, where you'll have access to state-of-the-art facilities and collaborative spaces. We maintain a standard operating model that includes on-site work to foster team collaboration and innovation. Candidates must be willing to relocate to one of our posted locations: Chandler, AZ; Minneapolis, MN; West Des Moines, IA; or Charlotte, NC.

Apply Today: Your Future Starts Here

At arenaflex, we believe in investing in our people as much as they invest in us. This is where your true career begins. If you're ready to take the next step in your analytics career, we invite you to apply and join a team that is transforming the future of financial services through the power of data.

Don't miss this opportunity to grow with an industry leader, work on meaningful challenges, and make a lasting impact. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where 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 legally protected characteristic.

Take the first step toward an exciting future—apply now and discover what awaits you at arenaflex.