Lead Data Scientist

Job Title: Lead Data ScientistLocation: PuneSalary: Upto 22 LPAJob Summary:We are seeking a highly experienced and visionary Lead Data Scientist to spearhead our data-driven initiatives and guide a team of data professionals in developing scalable, impactful solutions. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in machine learning, predictive analytics, and cloud-based model deployment (preferably on Google Cloud Platform - GCP).This role involves leading end-to-end data science projects from problem definition to production deployment, while collaborating with cross-functional teams to transform complex data into actionable business insights that enhance decision-making, optimize user engagement, and drive measurable growth across web and mobile applications, including React-based environments.Key Responsibilities:1. Leadership & Strategy- Lead and mentor a team of Data Scientists and Analysts to design and implement advanced data models and analytics solutions.- Define and drive the organization's data science roadmap aligned with product, business, and customer objectives.- Partner with stakeholders across Product, Engineering, and Business teams to identify high-impact data opportunities.2. Advanced Analytics & Modelling- Lead the design, development, and deployment of machine learning, AI, and predictive models to solve business-critical challenges such as churn prediction, recommendation systems, and behavioral analytics.- Oversee model validation, optimization, and scalability across production environments.- Ensure best practices in experimentation, A/B testing, and statistical analysis to support product and marketing decisions.3. Data Engineering & Integration- Architect robust data collection and integration pipelines across multiple data sources, including Firebase (Firestore, Firebase Analytics) and BigQuery.- Oversee data preprocessing, feature engineering, and ETL pipelines to ensure reliability and performance for modelling and analytics.- Ensure efficient data interoperability across APIs and cloud-based systems.4. Insights & Visualization- Deliver actionable insights through compelling visualizations, dashboards, and presentations for executive and operational stakeholders.- Translate complex analytical findings into clear business recommendations.- Champion data storytelling to influence strategic decisions across departments.5. Cloud Model Deployment & Monitoring- Lead the deployment and operationalization of ML models on Google Cloud Platform (Vertex AI, BigQuery ML) or equivalent public clouds.- Implement robust model tracking, monitoring, and performance management frameworks.- Proactively manage model drift, data quality, and retraining cycles for continuous improvement.6. Collaboration & Communication- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams-Engineering, Product, and UX-to integrate intelligent models into applications (including React and Firebase-hosted systems).- Communicate complex data science concepts and project outcomes effectively to technical and non-technical audiences.Required Skills:- 5+ years of professional experience in Data Science, with at least 2+ years in a lead or managerial capacity.- Proven expertise in machine learning, deep learning, and predictive analytics.- Hands-on experience with Google Cloud Platform (BigQuery, Vertex AI, Cloud Storage, AI Platform) or equivalent cloud infrastructure.- Strong proficiency in Python and related data science libraries (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.).- Experience with Firebase, REST APIs, and cloud-based data integration.- Advanced skills in data visualization and BI tools (Looker Studio, Tableau, or Power BI).- Solid understanding of data architecture, data modeling, and MLOps pipelines.- Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.