[Remote] Director, AI/ML & Data Science

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Allied Benefit Systems is seeking a Director of AI/ML & Data Science to drive AI initiatives that deliver measurable value in the healthcare benefits domain. The role involves leading the development of predictive models and AI applications, managing a team, and collaborating across various units to ensure impactful AI solutions. Responsibilities • Manage and mentor the data science team to build production-grade AI solutions that address key business needs. Focus on deploying models and ensuring each integration yields concrete business impact • Oversee full model integration with core systems in partnership with engineering. Establish robust MLOps pipelines for continuous deployment, data drift alarms, model operations monitoring, and models retraining You will implement A/B production tracks (i.e., sampling holdouts) ensuring continued measurement of your solutions’ benefits and design models for reuse across multiple applications and teams • In coordination with governance team members, ensure strong AI governance by following ISO 42001 standards and internal SOPs. Serve on the Model Review Board to evaluate new models and user-built AI tools, confirming they meet quality, ethical, and intended-use criteria before and after deployment • Work with technical product owners, engineering, finance, and business stakeholders to align data science projects with desired outcomes. Contribute to cost-benefit and ROI analyses for proposed AI initiatives, helping prioritize projects based on business value, feasibility and user-adoption. Communicate project updates and outcomes to business stakeholders and senior leadership in clear business terms • Evaluate emerging AI technologies and external solutions. Partner with vendors and assess commercial off-the-shelf AI tools to complement internal efforts, ensuring deployed solutions remain current and high performing • Collaborate with peers in AI Quality Assurance, ML Engineering Product, and AI Governance to develop a cohesive, high performing AI Team. Play active role in hiring and mentoring talent across these functions as the program grows • Lead, coach, motivate and develop. Responsible for one-on-one meetings, performance appraisals, growth opportunities and attracting new talent • Clearly communicate expectations, provide employees with the training, resources, and information needed to succeed • Actively engage, coach, counsel and provide timely, and constructive performance feedback Skills • Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field is required • 12+ years in data science or advanced analytics, demonstrated sustained performance with impact at team(s) or department level • At least 5 years at a manager level and successful demonstrated leadership competencies • Proven track record of deploying machine learning models into production with operational maintenance • Experience with PII/PHI in healthcare, insurance, or other regulated industries is required • Deep knowledge of machine learning and statistical techniques (e.g., predictive modeling, NLP) • Hands-on proficiency with Python and core ML libraries (pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow/PyTorch) and data pipeline tools • Able to guide the team on technical issues and review code or model designs • Strong grasp of MLOps and software engineering practices • Familiarity with designing A/B tests or pilot programs to evaluate model performance and business impact over time • Able to connect data science work to business KPIs and customer outcomes • Experience contributing to ROI assessments or cost-benefit analyses of projects • Solid understanding of data privacy, model risk management, and AI ethics in product development • Excellent leadership and communication skills • Proven ability to recruit and develop talent, foster an innovative yet execution-focused team culture, and coordinate efforts across disciplines • Executive presence to present plans and results to senior leaders, translating complex technical topics into actionable insights for business audiences • A Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related discipline is strongly preferred • Experience implementing model versioning, testing, continuous integration/deployment, and monitoring in a cloud environment (Azure preferred) Benefits • Medical • Dental • Vision • Life & Disability Insurance • Generous Paid Time Off • Tuition Reimbursement • EAP • Technology Stipend Company Overview • Allied offers insurance products, self-insurance solutions, custom insurance and healthcare solutions to the individuals and organizations. It was founded in 1980, and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, USA, with a workforce of 501-1000 employees. Its website is Apply tot his job