Actuarial Team Leader – Data Science

Job Title: Actuarial Team Leader – Data Science
Employee Status: Regular
Schedule: Full-time 
Location: Hybrid - defined as three days in office if residence is within 50 miles of Westfield Center, OH or Remote - if residence is over 50 miles from Westfield Center, OH
 

About Us:
You’re ready to make your mark where people care about each other. Where your work is meaningful. And where your unique perspectives are welcome. Think about joining Westfield, a company focused on what’s most important – the people behind our policies.  

Westfield was founded in 1848 by a small group of hard-working farmers who believed in the promise of the future and the power of the individual. Today, as one of the nation’s leading property and casualty (P&C) companies, we remain true to their vision and are dedicated to making a positive difference in our customers’ lives.

Responsibilities :

• Creates and executes strategy to increase organizational data science maturity. Ideates and develops aspirational goals related to AI & ML research and facilitates translation of those goals into milestones and actionable projects. Identifies opportunities for and initiates projects aligned with AI/ML strategy.
• Proactively develops and maintains business partner relationships across the organization (leadership, customers and IT partners) to identify the opportunity for – and to facilitate adoption of – AI and machine learning solutions.
• Leads a team of Data Scientists and/or Actuaries in support of the development and/or research, learning, and application of novel techniques to create solutions for problems. Coaches staff on AI & ML concepts and application of those concepts.
• Leverages data science and analytical experience and skills along with knowledge of the Company’s insurance products and operations to direct and assist in projects. Projects are typically focused on profitability, revenue growth, and/or expense reduction.
• Facilitates the creation and adoption of reusable coding standards and practices, increasing efficiency and speed. Identifies opportunities for improvement of processes and supports process improvement efforts.
• Collaborates with IT partners on hardware (on site and cloud), software, and other infrastructure needed to enable AI and ML strategy
• Facilitates collaboration among data scientists and related roles across the organization to enhance corporate knowledge and effectiveness of AI and Machine Learning
• Coaches data science team on the use of storytelling and data visualization to effectively communicate complex technical, analytical and business concepts.
• Works to establish, maintain and promote ethical AI standards
• Performs talent management responsibilities including employee selection, performance management, coaching, and development. Manages priorities and workload distribution and removes barriers that impede progress. Assists in workforce planning and budgeting.
• Develops and maintains adequate knowledge and awareness of industry activities, trends and procedures through attendance at seminars, reading trade journals and magazines, and through personal contact with other insurance companies, state regulatory bodies and professional affiliations. Stays abreast of research and up and coming techniques in the AI space.
• Travels as necessary to perform other essential functions.

Qualifications:

• 10+ years of industry experience in a data science or advanced analytics role.
• 7+ years of experience building, validating, and applying predictive and prescriptive methods to real world problems.
• 2+ years of direct/indirect leadership experience.
• Experience with mathematical techniques used in data science. Must have experience in at least 4 of the following: predictive analytics, machine learning, unsupervised learning, optimization, simulation.
• Proficient and proven experience scripting in high-level programming language (e.g. Python, R)
• Experience with Git version control system and knowledge of DevOps and agile development practices
• Proficient in SQL including experience writing well-structured and efficient queries
• Experience working with data from a variety of sources (e.g. databases, JSON, text-based, image, and unstructured data)
• Experience with data visualization tools or data visualization within a high-level programming language (e.g. Python, R)
• Excellent storytelling skill set and mastery of communicating complex technical information to a non-technical audience.
• Bachelor's degree with quantitative focus in Econometrics, Statistics, Operations Research, Mathematics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science or related field OR commensurate experience.
• Hands on project management experience
• High intellectual curiosity with ability to develop new knowledge and skills and use new concepts, methods, digital systems and processes to improve performance
• Proven ability to assimilate complex technical material and apply it to problems
• Insurance background/industry experience a plus.
• Valid driver’s license and a driving record that conforms to company standards.
• Physical  essential functions: ability to work 40 hours in an office environment (sitting, standing, on a computer, etc.), operate office related technology (computer, phone, etc.), travel as required.

Westfield offers a Total Rewards program that focuses on compensation, benefits and wellness, and includes perks like 401(k), pension plan, annual incentive, education reimbursement, onsite fitness center or gym reimbursement and casual dress. Work/life balance, recognition, and learning and career development are all part of a rewarding career with Westfield. 

Learn more about current opportunities at www.westfieldinsurance.com/careers.

We are an equal opportunity employer/minority/female/disability/protected veteran.

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