Director of Operations, Data Science

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Director of Operations, Data Science based in Portugal.

This is a senior, cross-functional role connecting business strategy, data science, technology, and client delivery.
You will help turn complex data and analytical capabilities into practical solutions that improve business performance.
The role combines operational leadership with product-oriented thinking and hands-on Agile development management.
You will coordinate high-impact data science workstreams across strategy, growth, finance, technology, and other teams.
You will also support client engagements, workshops, and business development opportunities by translating technical insights into clear business value.
The environment is collaborative and fast-moving, bringing together technologists, data scientists, creators, and subject-matter experts.
This is an opportunity to shape how data, intelligence, and AI-enabled capabilities are applied to solve meaningful business challenges.

• Lead business optimization strategy: Act as a key liaison between business stakeholders and the Data Science team, helping identify opportunities where data and analytics can address organizational priorities and improve outcomes.
• Coordinate cross-functional initiatives: Facilitate collaboration across Growth, Strategy, Enablement, Finance, technology, product, and other business functions to ensure data science priorities align with broader organizational and technology roadmaps.
• Manage Agile delivery: Work with senior data science leadership to identify and prioritize high-impact initiatives, translate business requirements into technical direction, and manage epics, backlogs, sprint planning, grooming, reviews, and ongoing delivery.
• Support data science projects: Partner with opportunity owners and project leads to develop data-driven solutions for selected clients, helping move initiatives from business requirements through execution and delivery.
• Facilitate client engagement: Participate in in-person client workshops, requirements-gathering sessions, results presentations, and business development meetings, helping connect technical capabilities with client needs.
• Translate data into business insights: Turn complex datasets, analytical outputs, and technical concepts into clear, compelling recommendations that can be understood and acted upon by executives, clients, and cross-functional teams.
• Coordinate with technical teams: Work closely with data science, agency technology, product, and other technical stakeholders to ensure priorities, dependencies, and delivery plans remain aligned.
• Support data-driven tools and reporting: Help guide the development and use of dashboards, analytics solutions, and intelligence tools that enable better business decisions.
• Drive operational excellence: Establish effective processes for prioritization, communication, delivery tracking, and continuous improvement across data science workstreams.

Requirements:

• Strategic and product-oriented experience: Demonstrated experience connecting business priorities with technical or data-driven solutions, ideally with a background in product ownership, operations, strategy, or data science program management.
• Data science exposure: Strong understanding of how data science teams operate and how analytical capabilities can be translated into practical business solutions.
• Agile delivery management: Experience managing Agile development processes, including epic planning, backlog prioritization, sprint planning, backlog grooming, sprint reviews, and delivery coordination.
• Cross-functional leadership: Ability to facilitate conversations and align stakeholders across business, technology, data, finance, strategy, and other functions.
• Client-facing capability: Comfortable participating in client workshops, requirements sessions, presentations, and business development discussions.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain sophisticated analytical or technical concepts in clear, accessible business language.
• Technical understanding: Solid knowledge of database concepts and familiarity with data, analytics, and technology environments.
• Project management tools: Comfortable working with project management and collaboration platforms such as Jira or comparable tools.
• Business intelligence: Experience with Tableau, Power BI, or similar BI platforms and the ability to understand how dashboards and visualizations can support decision-making.
• Leadership and influence: Ability to prioritize competing demands, build alignment, facilitate productive discussions, and drive initiatives forward without relying solely on formal authority.
• Problem-solving mindset: Strong analytical thinking and the ability to identify opportunities, clarify ambiguous requirements, and develop practical approaches to complex business challenges.
• Collaborative approach: Comfortable working alongside data scientists, technologists, knowledge workers, subject-matter experts, and business leaders in a dynamic environment.

Benefits:

• Annual compensation range of $119,000–$160,000 , depending on experience.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance.
• 401(k) benefits.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Vacation, personal days, and paid holidays.
• Disability and life insurance options.
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans, subject to applicable plan terms.
• Opportunity to work remotely.
• Collaborative environment focused on data, technology, innovation, and meaningful business impact.
• Inclusive workplace culture that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives, strengths, and contributions.