Senior Data Science Manager

Senior Manager, Data Science

Industry: Information & Analytics / AI & Technology

Location: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Employment Type: Full-time

Work Arrangement: Flexible

Role Overview

A global information and analytics organisation is seeking a Senior Manager, Data Science to define and lead AI and data science strategy across products, customers, and business functions.

This leadership role will oversee the development of advanced AI systems spanning machine learning, natural language processing, information retrieval, search, recommendation systems, experimentation, and generative AI. The successful candidate will lead technical teams through the full AI lifecycle, from research and experimentation through production, while ensuring solutions align with customer needs and measurable business outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Define and execute AI and data science strategy across machine learning, NLP, search, recommendation, experimentation, and generative AI.
• Align data science initiatives with product roadmaps, customer requirements, and broader business priorities.
• Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing technical teams, establishing priorities and fostering a collaborative culture of scientific rigor and innovation.
• Oversee the development and deployment of advanced AI and knowledge-discovery systems from experimentation through production.
• Drive the development of AI solutions incorporating LLMs, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), semantic search, embeddings, and agentic workflows .
• Establish robust frameworks for AI evaluation, quality measurement, experimentation, and responsible AI.
• Define metrics and processes that ensure AI solutions deliver reliable, scalable, and measurable outcomes.
• Partner with senior leaders across product, technology, and business functions to shape strategic roadmaps.
• Translate complex technical concepts and data science insights into clear recommendations and business decisions.
• Identify opportunities to apply emerging AI technologies to improve products, customer experiences, and business performance.
• Guide teams in developing scalable, maintainable, production-ready AI and machine learning systems.
• Manage priorities and resources across multiple initiatives in a complex product and technology environment.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Significant professional experience in data science, AI/ML, NLP, information retrieval, statistics, or a related quantitative discipline , or equivalent practical experience.
• Strong technical expertise across modern data science and AI methodologies, including:
• Machine learning
• Deep learning
• Statistical modelling
• Experimentation
• Generative AI
• Production AI systems
• Hands-on experience delivering AI-powered products and solutions.
• Strong experience with modern AI technologies, including:
• Large language models (LLMs)
• Retrieval-augmented generation (RAG)
• Semantic search
• Embeddings
• Agentic workflows
• Knowledge-driven AI systems
• Proven experience leading and developing technical teams within complex product, platform, research, or technology environments.
• Experience working with large and complex datasets.
• Demonstrated ability to design and deliver scalable, maintainable, production-ready AI/ML systems.
• Strong understanding of the complete AI development lifecycle, from experimentation and evaluation through deployment and ongoing optimisation.
• Excellent strategic thinking, prioritisation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments and translate complex challenges into clear strategies and measurable outcomes.

Leadership & Collaboration

The successful candidate will be comfortable operating at both strategic and technical levels, balancing long-term AI strategy with practical delivery.

You will work closely with product, engineering, technology, research, and business leaders to identify opportunities, shape roadmaps, and ensure data science initiatives deliver meaningful customer and commercial impact.

Strong people leadership is essential, including the ability to coach technical talent, establish clear objectives, manage competing priorities, and create an environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and high-quality technical work.

What You'll Bring

• Strategic leadership across AI and data science.
• Strong technical depth across modern machine learning and generative AI.
• Experience taking AI solutions from research or experimentation into production.
• A strong understanding of AI evaluation, experimentation, and responsible AI practices.
• The ability to connect technical innovation with product and business outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills and confidence engaging with senior stakeholders.
• A track record of building and developing high-performing technical teams.

Working Environment

The organisation supports flexible working practices designed to promote productivity and work-life balance. Employees may have access to wellbeing initiatives, parental leave, professional development and study support, and other programmes designed to support long-term career growth.

Compensation

For the Amsterdam-based position, the indicative base salary range is €100,400–€167,300 , subject to experience, qualifications, and applicable employment terms.