Director, Operations Research & Data Science

Job Summary:

Leader of the labor optimization forecasting and optimization team developing and implementing the vision to modernize processes used to plan and schedule labor across UDX. This involves integrating advanced analytical methodologies and technological capabilities, including the introduction of advanced forecasting methodology, optimization modeling, introduction of new data features to improve accuracy, and maintaining an analytics tool kit for labor optimization. Responsible for researching industry trends, developing strategies, and implementing advanced technologies. Develops the strategy and supports execution of forecasting and optimization improvements across other divisional teams across UDX. Focus areas include workforce planning, demand forecasting, operations research, and guest throughput and experience. Deliver findings through visual tools and presentations that inform and inspire internal stakeholders to make better business decisions. Partner with client groups across UDX and other divisions to identify, plan, and implement enhancements, incorporating feedback to improve accuracy and processes.

Major Responsibilities:

• Lead a team of Data Scientists and Data Science Engineers, while also individually participating in formulating and applying advanced analytical approaches for developing workforce planning, forecasting, operations research, and optimization models across all divisions and parks. Identify, prioritize, and lead and manage efforts to implement advanced model development and optimization techniques across various team verticals and parks. Ensure that all developed code is documented for scalability and future reference, and that it meets UDX requirements. Direct multiple, concurrent complex projects, document progress, and provide regular status updates to executive management.
• Research new operations research and optimization methodologies to improve accuracy and generate incremental business gains in EBITDA, TSAT, or GSAT metrics. Develop strategies to effectively utilize Operations Research tools and processes, integrating enhancements into long-term roadmaps and plans. Anticipate and communicate changes in the workforce planning and labor optimization landscape to the labor transformation team, ensuring the Workforce Analytics System evolves to address these changes. Partner with the labor transformation team in developing new functionalities needed to support new strategies by providing leadership in one or more of the following areas: full life cycle of iterative big data exploration (including algorithm development and data cleansing), algorithm and system testing, or insight generation/visualization.
• Establish key performance tracking metrics and monitor ongoing forecasting performance to improve accuracy rates annually. Validate and optimize workforce planning models, process assumptions, and settings on an ongoing basis. Add, test, and adjust new model enhancements to improve the accuracy of recommendations. Communicate results to executive stakeholders and business partners, incorporating feedback to improve performance.
• Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Industrial Engineering, Operations Research, Management Science, Mathematics, Statistics or equivalent is required.
• Ph.D. degree is preferred.

Experience:

• 10+ years of experience in the field of operations research, optimization, Data Science.
• 7+ years of using Python and SQL minimizing data usage when creating large scripts and in accordance with company policy, clean and aggregate large data sets, and applies data to drive operational insights.
• Experience in machine learning forecasting algorithms and expertise in advanced analytics required.
• Track record of automating and optimizing processes in tight collaboration with operators and BAIE teams to drive efficiency.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

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