Director – Data Science (Practice Head - India)

Company Description

Blend is a premier AI services provider, committed to co-creating meaningful impact for its clients through the power of data science, AI, technology, and people. With a mission to fuel bold visions, Blend tackles significant challenges by seamlessly aligning human expertise with artificial intelligence. The company is dedicated to unlocking value and fostering innovation for its clients by harnessing world-class people and data-driven strategy. We believe that the power of people and AI can have a meaningful impact on your world, creating more fulfilling work and projects for our people and clients. For more information, visit www.blend360.com

Job Description

Leadership

• Define and execute the overall vision and strategy for the Data Science practice aligned with business goals.
• Build, mentor, and inspire large high-performing data science team (50+) 
• Establish best practices, governance frameworks, and delivery standards across the practice.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning in AI/ML and GenAI.
• Represent the practice in global leadership forums and align with cross-functional leaders on strategic initiatives.

Delivery

• Oversee end-to-end execution of AI & analytics programs ensuring quality, timeliness, and business impact.
• Hands-on lead large Data Science engagement with Hands-on approach, maintaining profit margin and driving growth.
• Drive adoption of standardized delivery methodologies, documentation, and model lifecycle management.
• Review key projects for solution quality, stakeholder alignment, and measurable outcomes.
• Implement project governance mechanisms to monitor risks, escalations, and dependencies proactively.
• Ensure client satisfaction through proactive communication, performance tracking, and continuous improvement.

Resourcing & Recruitment

• Plan and manage resourcing across engagements based on skill demand, pipeline, and growth forecasts.
• Maintain right bench and meet resource utilization target while meeting the business need
• Lead hiring and onboarding of top data science talent, ensuring skill diversity and role alignment.
• Collaborate with HR and leadership to design competency frameworks and career paths.
• Drive upskilling and internal mobility programs.

Solutioning & Business Development

• Partner with sales and account teams to design compelling AI/ML and GenAI solutions for clients.
• Translate business problems into technical solution architectures and value propositions.
• Contribute to proposals, RFPs, and client pitches through impactful demos, case studies, and accelerators.
• Build and maintain reusable solution assets and accelerators for faster go-to-market.
• Serve as a thought leader by representing the firm at client forums, industry events, and publication

Qualifications

Mandatory Skillset

• 15+ years of experience in the Data Science and Analytics services industry.
• Proven hands-on expertise in applied Machine Learning, AI, and advanced analytics.
• 8+ years of leadership experience managing and mentoring high-performing Data Science teams.
• Strong programming foundation in Python, R, SQL, NoSQL, and Spark, with practical exposure to ML tools and major cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proficiency in Python libraries such as NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, TensorFlow, Scrapy, and BERT.
• Deep technical expertise in Generative AI, including model development, fine-tuning, and solution design.
• Strong understanding of machine learning, deep learning, data mining, and statistical modeling techniques.
• Demonstrated success in solving complex business problems and delivering AI-driven solutions across industries such as Retail, CPG, BFSI, Marketing, Healthcare, and Hospitality

Desired Skillset

• Experience in sales enablement, business development, or client solutioning.
• Exposure to building and deploying solutions in Data Engineering, BI, or Reporting domains.
• Strong understanding of MLOps, data governance, and end-to-end model lifecycle management.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, emerging technologies, and regulatory requirements in AI and financial services.
• Experience collaborating with global, cross-functional teams in a matrix organization.
• Thought leadership through publications, conference talks, or accelerator development preferred

Additional Information

Thrive & Grow With Us:

• Competitive Salary: Your skills and contributions are highly valued here, and we make sure your salary reflects that, rewarding you fairly for the knowledge and experience you bring to the table. 
• Dynamic Career Growth: Our vibrant environment offers you the opportunity to grow rapidly, providing the right tools, mentorship, and experiences to fast-track your career.
• Idea Tanks: Innovation lives here. Our "Idea Tanks" are your playground to pitch, experiment, and collaborate on ideas that can shape the future.
• Growth Chats: Dive into our casual "Growth Chats" where you can learn from the best—whether it's over lunch or during a laid-back session with peers, it's the perfect space to grow your skills.
• Snack Zone: Stay fuelled and inspired! In our Snack Zone, you'll find a variety of snacks to keep your energy high and ideas flowing.
• Recognition & Rewards: We believe great work deserves to be recognized. Expect regular Hive-Fives, shoutouts and the chance to see your ideas come to life as part of our reward program.
• Fuel Your Growth Journey with Certifications: We’re all about your growth groove! Level up your skills with our support as we cover the cost of your certifications.