Director, Data Science and Forecasting
Edwards Lifesciences
Summary
The Director, Data Science & Forecasting sits at the intersection of Corporate Finance (FP&A), advanced analytics, and enterprise planning. This leader is responsible for defining and executing the Finance forecasting and scenario modeling strategy, leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI capabilities to improve planning accuracy, decision quality, and business performance.
Job description
The Director will establish and lead an Advanced Forecasting Center of Excellence (CoE) that enables data-driven decision making across Finance. This role will oversee the development and deployment of forecasting models, scenario planning frameworks, and predictive analytics capabilities while ensuring strong governance, scalability, and adoption across the enterprise. The position serves as a strategic advisor to the VP, Corporate FP&A and plays a key role in advancing planning capabilities within Anaplan and other enterprise planning systems.
How you’ll make an impact:
- Establish and execute the Finance forecasting and advanced analytics strategy, including the roadmap for predictive forecasting, scenario planning, AI/ML applications, and decision-support capabilities across Corporate Finance.
- Lead the Advanced Forecasting Center of Excellence, establishing standards for model governance, validation, documentation, forecasting methodologies, reusable frameworks, and planning playbooks.
- Provide strategic direction and oversight for the design, deployment, and continuous improvement of forecasting models, including time-series forecasting, driver-based models, AI/ML algorithms, and probabilistic scenario modeling used for key financial outcomes such as revenue, margins, operating expenses, cash flow, and workforce planning.
- Partner with FP&A, Finance leaders, and business stakeholders to integrate data-driven forecasting insights into planning, resource allocation, performance management, and strategic decision making.
- Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to executive leadership, communicating complex analytical findings, risks, opportunities, and recommendations in a clear and actionable manner.
- Collaborate with Data, Digital, and IT teams to improve data quality, data governance, automation, and scalable analytics infrastructure that supports forecasting and planning capabilities.
- Drive innovation through evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies, advanced analytics techniques, AI capabilities, and forecasting methodologies that improve business outcomes and competitive advantage.
Requirements
- Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Finance, Biostatistics, or related quantitative field required.
- Master's Degree preferred.
- PhD preferred for highly advanced modeling and predictive analytics environments.
- 10+ years of experience in data science, forecasting, advanced analytics, quantitative modeling, finance analytics, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience developing and operationalizing forecasting and predictive models used to drive business decisions.
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving Finance, FP&A, Data & Analytics, IT, and business stakeholders.
- Experience building analytics capabilities, governance frameworks, centers of excellence, or enterprise planning solutions.
Benefits
- Competitive salaries
- Performance-based incentives
- Comprehensive benefits programs
Company overview
Edwards Lifesciences (NYSE: EW) is the leading global structural heart innovation company, driven by a passion to improve patient lives. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Irvine, California, the company specializes in developing breakthrough technologies for cardiovascular diseases. As a pioneer in the medical device industry, Edwards focuses on transcatheter heart valves, surgical heart valves, hemodynamic monitoring systems, and vascular solutions. The company's patient-focused culture inspires its 16,000+ employees worldwide to deliver life-changing innovations that address complex heart health challenges. Edwards serves patients in over 100 countries through its comprehensive portfolio of products including the SAPIEN transcatheter heart valve system, INSPIRIS surgical valves, and advanced monitoring technologies. With a commitment to research and development, the company invests 17-18% of its revenue back into R&D efforts, maintaining its position at the forefront of structural heart innovation. Edwards Lifesciences has impacted over one million patients globally through its transformative medical technologies.