Sr. Data Scientist

Summary:

The Data Scientist is responsible for delivering data-driven insights that inform strategic decisions and optimize operational performance. This role performs the development of advanced analytical models, reporting frameworks, and process improvement initiatives. The role ensures alignment between business objectives and analytical outputs, fosters collaboration across departments, and drives innovation in data utilization to enhance efficiency and identify growth opportunities. Provides strategic oversight and operational support to ensure the reliable and timely delivery of services and projects within the Operating Budget and Five-Year Capital Plan. This role is responsible for contributing to the development of operating and capital budgets, monitoring project performance, and ensuring compliance with organizational standards. The position requires close collaboration with the Assistant Executive Director of Operations, department directors, managers, and project teams to align financial and operational objectives.

Applicants are required to be eligible to lawfully work in the United States immediately. This position is not available for H1-B visa sponsorship.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure alignment with organizational goals and operational priorities.
• Translate business objectives into actionable analytical projects and reporting solutions.
• Serve as a liaison between executive leadership and analytics team to communicate insights and recommendations effectively.
• Mentor Senior and Junior Operations Analysts, fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration.
• Monitor progress and ensure timely delivery of high-quality analytical outputs.
• Responsible for the design, development, and validation of complex reports and dashboards for executive leadership, Board of Directors, and departmental stakeholders.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and compliance with organizational standards across all reporting and analytical processes.
• Guide the implementation of advanced statistical models, predictive analytics, and “What-If” scenario modeling to support decision-making.
• Partner with department leaders (e.g., IT, HR, CSC) to define reporting requirements, establish KPIs, and optimize data workflows.
• Coordinate with technology teams to enhance data infrastructure and integrate new tools for improved analytics capabilities.
• Identify opportunities for operational efficiency and lead initiatives to streamline processes through automation and advanced analytics.
• Implement best practices for data governance, security, and usability across all analytical outputs.
• Integrate Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning into Solutions and models
• Contribute to operating and capital budgets for the Operations group.
• Provide input into budget modeling and approval support for the Operations & Maintenance Fund (OMF) and capital plan.
• Track and analyze budget performance, prepare variance reports, and recommend corrective actions.
• Involvement in the procurement process from initiation to contract completion for all Operations departments (Customer Care, Customer Service, IT, and Operations).
• Serve as a liaison with the Procurement Department, ensuring timely and accurate specifications and documentation.
• Monitor active vendor contracts, including service levels, budget spend, and consultant allocations.
• Develop and document standardized processes and reporting requirements for procurement and budgetary activities.
• Provide training and guidance to Operations teams on compliance with procurement and financial procedures.
• Contribute to Board of Directors agenda forecasts, presentations, and supporting documentation.
• Develop analytics and reporting tools to deliver regular updates on project and service delivery performance.
• Maintain cost management systems and issue monthly cost, schedule, trend, and change management reports.

Qualifications:

Minimum:

• Bachelor’s degree in business or computer science, Analytics, Information Technology, Engineering, Management, or related field.
• 7 years of experience in data analytics, operations, or business intelligence
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver actionable insights to senior leadership.
• Strong proficiency in SQL, Python, R, and data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, etc.).
• Strong ability to collaborate across all organizational levels to resolve complex issues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including experience presenting to senior leadership and boards.
• Ability to translate technical concepts into clear, actionable business terms.
• Experience preparing Board actions and audit responses.
• Experience working in cloud environments with data lakes, data warehouses and databases.

Preferred:

• Master’s degree in Analytics, Data Science, or Business Administration.
• Experience with enterprise data warehouse platforms (e.g., Snowflake, Redshift, BigQuery).
• Advanced knowledge of predictive modeling, statistical analysis, and process optimization methodologies.
• 7 years of program and project controls experience.
• 5 years of experience in information technology or toll-related operations.
• 3 years of leadership experience.
• Finance and procurement experience are highly preferred.
• Core Competencies: Strategic Thinking, Leadership & Team Development, Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills, Communication & Stakeholder Management, Technical Expertise in Data Analytics

About NTTA: NTTA is a political subdivision of Texas created to acquire, construct, maintain and operate toll roads in North Texas. As a customer-driven organization, NTTA delivers a safe and reliable toll system for millions of customers each year in one of the fastest growing regions in the United States. NTTA is a vibrant organization with a highly qualified, energized and engaged team focused on achieving Excellence and we are looking for talented individuals to join us.

Our mission: We are committed to providing a safe and reliable toll road system, increase value and mobility options for our customers, operate the Authority in a businesslike manner, protect our bondholders, and partner to meet our region's growing need for transportation infrastructure.