Senior Manager of Data Science

Employment Type: Full-Time Location Type: Remote (U.S. only, excluding California, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and New York)

Position Overview

The Zebra is revolutionizing how connected consumers research and shop for insurance. We are seeking a Senior Manager of Data Science who brings both deep technical expertise and strong leadership acumen to guide our data science strategy and execution. In this hybrid leadership role, you’ll lead a small team of data scientists while also contributing directly to high-impact projects, particularly in the areas of modeling, personalization, and data-informed product strategy. You’ll shape the vision of data science across the company, scale team capabilities, and ensure the delivery of measurable business outcomes. This position is ideal for someone who thrives at the intersection of strategic leadership and hands-on problem-solving—someone who enjoys mentoring others and scaling high-performing teams, while also staying close to the work that drives innovation and impact.

Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and scale a team of 2 data scientists, fostering a culture of excellence, curiosity, and impact.
• Define and drive the data science roadmap in alignment with business and product goals, in collaboration with the Principal Data Scientist.
• Provide technical oversight and ensure scientific rigor across all data science initiatives.
• Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and business stakeholders to integrate data science into decision-making and customer-facing products.
• Act as a key voice in cross-functional planning and strategic initiatives involving data science.

Hands-On Technical Leadership

• Stay hands-on with critical projects: prototyping new models, evaluating methodologies, and conducting advanced analyses.
• Lead by example in setting the bar for technical quality, code review, reproducibility, and ethical data use.
• Coach and mentor team members through technical and professional development.
• Contribute to hiring strategy, recruiting, and onboarding to support team growth.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in data science or advanced analytics.
• 2+ years in a leadership role (managing individual contributors).
• Proven track record of delivering data science solutions that drive business impact.
• Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks.
• Experience working within the SDLC and operationalizing ML models, including writing and maintaining production-level code.
• Deep understanding of statistical modeling, causal inference, experimentation, and/or machine learning.
• Strong people management and team-building skills.
• Excellent communication skills with experience influencing senior leadership and cross-functional partners.

Experience That Will Impress the Heck Out of Us

• Experience working in startups.
• Background in insurance, financial services, or eCommerce.
• Experience with modern data and ML tooling (e.g., Snowflake, dbt, Looker, Hex, etc.).
• Familiarity with data governance, responsible AI, or MLOps.

Company Information

The Zebra, named a Best Place to Work in Austin four years running, is revolutionizing how connected consumers research and shop for insurance. We intentionally strive to build diverse teams that feel inclusive for all. Our motto is "All Stripes Welcome," and we put that into practice by valuing both traditional and non-conventional backgrounds and perspectives. Our Zeebs are passionate about learning, growing, & working together to tackle exciting problems.

Location Details

Employees can choose to work remotely in the U.S. or join us in our Austin, Texas office, or opt for a hybrid setup. We support what works best for you!

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive Compensation & Stock Option Offering
• Health, Dental, Vision
• Inclusive and healthy environments are crafted intentionally.
• All employees can join and participate in (or create your own!) Employee Resource Groups.