Lead Data Science Consultant – Customer Excellence, NLP & Advanced Machine Learning Analytics

Transform Customer Experience Through Data-Driven Innovation at arenaflex

Are you a seasoned data science professional who thrives on turning complex data into strategic business advantage? Do you have a passion for natural language processing, machine learning, and solving high-impact customer experience challenges? arenaflex is searching for a visionary Lead Data Science Consultant to join our Customer Excellence Data and Analytics (CEDA) organization — a dynamic team dedicated to elevating how we understand, serve, and delight our customers.

At arenaflex, we believe that data is more than numbers — it is the voice of our customers, the blueprint of our innovation, and the foundation of every meaningful decision we make. We are looking for an analytical leader who can blend deep technical expertise with strategic thinking to deliver transformative insights that shape the future of customer engagement across the enterprise.

About arenaflex

arenaflex is a forward-thinking organization committed to excellence, innovation, and impact. We foster a culture where curiosity is celebrated, collaboration is the norm, and every team member is empowered to drive meaningful change. Our work spans advanced analytics, customer strategy, risk management, and digital transformation — all anchored by a commitment to integrity, inclusion, and continuous learning. When you join arenaflex, you become part of a community that invests deeply in your growth, well-being, and long-term career success.

Position Overview

As a Lead Data Science Consultant within the Customer Excellence Data and Analytics team, you will own the full analytics development lifecycle — from data mining and exploratory analysis to the design, validation, and deployment of sophisticated predictive models. You will leverage cutting-edge techniques in Natural Language Processing (NLP), Machine Learning (ML), and Large Language Models (LLMs) to uncover hidden patterns, identify performance opportunities, and deliver actionable insights that influence enterprise-wide strategy.

This is not a back-office analytics role. This is a high-visibility position where your work will directly inform senior leadership decisions, shape customer-facing strategies, and contribute to arenaflex's reputation as a data-driven industry leader.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead Complex Analytical Initiatives: Drive end-to-end data science projects using advanced statistical techniques, algorithms, and machine learning models to generate actionable insights and strategic recommendations with cross-functional impact.
• Build and Validate Predictive Models: Design, develop, and validate predictive models using NLP, ML, and LLM methodologies, ensuring robust performance, fairness, and explainability throughout the model lifecycle.
• Mine and Analyze Data at Scale: Extract, clean, and analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, performance issues, and untapped opportunities that can inform business strategy.
• Strategic Consultation and Collaboration: Partner with peers, colleagues, and mid-to-senior level managers to translate analytical findings into strategies, recommendations, and executable plans that resolve business challenges and achieve organizational goals.
• Mentor and Guide: Serve as a peer mentor and technical leader, providing consultation on data science best practices, methods, and tools to elevate the capabilities of the broader team.
• Design and Execute Experiments: Develop and run complex analytical experiments and innovative statistical models to discover solutions for abstract business problems spanning multiple domains.
• Influence Business Decisions: Interpret analytical findings and recommend strategies that influence business decisions, drive customer outcomes, and support enterprise objectives.
• Communicate with Impact: Translate complex technical concepts into clear, compelling narratives for non-technical audiences across all levels of the organization, ensuring insights drive understanding and action.
• Documentation and Governance: Maintain comprehensive documentation of validation methods, model performance, testing results, and development processes to support governance, audit readiness, and knowledge sharing.

Essential Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of professional data science experience, demonstrated through a combination of work experience, military service, training programs, or advanced education.
• Education: Master's degree or higher in a quantitative discipline such as Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, Physics, Economics, Computer Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• Technical Fluency: Deep proficiency in SAS, Python, and SQL (Teradata), with the ability to design, optimize, and maintain complex analytical queries and pipelines.
• Machine Learning Expertise: Extensive hands-on experience designing, building, and deploying machine learning models across a range of business applications.
• NLP and LLM Experience: Demonstrated experience applying Natural Language Processing techniques, with hands-on Large Language Model (LLM) experience strongly preferred.
• End-to-End Model Development: Proven track record of managing the full model development lifecycle — from discovery and feature engineering through deployment, monitoring, and ongoing validation.
• Model Validation and Testing: Adept at designing and executing rigorous model testing protocols, including explainability assessments, robustness checks, and fairness testing.
• Communication Excellence: Outstanding verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to distill complex analytical concepts into clear, persuasive narratives for diverse audiences.
• Documentation Discipline: Proficient in producing thorough, well-organized documentation that supports model governance, regulatory compliance, and team knowledge transfer.

Core Skills and Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking with a strong business acumen
• Intellectual curiosity and a passion for continuous learning
• Advanced problem-solving skills with the ability to navigate ambiguity
• Strong project leadership capabilities, including the ability to manage multiple workstreams
• Collaborative mindset with a track record of building cross-functional partnerships
• Commitment to ethical data practices, model fairness, and responsible AI
• Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced, evolving environment

Work Environment and Onsite Expectations

This position follows arenaflex's standard operating model, which requires onsite collaboration at one of our designated hub locations. We believe that in-person engagement strengthens innovation, accelerates decision-making, and cultivates the strong team connections that drive exceptional outcomes. Candidates should be prepared to work onsite in one of the following locations:

• Chandler, AZ
• Minneapolis, MN
• West Des Moines, IA
• Charlotte, NC

Please note that remote work is not available for this role. If you are not currently located near one of these offices, you must be willing to relocate within an agreed-upon timeframe. Up to 10% travel may be required to support team collaboration, training, and cross-site initiatives.

Career Growth and Development Opportunities

At arenaflex, career growth is not a perk — it is a promise. We are deeply committed to the professional development of every team member. As a Lead Data Science Consultant, you will have access to:

• Personalized career development planning and dedicated mentorship from senior leaders
• Continuous learning opportunities, including advanced training in emerging AI, ML, and NLP technologies
• Participation in enterprise-wide innovation initiatives and cross-functional projects
• Leadership development programs designed to prepare you for director-level and beyond opportunities
• Industry conference attendance, professional certification support, and access to cutting-edge research collaborations
• A culture that recognizes, rewards, and celebrates both individual contributions and team success

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

arenaflex offers a comprehensive Total Rewards program designed to support your financial well-being, physical health, and work-life balance. Our benefits package is among the most competitive in the industry and includes:

• Highly competitive base salary with performance-based incentive opportunities
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Generous paid time off, holiday schedules, and parental leave programs
• Retirement savings plans with company matching contributions
• Wellness programs focused on physical, mental, and emotional health
• Tuition reimbursement and education assistance for continuous learning
• Employee resource groups that foster inclusion, belonging, and community engagement
• Flexible work arrangements and resources to support work-life integration

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer that is deeply committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We believe that a workforce reflecting a wide range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds drives better decisions, stronger innovation, and more meaningful outcomes for our customers and communities. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are also committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require an accommodation during the application or interview process, please reach out to our accommodations team for support.

Why This Role, Why Now

The Customer Excellence Data and Analytics organization is at the forefront of arenaflex's transformation journey. Customer expectations are evolving rapidly, and the ability to harness data, machine learning, and language technologies has never been more critical. As a Lead Data Science Consultant, you will be the analytical engine driving that transformation — building the models, uncovering the insights, and shaping the strategies that define how arenaflex serves millions of customers.

This is a role for someone who wants more than a job. It is a role for someone who wants to lead, to innovate, and to leave a lasting mark on an organization that values excellence, invests in its people, and is committed to making a difference.

Take the Next Step

If you are a data science leader ready to make a measurable impact — someone who combines technical depth with strategic vision, and who is driven by the challenge of turning data into action — we invite you to apply today. Join arenaflex and help us shape the future of customer excellence through the power of data, analytics, and innovation. Your next great chapter starts here.