Manager leading a data science team at LendingTree, responsible for ML model development and deployment. Team works on machine learning and AI solutions for financial services using Python, SQL, and cloud platforms like AWS SageMaker.
*PLEASE NOTE: this position is located in Charlotte, NC and requires attendance at our Southend office three days a week.*
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. LendingTree and its affiliates (“LendingTree”) will not provide or assume sponsorship for employment visas for this position, now or in the future.
The Opportunity
Data Science and AI are reshaping how consumers find better financial outcomes, and LendingTree is building what’s next. We’re looking for a Manager, Data Science to lead the team behind our models and define where they go from here. This is a role for a leader who loves both the craft and the people: you’ll set the technical vision, grow a team of data scientists into tomorrow’s leaders, and make sure every model we ship drives measurable business results.
You’ll chart the team’s road map, from spotting where machine learning and AI can create the most value to taking solutions from prototype to production at scale. If you’re equally comfortable debating model architecture, weighing business tradeoffs, and developing great talent, this is your chance to shape the future of data science at LendingTree.
How You’ll Make an Impact
Lead, mentor, and develop a team of data scientists, fostering technical excellence, growth, and scientific rigor.
Partner with senior stakeholders to identify and prioritize the opportunities where machine learning and AI can deliver the most value.
Oversee the design, development, and deployment of scalable, reproducible models, and guide the team through data acquisition, feature engineering, and the full model lifecycle from prototype to production.
Promote best practices in experimentation, modeling, validation, and monitoring, and raise standards for documentation, testing, versioning, and code review.
Champion explainability, fairness, and reliability in every model-driven solution.
Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable insights for technical and business audiences, and drive alignment across business units so models meet real-world needs.
Who You’ll Work With
You’ll lead a team of data scientists and work hand in hand with engineering, MLOps, product, analytics, and platform leaders, as well as senior business stakeholders. This is a highly collaborative role: you’ll be a trusted partner in building data-driven decision-making into our products and operations, and a hands-on guide for your team where it counts.
What You’ll Bring
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Statistics, or a related field (PhD a plus).
7+ years of experience in applied data science, including experience in a leadership or people management role.
A track record of leading teams through the full ML lifecycle: data preparation, modeling, validation, deployment, and monitoring.
Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, and data science libraries (NumPy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow).
Experience with cloud-based ML platforms (AWS SageMaker or Snowpark preferred).
A solid understanding of MLOps, reproducibility, and governance practices.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, with a history of business impact.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence technical and executive audiences.
What Will Help You Thrive
Experience in fintech or other data-rich, high-scale consumer businesses.
A background in software engineering, model deployment, or data platform integration.
Experience managing hybrid teams (on-site and remote).
In-depth knowledge of GenAI and LLM capabilities, ideally including building Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) and agentic workflows.
Curiosity, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for continuous learning.
Comfort in fast-paced, highly ambiguous, cross-functional environments, and a drive to build scalable, responsible, and impactful data science and AI solutions that move the business forward.
What Success Looks Like
Models move from prototype to production reliably, with consistent standards for testing, documentation, versioning, and monitoring.
Data science and AI work is prioritized with business partners and tied to measurable outcomes.
Stakeholders across Analytics, Product, and Platform see the team as a trusted partner and use its insights to make decisions.
Your team is growing technically and professionally, with clear development paths and strong engagement.
Life at LendingTree
We’re a collaborative, entrepreneurial team that’s curious, creative, and always ready to roll up our sleeves and get things done. You’ll work alongside smart, driven people who care about doing great work — and about helping each other succeed.
We believe the best ideas come from different perspectives, and we’re committed to creating a workplace where people feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to make an impact. You’ll have the trust and flexibility to do your best work, the opportunity to take ownership and try new things, and teammates who genuinely enjoy working together.
And while we work hard, we don’t take ourselves too seriously. We celebrate wins, recognize great work (our GSD — Get Stuff Done — Award is a fan favorite), and make time to have some fun along the way.
Come grow with us, make an impact, and help us build what’s next.
What We Offer
We want you to feel supported at work and beyond. Our benefits and programs are designed to help you stay healthy, recharge, plan for the future, and bring your best to whatever matters most to you.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) matching
Generous time off
Wellness programs and resources
Annual performance bonus eligibility
The Details
Base Pay:
The base pay for this position is $170,000-215,000; compensation offered varies based on location, internal factors, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
Incentive Compensation: This position is eligible for an annual performance bonus.
Work Authorization: This role is not eligible for immigration sponsorship. Please do not apply for this role if you will need employer sponsorship now or in the future to begin or continue employment.
Everyone Belongs Here
LendingTree is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion (or creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.
If you believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or to submit an application, please email us at [email protected].
