Senior Data Scientist

Let's Talk About the Role

VF Corporation is seeking an exceptional Senior Data Scientist to help accelerate our Data & AI transformation. This role combines advanced data science, machine learning, and Generative AI expertise with the opportunity to solve complex business challenges across some of the world's most iconic apparel and footwear brands.

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will partner with business, product, engineering, and technology teams to design, develop, and deploy scalable AI and machine learning solutions that deliver measurable business value. From demand forecasting and marketing optimization to Generative AI applications and intelligent automation, you'll translate ambiguous business opportunities into production-ready solutions that influence decision-making across VF.

This is an opportunity to work at the forefront of Applied AI, helping shape how VF leverages machine learning, large language models, and modern AI technologies to deliver innovative experiences for consumers and associates worldwide.

What You Will Do

Driving Business Impact Through Data Science

• Develop advanced machine learning solutions that improve decision-making across marketing, merchandising, supply chain, planning, and digital commerce.
• Design and implement predictive models, forecasting solutions, and optimization algorithms to solve complex business problems.
• Translate business challenges into analytical approaches that drive measurable outcomes and ROI.
• Partner with stakeholders to identify opportunities where AI and advanced analytics can create competitive advantage.

Build and Scale AI Solutions

• Design, develop, and produce machine learning and Generative AI applications.
• Build and deploy solutions powered by large language models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), AI agents, and multimodal AI capabilities.
• Evaluate, fine-tune, and optimize AI models using both proprietary and open-source frameworks.
• Ensure AI solutions are scalable, reliable, secure, and aligned with responsible AI principles.

Lead End-to-End Model Development

• Partner with Data Engineers to acquire, prepare, and manage large-scale data sets.
• Develop and validate statistical, machine learning, deep learning, and forecasting models.
• Monitor model performance and continuously improve solutions through experimentation and optimization.
• Establish best practices for model development, testing, deployment, and lifecycle management.

Influence Across Functions

• Present technical findings and business recommendations to leadership and non-technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Product Managers, Data Engineers, DevOps teams, UX designers, Legal, and Operations partners.
• Advocate for data-driven decision making and support broader adoption of AI solutions across the enterprise.
• Serve as a trusted technical expert and thought partner on Data Science and AI initiatives.

Skills for Success

We are looking for a highly skilled data scientist who combines deep technical expertise with strong business acumen and stakeholder leadership.

Data Science & Machine Learning

• Expertise in machine learning techniques including regression, classification, clustering, recommendation systems, forecasting, and optimization.
• Strong foundation in statistics, hypothesis testing, experimental design, and predictive analytics.
• Experience developing and deploying production-ready machine learning models.
• Advanced knowledge of time-series forecasting methodologies and model evaluation techniques.

Generative AI & AI Engineering

• Experience designing and deploying enterprise Generative AI solutions.
• Proficiency working with large language models, prompt engineering, model evaluation, and fine-tuning techniques.
• Experience building solutions using RAG architectures, vector databases, embeddings, and knowledge retrieval systems.
• Experience developing AI agents, autonomous workflows, and orchestration frameworks.
• Understanding of responsible AI practices, governance, explainability, privacy, and risk management.

Programming & Data Platforms

• Advanced Python development skills with expertise in data science and machine learning libraries.
• Strong SQL and data engineering capabilities supporting large-scale analytics environments.
• Experience using cloud-based data and AI platforms, preferably Azure Databricks.
• Familiarity with distributed data processing, MLOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and model lifecycle management.

Leadership & Communication

• Ability to translate complex technical concepts into actionable business insights.
• Proven ability to influence decisions across cross-functional teams and leadership groups.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work effectively in ambiguous environments.
• Collaborative mindset with a passion for mentoring, knowledge sharing, and continuous learning.

Preferred Technologies

Experience with many of the following technologies is preferred:

• Python, Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow
• Azure Databricks, Delta Lake, MLflow, Unity Catalog
• LangChain, LangGraph, OpenAI APIs, Model Context Protocol (MCP)
• Vector databases and RAG architectures
• Azure DevOps, Git, CI/CD workflows
• Streamlit or similar application frameworks

Education & Experience

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Data Science, Computer Science, Machine Learning, Applied Mathematics, Engineering, or a related field.
• Typically 5+ years of progressive experience developing and deploying advanced analytics, machine learning, or AI solutions.
• Experience delivering solutions in retail, consumer products, apparel, eCommerce, or consulting environments is a plus.
• Proven record of successfully translating business problems into scalable, production-ready AI and data science solutions.

Hiring Range:

Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.

Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com  and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.

Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.

At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual’s race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at [email protected]. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.

Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.