Manager, Data Science

The Global Fraud Prevention team at PayPal is seeking a Data Science Manager to lead the design and execution of safer experiences for users, specifically focusing on preventing fraud in PayPal Credit products. This role involves leading data science projects, developing and maintaining data models and algorithms, analyzing complex datasets for insights, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring data quality. The manager will also mentor junior data scientists, contributing to continuous learning and improvement within the team.

Must Have

• Lead and manage data science projects
• Develop and maintain data models, algorithms, and reporting systems
• Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand data needs
• Ensure data quality and integrity through regular audits
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists
• Minimum 8 years of relevant work experience
• Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, Finance, Economics or related quantitative discipline
• Proven credit or fraud risk analytics experience
• Proficient in Python, R, SQL
• Proficient in Excel, Powerpoint, Word
• Intuitive, organized analytical thinker and problem solver
• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work with leadership & stakeholders to define project scope

Perks & Benefits

• Flexible work environment
• Employee shares options
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Medical benefits
• Dental benefits
• Vision benefits

The Company

PayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy.

We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.

We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade.

Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.

Job Summary:

The Global Fraud Prevention team is looking for a Data Science Manager to join us as an exceptional problem solver with a passion for data insights and a relentless execution focus. You will lead the design and execution of safer experiences for our users and will work on the complex task of keeping fraudsters away from PayPal Credit products. If you’re looking to make an impact at the red-hot intersection of ePayments, lending and online risk management, you’re at the right place.

Job Description:

Essential Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage data science projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with business goals.
• Develop and maintain data models, algorithms, and reporting systems to support data analysis and decision-making.
• Analyze complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights that drive strategic initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand data needs and provide actionable insights.
• Ensure data quality and integrity through regular audits and validation processes.
• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience and a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience.

Additional Responsibilities & Preferred Qualifications:

Your way to impact:

• You will own & execute fraud prevention strategies for our global merchant lending products

• You will utilize large, complex datasets to make data-driven decisions and answer business questions

• Mentor and guide junior data scientists, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement

In your day-to-day role, you will:

• Conceive, design, and monitor risk management strategies to manage fraud losses and improve business profitability for credit products

• Identify opportunities and gaps within current portfolio of PayPal’s Fraud Risk controls, including continuously evolving fraud trends

• Formulate & propose solutions to ensure optimal balance between user experience, business enablement, operational expense, and loss exposure

• Effectively communicate complex findings and strategy recommendations to both technical and non-technical audience

• Monitor performance of existing & new solutions and optimize to ensure desired results

• Work closely with partners in Risk Platform, Data Science, Operations, Product Management, Legal & Compliance, and other teams to formulate and execute fraud risk solutions

What you need to bring:

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, Finance, Economics or related quantitative discipline

• 8+ years proven credit or fraud risk analytics experience or equivalent

• Must be an intuitive, organized analytical thinker, exceptional problem solver with the ability to perform detailed analysis

• Strong written, oral, and interpersonal skills a must including the ability to explain and/or present analysis

• Aptitude and willingness to roll-up the sleeves and get involved in the details

• Must have good business judgment with demonstrated ability to think creatively and strategically

• Ability to work with leadership & stakeholders to define project scope and direction, driving large pieces of the work independently

• Ability to maintain a flexible work schedule to collaborate effectively with teams across multiple time zones

• Proficient in Python, R, SQL

• Proficient in Excel, Powerpoint & Word