Head of Data Science: skills & capabilities the market requires
Based on 572 real Head of Data Science job postings, here is what companies actually require for this role today: the capabilities that define it, the hard skills named most often, the scope expected, typical experience and pay. The market leans hardest on Technical Depth (73%) and Data & Analytics (69%).
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Core capabilities for a Head of Data Science
- Technical Depth — required in 73% of postings
- Data & Analytics — required in 69% of postings
- Executive Communication — required in 59% of postings
- Strategic Leadership — required in 43% of postings
- Cross-functional Leadership — required in 37% of postings
- People Leadership — required in 23% of postings
- Risk, Security & Compliance — required in 21% of postings
Most-required hard skills
- Machine Learning
- Python
- Data Analysis
- Data Science
- Sql
- Statistical Analysis
- Data Visualization
Leadership & soft skills
- Communication
- Problem-Solving
- Leadership
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
Scope, experience & pay
Head of Data Science roles expect deal / M&A experience in 0% of postings, IPO or capital markets in 1%, and transformation in 7%. Typical stated experience: 7.5 years. Pay signal from postings (base): $204K–$262K.
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