Lead Data Scientist II

Description

This is a pivotal leadership role within Operations Digital Solutions (ODS), divisional Analytics organization supporting all Global functions and markets across Data Engineering, Business Intelligence, Data Management, Advanced Analytics, Data Science, and Operations Research.

The role is responsible for shaping and delivering high-impact analytical solutions to complex, large-scale business problems. It combines deep expertise in Operations Research with modern Data Science and AI techniques, bridging optimization, simulation, and decision science with machine learning, predictive analytics, and data-driven product development.

As a Lead, you will not only develop advanced analytics solutions but also set technical direction, mentor analysts and data scientists, and elevate analytics maturity across FedEx Global entities, including enablement of “citizen data scientists” in business functions through coaching and training.

Areas of Responsibility

1. Advanced Analytics, Data Science & Operations Research

Support critical Global business processes and strategic initiatives through end-to-end analytical solutions.

• Frame ambiguous business problems into well-defined analytical, data science, or optimization problems
• Identify required data, assess availability and quality, and define data acquisition strategies
• Design, build, and evaluate advanced analytical models, including:
  • Operations Research (optimization, simulation, network design, scheduling, capacity planning)
  • Machine learning and predictive modeling
  • Prescriptive analytics and decision intelligence
  • Artificial intelligence techniques (e.g., NLP, information retrieval, graph and network analysis)
  • Generative AI
  • Geospatial analytics, statistical and mathematical programming
• Integrate OR models with data science pipelines to enable scalable, data-driven decision-making
• Prototype analytical applications and decision-support tools in collaboration with engineering teams
• Apply advanced visualization techniques to communicate insights, trade-offs, and recommendations clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Document methodologies, assumptions, and results to ensure transparency, reproducibility, and knowledge reuse
• Lead or support training sessions; mentor analysts and data scientists; coach business users and citizen data scientists across the globe

2. Advisory, Technical Leadership & Project Delivery

Act as a trusted analytics advisor and technical leader for business functions.

• Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities where advanced analytics, data science, and OR can create measurable business value
• Recommend analytics approaches, solution architectures, tooling, and resource needs aligned with business strategies
• Provide hands-on technical guidance and design oversight for complex analytics and OR initiatives
• Collaborate closely with Data Engineering, BI, and Data Management teams to ensure robust, scalable, and production-ready solutions
• Translate business requirements into analytical problem formulations and technical specifications
• Lead or contribute to project planning, execution, and delivery; track progress and success metrics
• Prepare and present executive-level updates, outcomes, and recommendations
• Support change management and adoption of analytics solutions

To Be Successful in This Role, You Will Need

Education & Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Operations Research, or a related quantitative field; PhD preferred
• Minimum 8 years of hands-on experience in Operations Research, Data Science, and advanced analytics
• Experience in Supply Chain, Air Network, Transportation, or Pickup & Delivery is strongly preferred

Technical & Analytical Skills

• Deep expertise in optimization, simulation, and quantitative modeling
• Strong data science foundation, including machine learning, statistical modeling, and predictive analytics
• Ability to combine OR and data science techniques into integrated, scalable solutions
• Strong data exploration, modeling, and visualization capabilities
• Curiosity-driven mindset with the ability to independently ask the right questions, learn continuously, and solve novel problems

Business & Leadership Skills

• Strong understanding of business fundamentals and operational decision-making
• Ability to engage, influence, and communicate effectively with senior business stakeholders
• Proven capability to lead technically, mentor others, and raise overall analytics maturity
• Comfortable operating in ambiguity and adapting to evolving business priorities and technology platforms
• Strong professional skills: influencing and persuasion, judgment and decision-making, planning and organizing
• Project management experience or certification is a plus

Language

• Fluency in written and spoken English

FedEx was built on a philosophy that puts people first, one we take seriously. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and we are committed to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workforce in which we enforce fair treatment, and provide growth opportunities for everyone.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of age, race, color, national origin, genetics, religion, gender, marital status, pregnancy (including childbirth or a related medical condition), physical or mental disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws, regulations, and ordinances.

Our Company

FedEx is one of the world's largest express transportation companies and has consistently been selected as one of the top 10 World’s Most Admired Companies by "Fortune" magazine. Every day FedEx delivers for its customers with transportation and business solutions, serving more than 220 countries and territories around the globe. We can serve this global network due to our outstanding team of FedEx team members, who are tasked with making every FedEx experience outstanding.

Our Philosophy

The People-Service-Profit philosophy (P-S-P) describes the principles that govern every FedEx decision, policy, or activity. FedEx takes care of our people; they, in turn, deliver the impeccable service demanded by our customers, who reward us with the profitability necessary to secure our future. The essential element in making the People-Service-Profit philosophy such a positive force for the company is where we close the circle, and return these profits back into the business, and invest back in our people. Our success in the industry is attributed to our people. Through our P-S-P philosophy, we have a work environment that encourages team members to be innovative in delivering the highest possible quality of service to our customers. We care for their well-being, and value their contributions to the company.

Our Culture

Our culture is important for many reasons, and we intentionally bring it to life through our behaviors, actions, and activities in every part of the world. The FedEx culture and values have been a cornerstone of our success and growth since we began in the early 1970’s. While other companies can copy our systems, infrastructure, and processes, our culture makes us unique and is often a differentiating factor as we compete and grow in today’s global marketplace.