Director, Data Science and Forecasting

The Director, Data Science & Forecasting sits at the intersection of Corporate Finance (FP&A), advanced analytics, and enterprise planning. This leader is responsible for defining and executing the Finance forecasting and scenario modeling strategy, leveraging advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI capabilities to improve planning accuracy, decision quality, and business performance.

The Director will establish and lead an Advanced Forecasting Center of Excellence (CoE) that enables data-driven decision making across Finance. This role will oversee the development and deployment of forecasting models, scenario planning frameworks, and predictive analytics capabilities while ensuring strong governance, scalability, and adoption across the enterprise. The position serves as a strategic advisor to the VP, Corporate FP&A and plays a key role in advancing planning capabilities within Anaplan and other enterprise planning systems.

On-site in Irvine

How you’ll make an impact:

• Establish and execute the Finance forecasting and advanced analytics strategy, including the roadmap for predictive forecasting, scenario planning, AI/ML applications, and decision-support capabilities across Corporate Finance.
• Lead the Advanced Forecasting Center of Excellence, establishing standards for model governance, validation, documentation, forecasting methodologies, reusable frameworks, and planning playbooks.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight for the design, deployment, and continuous improvement of forecasting models, including time-series forecasting, driver-based models, AI/ML algorithms, and probabilistic scenario modeling used for key financial outcomes such as revenue, margins, operating expenses, cash flow, and workforce planning.
• Partner with FP&A, Finance leaders, and business stakeholders to integrate data-driven forecasting insights into planning, resource allocation, performance management, and strategic decision making.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and trusted advisor to executive leadership, communicating complex analytical findings, risks, opportunities, and recommendations in a clear and actionable manner.
• Collaborate with Data, Digital, and IT teams to improve data quality, data governance, automation, and scalable analytics infrastructure that supports forecasting and planning capabilities.
• Drive innovation through evaluation and adoption of emerging technologies, advanced analytics techniques, AI capabilities, and forecasting methodologies that improve business outcomes and competitive advantage.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Mathematics, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Finance, Biostatistics, or related quantitative field required.

What else we look for (Preferred):

• Master’s Degree.
• PhD preferred for highly advanced modeling and predictive analytics environments.
• 10+ years of experience in data science, forecasting, advanced analytics, quantitative modeling, finance analytics, or related fields.
• Demonstrated experience developing and operationalizing forecasting and predictive models used to drive business decisions.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives involving Finance, FP&A, Data & Analytics, IT, and business stakeholders.
• Experience building analytics capabilities, governance frameworks, centers of excellence, or enterprise planning solutions.

Aligning our overall business objectives with performance, we offer competitive salaries, performance-based incentives, and a wide variety of benefits programs to address the diverse individual needs of our employees and their families.

For California (CA), the base pay range for this position is $174,000 to $246,000 (highly experienced).

Imagine how your ideas and expertise can change a patient’s life. Patients are at the heart of what we do at Edwards Lifesciences. Our Finance teams work hard to optimize our current and long-term success and enable our ongoing strategy of innovation, leadership, and focus. As part of the team, whether providing analysis, forecasting, or reporting financial information, your application of accurate financial business practices will play a fundamental role in how we impact the quality of life for patients all over the world.