Senior Data Scientist

The total target compensation (TTC) range, including salary and target bonus, is $146,650 - $196,650. This TTC range is applicable to permanent roles only. The actual base salary offered within this range will be determined by the successful candidate’s skills and experience, as well as internal equity.

Empire Life is looking to hire a Senior Data Scientist to join our Data and Analytics team! We are actively seeking candidates to fill a current, open position.

The Senior Data Scientist will be part of the AI and Advanced Analytics team and will lead the design, development and deployment of advanced analytics solutions supporting various business units. This role will assist in all aspects of the Machine Learning Development Lifecycle from hypothesis to model deployment. The Senior Data Scientist provides coaching and mentorship to aid in the development of team members. This role reports to the Director of Data and AI strategy.

Why pursue this opportunity

Join a transforming business - we are a medium-sized Canadian company in a stable industry that emphasizes the importance of innovation to use industry‑leading technology.

Play an integral role - this is an opportunity that allows for you to grow your skills, while directly contributing to the business unit you are a part of.

The opportunity - collaborate with cross‑functional teams and work on a variety of projects that will keep you engaged and continuously learning.

Hone your skills - this is an opportunity that allows for you to grow your technical, and functional skills.

What you’ll be working on

• Proactively identify opportunities to improve business performance, customer outcomes, operational efficiency, risk management, and decision quality through the application of analytics, machine learning, AI, and automation.
• Partner with business leaders to understand strategic objectives, uncover analytical opportunities, and develop data‑driven approaches to address complex business challenges.
• Independently lead analytical and AI initiatives from opportunity identification through implementation, adoption, measurement, and continuous improvement.
• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced analytics, predictive modeling, machine learning, Generative AI, agentic AI, optimization, and intelligent decision‑support solutions that deliver measurable business value.
• Act as a trusted advisor to business stakeholders by communicating insights, recommendations, opportunities, risks, assumptions, and trade‑offs in a clear and actionable manner.
• Influence prioritization of analytics and AI initiatives by evaluating value, feasibility, risk, and organizational readiness.
• Define success metrics and business outcome measurements for analytics and AI initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership, mentorship, and guidance to Data Scientists and cross‑functional teams.
• Evaluate emerging analytical and AI technologies and recommend practical applications aligned with business priorities and enterprise governance standards.

What we’re looking for you to have

Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Electrical or Computer Engineering, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Operations Research, or a related quantitative discipline.

5‑8+ years of experience delivering advanced analytics, machine learning, AI, decision science, or quantitative solutions in complex business environments

Demonstrated experience independently leading end‑to‑end analytical, machine learning, or AI initiatives from problem definition through implementation, adoption, and measurement of business outcomes.

Advanced proficiency in Python and SQL, with deep expertise in applying statistical modeling, predictive analytics, and machine learning. Hands‑on experience designing and deploying end‑to‑end AI and Generative AI solutions (LLMs, RAG, agentic workflows) within enterprise environments.

Experience partnering directly with business leaders and stakeholders to influence decisions through data, analytics, experimentation, and AI‑driven insights.

Demonstrated ability to understand business strategy, identify opportunities, and translate organizational objectives into analytical initiatives.

Proven ability to operate effectively in ambiguous environments with incomplete information and evolving business requirements.

Experience developing analytics strategies, roadmaps, or business cases.

Experience applying product‑thinking approaches to AI and analytics solutions.

Experience measuring and communicating realized business value from analytical initiatives.

Experience supporting organizational adoption and operationalization of AI solutions.

Strong communication skills with a proven track record of distilling complex analytical insights into clear recommendations for senior leadership and non‑technical stakeholders.

If you are applying for a position which is open to applicants across Canada, unless otherwise indicated in the position, language proficiency in English is required for communicating with customers, advisors, or employees across Canada.

Beyond the salary

• Competitive salaries with annual pay increases
• Annual bonus program, which recognizes both strong company performance and individual contributions, for non‑sales positions
• Access to learning & development programs, and education/tuition reimbursement (role dependent), to support your professional growth and career advancement.
• A comprehensive employer‑funded benefits package starting from day one of employment, that includes life insurance, health and dental and a generous health account
• Flexible work arrangements and an annual allotment of personal health days.
• Four weeks annual vacation from hire date
• A defined contribution pension plan with generous employer matching
• Top‑up programs for parental leave and compassionate leave
• Employer‑sponsored wellness and recognition programs

Empire Life is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, committed to building an inclusive, barrier‑free workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are committed to providing accommodations at any stage of the recruitment process. If you require a specific adjustment to help you present your best self, please let us know—we are happy to work with you.