Director of Data, Ads

About the role

At Faire, we are on a mission to enhance our wholesale marketplace by leveraging machine learning and data-driven insights to connect independent retailers with global brands. The Ads Data team plays a role in driving our growth, and we are looking for a visionary leader to shape the technical strategy for our advertising initiatives. In this position, you will oversee the development of our marketplace, auction systems, and data infrastructure, while also building and nurturing a high-performing team dedicated to excellence.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead the comprehensive data strategy for the Ads division, focusing on machine learning applications for retrieval, ranking, auction design, bidding processes, and data engineering workflows.
• Build and expand a team of Applied Scientists and Analytics Engineers by actively participating in hiring, mentoring, and fostering career growth.
• Develop and maintain the technical roadmap, ensuring it aligns with the overarching objectives of the company and the Ads organization.
• Create and define the operational framework for the team, which includes establishing planning cycles, prioritization methods, and execution standards.
• Engage directly with high-priority algorithmic challenges while simultaneously enhancing the team's ability to tackle these challenges autonomously.
• Act as the representative for the Ads Data function in high-level company discussions, ensuring that data considerations are integrated into product and business strategies.
• Work collaboratively with leaders in Product, Engineering, Design, and Strategy & Analytics to enhance organizational effectiveness and rigor.
• Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the team, encouraging experimentation and the adoption of best practices.

Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of experience in data science, applied machine learning, or machine learning engineering.
• At least 4 years of experience in managing technical teams of 5 or more, including senior individual contributors.
• Hands-on experience with advertising marketplaces, auction systems, or search and recommendation frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to convert technical strategies into actionable roadmaps and measurable business results.
• Strong technical expertise in machine learning modeling, particularly in areas such as ranking, relevance, and bidding, as well as data infrastructure including ETL and analytics.
• Proven success in cross-functional collaboration and in establishing effective team operating structures.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical ideas to various stakeholders.
• A proactive attitude and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Nice to have

• An academic background in fields such as Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, Mathematics, Operations Research, or a related discipline.
• A PhD degree in a relevant field.
• Previous experience in scaling a data or applied science organization from its early stages to maturity.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in Machine Learning techniques, including retrieval, ranking, bidding, and auction design.
• Expertise in Data Engineering and ETL processes.
• Familiarity with Analytics Infrastructure and Marketplace Optimization strategies.

Practical notes

• Employees in hybrid roles are expected to work in the office on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and one additional flexible day of their choosing.
• There is an option for employees to work remotely for up to four weeks each year.
• Compensation packages include base salary, equity, and comprehensive benefits, with final offers determined by experience and market conditions.
• Faire is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities, ensuring an inclusive and supportive work environment.

Join us at Faire and be a part of a team that is redefining the wholesale marketplace through innovative data solutions and a commitment to excellence. If you are about leveraging data to drive business success and are ready to take on a leadership role in a dynamic environment, we encourage you to apply.

About the company

Faire is a technology wholesale platform built on the belief that the future is local. Independent retailers around the globe collectively represent a multi-hundred-billion-dollar wholesale market that has historically been fragmented and offline.