Senior Director of Machine Learning

About the role

In this position, you will spearhead the machine learning, data science, and experimentation initiatives at Tripadvisor, directly reporting to the Vice President of Engineering. Your primary focus will be on shaping the strategic direction for personalization, ranking algorithms, and generative AI applications. You will also oversee a hub-and-spoke organizational structure that harmonizes centralized technical standards with tailored product delivery.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Integrate the current embedded machine learning teams into a cohesive hub-and-spoke model to enhance collaboration and efficiency.
• Establish a comprehensive technical roadmap that addresses recommendation systems, search relevance, and personalized user experiences.
• Supervise the development of predictive models, causal inference methodologies, and the overarching experimentation platform utilized across the organization.
• Formulate a strategic approach for the implementation of generative AI and large language models (LLMs), focusing on retrieval-augmented generation and innovative conversational trip planning solutions.
• Oversee the career development, recruitment, and performance evaluation processes for managers, data scientists, and senior individual contributors within the team.
• Set operational benchmarks for the governance of production models, including monitoring and MLOps practices to ensure high standards of performance and reliability.
• Collaborate closely with executive leadership across product and engineering divisions to ensure that model performance aligns with overarching business objectives.
• Drive initiatives that promote a culture of experimentation and data-driven decision-making throughout the organization.
• Foster partnerships with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for leveraging machine learning to enhance user engagement and satisfaction.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and advancements in machine learning to ensure Tripadvisor remains at the forefront of innovation in this space.
• Mentor and guide team members in best practices for machine learning and data science, fostering an environment of continuous learning and improvement.

Requirements

• Extensive experience in the field of machine learning, coupled with significant leadership capabilities in managing senior technical teams.
• A demonstrated history of successfully deploying machine learning systems at scale for high-traffic consumer applications.
• Proven ability to restructure or expand data science teams while maintaining effective delivery timelines and project momentum.
• In-depth technical knowledge of contemporary machine learning practices, experimentation techniques, and MLOps to inform architectural decisions and research directions.
• Strong expertise in statistical methodologies, particularly in A/B testing and causal inference, to guide data-driven strategies.
• An advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a quantitative discipline such as Computer Science, Mathematics, or Statistics, or equivalent practical experience in the field.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical ideas to non-technical stakeholders at the executive level.

Nice to have

• Experience with cloud-based machine learning platforms and tools, such as AWS, Google Cloud, or Azure.
• Familiarity with agile methodologies and project management frameworks to enhance team productivity.
• Previous involvement in the travel or hospitality industry, providing insights into user behavior and preferences.
• Knowledge of ethical AI practices and a commitment to responsible AI development.
• Experience in building and leading diverse teams, promoting inclusivity and collaboration.

Skills & tools

• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, R, or Scala, with a strong grasp of machine learning libraries and frameworks.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques to effectively communicate insights and findings.
• Understanding of database management systems and data warehousing concepts to support data-driven initiatives.
• Experience with version control systems and collaborative coding practices to enhance team workflows.

Practical notes

• The compensation package includes a competitive base salary along with an annual bonus, both aligned with industry standards.
• Comprehensive benefits encompass tuition reimbursement, lifestyle stipends, travel discounts, charitable donation matching, and health insurance coverage.
• For assistance with reasonable accommodations during the application process, please reach out to AccessibleRecruiting@tripadvisor.com.
• For general inquiries regarding career opportunities, contact recruitment@tripadvisor.com.