AI & Data Scientist Lead

About the Role

We are looking for a Lead AI and Data Scientist for our EMEA Digital Innovation Hub, located in Madrid. This person will go beyond building models, someone who can shape ideas into impactful solutions, from early-stage concept to production at scale. In this role, you will not only apply advanced machine learning techniques, but also lead innovation, bringing creativity, business understanding, and collaboration into every project. In this role, you will be responsible for shaping, building, and deploying AI solutions that deliver measurable impact across the region, while collaborating with our global teams.

What You'll Do

• AI leadership: Translate emerging AI capabilities into practical solutions for business challenges.
• Innovation to impact: Own the end-to-end lifecycle of AI and data science initiatives, from research and prototyping to robust production deployment.
• Global collaboration: Work closely with global AI and analytics teams to align on strategy, share best practices, and co-develop solutions.
• Cross-functional partnership: Collaborate with EMEA business units and departments (marketing, operations, product, etc.) to identify high-value AI opportunities.
• Generative AI exploration: Drive experimentation and application of advanced models (LLMs, generative architectures) for business and customer impact.
• Thought leadership: Be a champion for AI within the organization, ensuring projects are not only technically sound but also ethical, scalable, and business-relevant.
• Quality & reliability: Ensure models meet the highest standards of scalability, ethics, and performance.

What You Bring

• 8+ years of professional experience in Data Science, with proven success in delivering ML solutions into production environments.
• Degree in Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related quantitative field (Master's or higher preferred).
• Strong background in machine learning, statistical modeling, and applied mathematics. (TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.)
• Strong background in Cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and MLOps practices for scalable deployment.
• Knowledge and/or hands-on experience with Generative AI technologies is highly valued. (LLMs, diffusion models, transformers)
• A balance of strategic vision and hands-on execution, with the curiosity to explore new ideas and the discipline to bring them to life.
• Proven ability to lead projects and inspire teams.
• A mindset that combines scientific rigor with creative problem solving.

Core Competencies:

• Strategic Agility: Quickly adapts to changing priorities, balancing long-term vision with short-term delivery needs.
• Customer Obsession: Prioritizes solutions that maximize value and impact for customers.
• Innovation & Curiosity: Embraces experimentation, learns from failures, and continuously iterates on solutions.
• Influence & Persuasion: Can align diverse stakeholders around ideas, product decisions, and analytics strategies.
• Effective Communication & Storytelling: Translates complex data into compelling narratives for decision-makers.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Uses data insights to guide actions, test hypotheses, and measure outcomes.
• Collaboration & Teamwork: builds strong relationships in cross-functional, distributed environments, across business and technical teams, fostering trust, openness, and alignment.

Why Join Us

This is not just another data science role. Here, you will have the freedom to explore cutting-edge ideas, the support to turn them into reality, and the responsibility to drive visible impact. You'll be part of a team that believes in curiosity, collaboration, and making AI useful for real people. You'll collaborate globally, shape the future of AI in the region, and driving innovation across the region.

At Merz, we foster a culture that embraces innovation, collaboration, and agility—always putting people first. Our international team thrives on going beyond expectations, driven by a shared passion for making a meaningful impact. We believe in empowering individuals, encouraging bold ideas, and creating an environment where everyone feels inspired and motivated to grow. If you're looking to join a company where purpose meets possibility, Merz is the place to be.