Director, Data Science & Optimization

At Alcon we are driven by the meaningful work we do to help people see brilliantly. We innovate boldly champion progress and act with speed as the global leader in eye care. Here youll be recognized for your commitment and contributions and see your career like never before. Together we go above and beyond to make an impact on the lives of our patients and customers. Are you ready to join us

We foster an inclusive culture and are looking for diverse talented leaders to join Alcon. ITCI is accelerating Alcons digital and AI transformation through advanced analytics enterprise AI modern data platforms and innovative business solutions. The Director Data Science leads teams of data scientists and engineers to deliver scalable AI machine learning optimization and analytics solutions that drive business performance. This role partners across business and technology function to solve complex challenges enable data-driven decisions and deliver measurable enterprise impact.

In this role a typical day will include:

• Define and execute the data science roadmap aligned with ITCI and enterprise priorities.
• Build mentor and develop a high-performing data science organization.
• Establish best practices for data science machine learning optimization and AI development.
• Drive a culture of innovation accountability and continuous improvement.
• Partner with senior business leaders to identify high-value opportunities.
• Lead the design development deployment and monitoring of advanced analytics and AI solutions.
• Drive adoption of machine learning generative AI predictive analytics decision science and optimization capabilities.
• Ensure solutions deliver measurable business value and operational impact.
• Oversee model governance validation explainability and performance management.
• Champion AI solutions that augment decision making and improve productivity.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to business and technology leaders.
• Collaborate with Data Engineering teams to ensure scalable AI-ready data foundations.
• Partner with Business Technology Partners Product Owners and business stakeholders to define requirements and success metrics.
• Communicate insights and recommendations to executive audiences.
• Establish KPIs to measure adoption impact and value realization.
• Ensure efficient delivery of projects through standardized methodologies and governance.
• Promote effective experimentation frameworks and data-driven decision making.
• Drive continuous improvement in analytical capabilities and delivery processes.
• Create growth opportunities through mentoring coaching and technical leadership.
• Foster collaboration across global teams and functions.

Mainly supports AI initiatives in Supply Chain - (other projects as needed)

What you will bring to Alcon:

• Bachelors Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school 18 yrs; Assoc.14 yrs; M.S.7 yrs; PhD6 yrs)
• The ability to fluently read write understand and communicate in English
• 10 Years of Relevant Experience
• 6 Years of Demonstrated Leadership

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in healthcare medical devices pharmaceuticals manufacturing supply chain environments.
• Experience with large language models (LLMs) retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) and agentic AI solutions.
• Familiarity with MLOps DevOps and enterprise AI governance frameworks. Masters degree or PhD in Data Science Statistics Operations Research Computer Science Engineering Applied Mathematics or a related quantitative field.
• 10 years of experience in analytics data science machine learning or AI.
• 5 years of experience leading high-performing analytics or data science teams.
• Demonstrated experience delivering enterprise-scale AI machine learning and advanced analytics solutions.
• Strong stakeholder management and executive communication skills.
• Experience managing cross-functional teams and complex business initiatives.
• Proficiency with Python SQL cloud-based analytics platforms and modern machine learning frameworks.

How You Can Thrive at Alcon:

• Lead alongside highperforming teams in a culture that values collaboration accountability and continuous improvement.
• Grow your career through leadership development and meaningful enterprise impact.
• Join Alcons mission to provide outstanding innovative products and solutions to improve sight improve lives and grow your career!
• Alcon provides robust benefits package including health life retirement flexible time off and much more!

See your impact at: Current Alcon Employee/Contingent Worker

If you are currently an active employee/contingent worker at Alcon please click the appropriate link below to apply on the Internal Career site.

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ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY

Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non-discriminatory in recruitment hiring training promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race color religion gender national origin age sexual orientation marital or veteran status disability or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process or in order to perform the essential functions of a position please send an email to and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information.