Data Science Manager

Machine Learning And AI Solutions Leader

Kemper is one of the nation's leading specialized insurers. Our success is a direct reflection of the talented and diverse people who make a positive difference in the lives of our customers every day. We believe a high-performing culture, valuable opportunities for personal development and professional challenge, and a healthy work-life balance can be highly motivating and productive. Kemper's products and services are making a real difference to our customers, who have unique and evolving needs. By joining our team, you are helping to provide experience to our stakeholders that delivers on our promises.

Position Summary:

Responsible for developing and delivering machine learning and AI solutions for Claims use cases, including claim triage, fraud detection, severity prediction, litigation, subrogation, workflow optimization, and other claims analytics applications, while providing technical leadership and leading projects. This role includes direct people leadership responsibilities, including coaching, mentorship, and performance management

Position Responsibilities:

• Manages a small team of data scientists and data engineers to research, design, develop, deploy, and maintain machine learning, AI, and agentic AI solutions supporting the Claims organization.
• Communicates project progress, insights, results, and recommendations to business partners and senior leadership.
• Manages project scope, expectations, and timelines.
• Collaborates with Data Engineering, IT, and business partners to operationalize machine learning and AI solutions.
• Follows the model governance process including planning, documentation, validation, deployment, monitoring, and review.
• Oversees model performance and supports ongoing monitoring and continuous improvement of deployed solutions.
• Develops and mentors team members to maintain technical excellence in AI/ML, software engineering, and solution design.

Position Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or other STEM field with 6-8 years of experience in insurance industry or related industry in a data science/analytics environment.
• PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, Engineering, or other STEM fields preferred with 4-6 years of experience in insurance industry or related industry in a data science, analytics, or AI environment.
• Prior experience mentoring or managing talent.
• Experience developing and deploying predictive models into production.
• At least 6 years of experience with statistical modeling, machine learning, and AI technologies.
• Strong proficiency in Python and SQL.
• Experience with software development best practices, including version control (Git), code reviews, testing, and model lifecycle management.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical concepts and analytical insights to business stakeholders and senior leadership.
• Claims experience preferred.
• This position can be worked hybrid out of a local Kemper office. Remote options will be considered for non-local candidates.
• Sponsorship is not accepted for this opportunity
• The range for this position is $115,700 to $192,900. When determining candidate offers, we consider experience, skills, education, certifications, and geographic location among other factors. This job is eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and Kemper benefits (Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO, 401k, etc.)

Kemper is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, disability status or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in the locations where we operate. We are committed to supporting diversity and equality across our organization and we work diligently to maintain a workplace free from discrimination.

Kemper does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Kemper and Kemper will not be obligated to pay a placement fee. Kemper will never request personal information, such as your social security number or banking information, via text or email. Additionally, Kemper does not use external messaging applications like WireApp or Skype to communicate with candidates. If you receive such a message, delete it.