Lead Data Scientist

JLL empowers you to shape a brighter way. Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you’ve got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you’re looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward. Lead Data Scientist ( Financial Forecasting & Modeling), Enterprise Analytics, JLL Technologies JLL Technologies Enterprise Data team is a central organization that oversees JLL’s data strategy. Enterprise Analytics is an internal consulting team that provides data-driven expertise to various business and support functions, with a growing focus on financial forecasting, AI-powered insights, and advanced predictive modeling. The Lead Data Scientist is a senior technical leader responsible for driving high-impact analytics initiatives, applying the latest machine learning and AI techniques to solve complex business problems. The ideal candidate is passionate about using data and AI to drive business strategy and develop enterprise-grade data products. They will lead end-to-end data science projects, scoping, designing, and executing the vision, while collaborating with finance, operations, and technology stakeholders. Experience with financial forecasting and a command of modern AI/ML frameworks are essential to this role. Key Responsibilities Lead end-to-end data science projects by understanding business needs, scoping solutions, and delivering measurable outcomes. Act as a technical leader who advises, mentors, and delegates to junior data scientists and analysts. Develop and own financial forecasting models, including revenue projections, cost modeling, budget variance analysis, and scenario planning, working closely with Finance and FP&A teams. Apply the latest machine learning and deep learning techniques, including gradient boosting (XGBoost, LightGBM), transformer-based models, and time-series frameworks (Prophet, TFT) to build production-ready predictive solutions. Leverage generative AI and large language model (LLM) capabilities, including agentic AI architectures, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and prompt engineering, to build intelligent data products and automate analytical workflows. Design and implement MLOps practices including model versioning, monitoring, automated retraining pipelines, and CI/CD for ML models to ensure scalability and reliability in production. Enhance data collection and feature engineering procedures to improve analytical systems; perform data discovery across internal and external sources to assess data value and relationships. Experience 5+ years of hands-on industry experience designing and implementing machine learning models and data science solutions, with at least 3 years in a lead or senior individual contributor role. Demonstrated experience in financial forecasting and FP&A analytics including time-series forecasting, budget modeling, revenue/cost prediction, and scenario analysis. Proven track record of deploying machine learning models to production at scale using cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) and MLOps tooling. Experience working cross-functionally with Finance, Technology, and Operations stakeholders to translate business requirements into analytical solutions. Education Masters degree (or higher) in Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science, Computer Science, Economics, Finance, or Engineering. This position does not provide visa sponsorship. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. Estimated compensation for this position: 140,000.00 – 150,000.00 USD per year This range is an estimate and actual compensation may differ. Final compensation packages are determined by various considerations including but not limited to candidate qualifications, location, market conditions, and internal considerations. Location: On-site –Chicago, IL If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply, even if you don’t meet all the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table! Personalized benefits that support personal well-being and growth: JLL recognizes the impact that the workplace can have on your wellness, so we offer a supportive culture and comprehensive benefits package that prioritizes mental, physical and emotional health. Some of these benefits may include: 401(k) plan with matching company contributions Comprehensive Medical, Dental & Vision Care Paid parental leave at 100% of salary Paid Time Off and Company Holidays Early access to earned wages through Daily Pay At JLL, we harness the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to efficiently accelerate meaningful connections between candidates and opportunities. Using AI capabilities, we analyze your application for relevant skills, experiences, and qualifications to generate valuable insights about how your unique profile aligns with the specific requirements of the role you're pursuing. JLL Privacy Notice Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. 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If you're a current JLL employee, please apply using the Internal Career Site At JLL, we give you the opportunity, knowledge and tools to own your success, because we value what makes each of us unique. We help our people thrive, grow meaningful careers and find a place where they belong. Together, we strive to be exceptional and shape a better world. For over 200 years, JLL (NYSE: JLL), a leading global commercial real estate and investment management company, has helped clients buy, build, occupy, manage and invest in a variety of commercial, industrial, hotel, residential and retail properties. A Fortune 500® company with operations in over 80 countries around the world, our employees bring the power of a global platform combined with local expertise. Driven by our purpose to shape the future of real estate for a better world, we help our clients, people and communities SEE A BRIGHTER WAYSM. JLL is the brand name, and a registered trademark, of Jones Lang LaSalle Incorporated. 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