Senior Director, Data Science and Data Engineering

Job description

Our mission is to create the Experience of a Lifetime for our employees, so they can, in turn, create the Experience of a Lifetime for our guests.

We own and operate the most renowned destination resorts in the world as well as regional and local ski areas outside major cities, and connect them all through one unrivaled network.

We are looking for ambitious leaders, innovators and creators to join our talented team.

If you’re ready to pursue your fullest potential, we want to get to know you!

Candidates for year-round positions are reviewed on a rolling basis.

Applications will be accepted up to 90 days after the posting date, or until the position is filled (whichever is first).

Job Summary:

Vail Resorts is looking to hire an experienced leader for our innovative Data Engineering and Data Science teams.

As Senior Director of Data Science and Data Engineering, the role will be leading high-profile data teams that sit at the center of Vail Resorts organizational strategy touching critical areas and lines of business (Epic Pass, Lift Tickets, Ski School, Rentals, etc.) and receiving full executive sponsorship from CEO and the Executive Committee.

The Vail Resorts data teams oversee the design and development of data pipelines and develop algorithmic models using our industry leading guest database to drive commercial impact and continue to push the limits of what is possible.

In our next phase of organizational growth, the focus will be on scaling our data assets and infrastructure and advancing our data engineering and data science solutions across our core lines of business in service to our company’s future long-range goals.

In this role, you will be responsible for leading the development, socialization, and implementation of intelligent data solutions across the enterprise.

You will be ensuring strong scalability and performance of our data systems across the enterprise as well as advancing our existing set of algorithmic models.

You will be creating new innovative data solutions that directly impact our business.

You will develop a clear articulation of vision and roadmap of Data Science and Data Engineering towards long-range growth plans for the organization.

You will be interfacing directly with senior stakeholders to align on business priorities and provide expertise in how data solutions can provide differentiated impact.

Why this role is special:

• Vail Resorts is a fast-growing company at the forefront of the Travel and Tourism industry – redefining the ski industry in the 21st century
• Leveraging analytics is a core pillar of Vail Resorts’ strategy moving forward – a critical driver of our success leading to a strong willingness to invest
• We are a data-driven business with a proprietary guest database unmatched by any other company in the industry – a great foundation for building out analytic use cases
• There is a significant opportunity to lead our Data capabilities to the next level – we are leading the adoption of data and cloud technologies to continue to enhance our impact
• Direct exposure to senior leaders of the business (CEO, CMO, broader Executive team) – a unique opportunity to team with our business leadership to reimagine analytics

Job Responsibilities:

• Lead, develop, support and facilitate synergies between high-performing Data Science and Data Engineering teams
• Develop, align on, and deliver on long-range vision for data teams at Vail Resorts
• Lead the architecture, development, and management of data-driven solutions across the company
• Drive the adoption of emerging technologies to enhance data analytics capabilities
• Represent functional data teams by managing and collaborating across cross-functional technology and data initiatives
• Present data and technical output that enables stakeholders to make informed and data driven decisions
• Drive and support a culture of technical progression through both performance and usability of developed solutions
• Be inquisitive and have an eye for identifying areas where data solutions can deliver efficiency and increased sophistication
• Implement best practices for data management, governance, and quality assurance
• Bring ambition, a problem solving attitude, and clear articulation of vision to continue to evolve the technical proficiencies of the team

Job Requirements:

• At least 10+ years of experience
• Previous experience managing, engaging, and driving a high-performing Data Science and Data Engineering teams
• Previous experience in commercial settings driving strong financial outcomes with data ] initiatives
• Advanced degree in a quantitative field (Computer Science, Statistics, Data Engineering or related field)
• Demonstrated experience leading engineering and development of large scale data systems leveraging cloud infrastructure (AWS, Azure, GCP)
• Extensive development experience in at least one programming language (Python, Java, etc.); advanced fluency in SQL preferred
• Project management skills, including the ability to scope, deliver and deploy intelligent data solutions
• Comfortable working in a dynamic, high performing group with several ongoing concurrent projects
• Strong verbal and written communication skills as well as excellent presentation skills
• Strong learning agility.
  
  Enjoys and excels in environments with new and increasingly complex strategic business challenges and issues—incorporating the newest ideas, technologies, and approaches to business
• A bold, ambitious, and passionate leader while also demonstrating a high level of emotional intelligence and self-awareness

The expected Total Compensation for this role is $188,000 - $240,000 + annual bonus + equity.

Individual compensation decisions are based on a variety of factors.
 

Job Benefits

• Ski/Mountain Perks! Free passes for employees, employee discounted lift tickets for friends and family AND free ski lessons
• MORE employee discounts on lodging, food, gear, and mountain shuttles
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• Excellent training and professional development

Full Time roles are eligible for the above, plus:

• Health Insurance; Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, and Vision Insurance plans (for eligible seasonal employees after working 500 hours)
• Free ski passes for dependents
• Critical Illness and Accident plans

Employees can work remotely from British Columbia, Washington D.C., and the 16 U.S. states* in which we currently operate.

This includes: California, Colorado, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Utah, Vermont, Washington State, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Please note that the ability to work in person or off-site, and the particulars related to such work, are subject to change at any time; and, accordingly, the Company reserves the right to change its policies and/or require in-person/in-office work or off-site work at any time in its sole discretion.

In completing this application, and when submitting related documentation, applicants may redact information that identifies their age, date of birth, and/or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

We follow all federal, state, and local laws including restrictions on child/minor labor.

Minors hired into this position will not be asked or permitted to engage in any activities restricted to adult workers.

Vail Resorts is an equal opportunity employer.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Requisition ID  511767
Reference Date: 09/22/2025 
Job Code Function: Data Warehouse/Business Intel  

Required Skill Profession

Mathematical Science Occupations