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 seeking an experienced leader to head our Data Science team. This team harnesses the power of our industry-leading guest database to drive business performance and elevate the guest experience through advanced data science solutions spanning the entire guest lifecycle. From acquisition to loyalty, the team is at the forefront of innovation – delivering scalable, high-impact solutions that power key decisions and create meaningful value across the organization.
As the Senior Manager of Data Science, you’ll lead a talented team of Data Scientists in developing innovative models that enhance the full guest journey – fueling personalization, driving engagement, and unlocking growth at scale. Collaborating closely with partners across Marketing, IT, and beyond, you’ll identify high-impact opportunities to elevate the guest experience through advanced techniques like predictive modeling, segmentation, recommendation systems, and causal inference. This is a strategic, hands-on leadership role where your vision and execution will directly shape business outcomes and guest satisfaction.
Job Specifications:
Expected Pay Range: $135,000 – $173,000 + annual bonus
Job Responsibilities:
- Lead discussions with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders, translating complex model results into clear insights and strategic recommendations. Effectively influence both technical and non-technical audiences, advocate for data-driven priorities, and proactively communicate risks and trade-offs
- Provide guidance and leadership while identifying and facilitating growth opportunities for team members. Foster a culture of trust, open communication, and continuous improvement to support both individual and team success
- Identify and apply innovative machine learning or statistical methods to solve complex business challenges, even beyond traditional approaches or areas of expertise
- Demonstrate a strong grasp of foundational and advanced data science concepts, with a deep understanding of the trade-offs between academic experimentation and real-world application
- Bring expertise in specialized areas such as natural language processing (NLP) and deep learning, with a knack for applying creative, unconventional solutions where needed
- Develop clean, modular, and production-ready code, with a solid understanding of software engineering principles and the ability to define requirements for team tools and infrastructure
- Design and implement advanced forecasting models to anticipate key business trends, ensuring solutions are both statistically robust and adaptable to the industry’s relevant dynamics
- Apply knowledge of query optimization, data storage, and movement best practices, with familiarity in distributed computing frameworks to ensure efficient and scalable data solutions
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of scalability and automation, with experience in streaming data solutions and their monitoring requirements. Capable of independently building and deploying cloud-based solutions using appropriate tools for containerization, deployment, and observability
Job Requirements:
- 7+ years of experience in data science or advanced analytics, including 2+ years in a leadership or managerial role, preferably in a cross-functional business environment
- Advanced proficiency in Python (e.g., pandas, scikit-learn, NumPy), SQL, and experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Looker, or Power BI
- Strong understanding of machine learning, predictive modeling, segmentation, causal inference, and recommendation systems
- Experience with cloud platforms such as AWS, GCP, or Azure, including use of cloud-native data services (e.g., Databricks)
- Hands-on experience with ML lifecycle tools such as MLflow or Airflow, and containerization using Docker
- Strong grasp of data engineering fundamentals, including data storage formats, data pipelines, and query optimization techniques
- Ability to design and implement production-ready models, with attention to versioning, deployment, and ongoing performance monitoring
- Excellent communication skills with a proven ability to influence stakeholders, translate complex analytics into actionable insights, and drive alignment across technical and business teams
- Demonstrated ability to lead and grow high-performing data science teams, foster professional development, and build a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement
The expected Total Compensation for this role is $135,000 - $173,000 + annual bonus. 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
Vail Resorts offers a ‘Hybrid’ work environment for Broomfield-based roles where employees must live within 50 miles of the Broomfield office and work on-site Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and have flexibility to work off-site on Mondays and Fridays.
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.
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 508138
Reference Date: 04/28/2025
Job Code Function: Marketing
