VP, Predictive Modelling and Analytics

COMPANY PROFILE:
First Data is a leading provider of electronic commerce and payment solutions for businesses worldwide. Serving 4.6 million merchant locations, 1,900 card issuers and their customers, First Data powers the global economy by making it easy, fast and secure for people and businesses around the world to buy goods and services using virtually any form of payment. The company's portfolio of services and solutions includes merchant transaction processing services; credit, debit, private-label, gift, payroll and other prepaid card offerings; fraud protection and authentication solutions; electronic check acceptance services through TeleCheck; as well as Internet commerce and mobile payment solutions. The company's STAR Network offers PIN-secured debit acceptance at 2 million ATM and retail locations. For more information, visit www.firstdata.com.

You may not realize it, but First Data touches your life every day. Whether it's writing a check at the supermarket, buying dinner with a credit card or ordering a book on-line, First Data is one company that can make all these transactions happen conveniently, efficiently, and securely. And we could not do it without our number one resource: people. Join First Data, and discover how the power of one makes global commerce happen.

The Position:
This specialized position with significant educational and experience requirements heads up the Decision Science group and is tasked with handling the analytics and modeling requirements for the credit group throughout the world

It is through the work of the Decision Science Group that supports the efforts of the other credit functional units (Fraud, Credit Initiation, etc) that allows the Credit Department to effectively and efficiently mitigate risk. In 2011, total Global new account volumes are expected to grow by 20% over 2010 application volume and models need to be developed and enhanced to minimize FTE growth. Fraud/MRM reviews will increase 15% over 2010. These reviews were derived from detects numbering in the hundreds of thousands. This function manage these detects and the rules to suitable levels given FTE staffing while assuring loss targets are maintained.

Major Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement predictive models in a commercial credit environment to identify problem scenarios and devise analytic solutions to avoid/reduce losses
• Create and enhance scorecards utilizing available bureau data and statistical analysis to rate and approve potential customers to minimize expenses and maintain acceptable approval levels
• Consult with Senior global credit team to establish innovative risk strategies using proprietary systems and data sources to achieve business wide goals and objectives
• Provide analytical expertise to internal and external customers utilizing various statistical techniques to resolve or support isolated problem scenarios
• Responsible for evaluating all aspects of developing and maintaining long term strategic platforms for supporting data mining applications
• Champion data mining/scoring technology across the business. Prepare cost/benefit analysis' on selected initiatives and maintain ongoing reporting showing favorable trends and results
• Modify and validate existing models on a regular schedule
• Oversee, develop and train staff and consultants. Provide direction and assistance on an ongoing basis to ensure group has knowledge and technical experience to execute against stated agenda.

• Advanced Degree (M.S., PHD) required in a highly technical/mathematical discipline (ie; statistics, mathematics, quantitative analysis, computer science, etc.)
• 10+years experience developing statistical models and data analysis with extensive knowledge of statistical theory (regression and multivariate statistics) and Data Mining techniques, preferably in a financial and/or commercial credit environment
• Strong technical knowledge and hands-on experience with regression methods, decision trees, neural networks and rules-based decision modeling. The ideal candidate will be required to personally use data mining, predictive modeling and statistical techniques to solve business problems, manage a team of analytics professionals, and provide leadership regarding the use of analytics throughout the credit organization. This is a hands-on, management and leadership position.
• Ability to provide thought leadership and solid project management skills regarding the use of analytics in a collaborative effort across functions to derive optimum solutions to business problems
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate (written and verbal) technical/analytical information to a variety of interested parties at all levels
• Solid leadership and management skills directing a team, setting priorities and plans to meet business goals and objectives
• Demonstrated expertise with SAS, SAS Enterprise Miner and other statistical software packages. Advanced PC skills including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access. Familiarity with FICO Blaze software is beneficial
• Occasional domestic and international travel (up to 15%).

Search open job positions for Requisition No. 16175BR

or email your resume to Kim.Hoefer@firstdata.com