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Sr. Manager Data Science, Marketing - Hybrid

CarMax
Full-time
On-site
Richmond, Virginia, United States
🌐 Digital Marketing

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Sr. Manager Data Science, Marketing - Hybrid

πŸ”Ή Company: CarMax

πŸ”Ή Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full time

πŸ”Ή Category: IT Services and IT Consulting

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: 2025-07-08

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 5-10 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office)

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Leading the integration of data science into marketing programs
  • Developing strategies and models to optimize marketing investments
  • Collaborating with various teams to create data-powered solutions
  • Fostering a community of practice within the organization

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and strong communication skills to drive data-driven decision making in marketing.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Develop vision, strategy, and roadmap to fully integrate Data Science into marketing programs

βœ… Deliver model suite to optimize marketing investments and drive improvements to conversion

βœ… Develop customized Media Mix Model to understand Marketing impact and optimize budget allocation

βœ… Model site visitor value to improve targeting and maximize return of paid digital channels

βœ… Employ a deep command of data science modeling techniques and statistics, leveraging a variety of technologies, programming languages, and cloud computing platforms

βœ… Communicate with all levels throughout the organization to understand business opportunities, create new use cases for data-powered solutions, and influence adoption

βœ… Develop the team: delivering high quality analytics, promoting best practices, fostering technical and professional development

βœ… Mature our Data Science community of practice: lead and contribute to initiatives aligned to our vision, make tangible the return on investments, and champion efforts to bring the vision to life

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on data science work, and team leadership, requiring a versatile skill set and strong adaptability.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Advanced Degree (Master’s/Ph.D.) in quantitative discipline (Statistics, Math, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering)

Experience: 4+ years of experience in the following areas:

  • Python and other languages appropriate for large scale analysis of numerical and textual data
  • Data mining, machine learning, statistical modeling tools and underlying algorithms
  • Data Lake and cloud computing fundamentals, Relational databases, SQL

Required Skills:

  • Sound analytical thinker with a proven track record of providing actionable insights and clear strategic direction
  • Ability to convey complex, technical subject matter in a clear and straightforward manner; demonstrated ability to effectively communicate through written and oral presentations with all levels of the organization
  • Solid project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to train, mentor, and develop others

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in Marketing or with Media Mix Modeling

ASSUMPTION: Given the hybrid nature of this role, candidates should be comfortable working in an office environment for part of the week and have strong remote collaboration skills.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a Sr. Manager Data Science role with 5-10 years of experience in the IT Services industry in Richmond, VA)

Benefits:

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Employee discounts on car purchases

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexible hours and remote work options

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and skills.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: CarMax operates in the automotive retail industry, focusing on used car sales and providing a transparent, customer-centric experience.

Company Size: CarMax is a mid-sized company with 201-500 employees, offering a structured yet agile work environment.

Founded: CarMax was founded in 1993 and has since grown to become the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, with over 200 locations nationwide.

Company Description:

  • CarMax disrupted the auto industry by delivering an honest, transparent, and high-integrity experience for customers
  • The company offers a wide selection of used vehicles, along with financing, insurance, and repair services
  • CarMax is committed to providing iconic customer experiences and helping associates grow their careers

Company Specialties:

  • Used car sales and retail
  • Customer-centric business model
  • Data-driven decision making

Company Website: https://www.carmax.com/

ASSUMPTION: CarMax's focus on customer experience and data-driven approach creates an environment that values innovation and continuous improvement.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior management position, requiring strategic thinking, leadership, and technical expertise in data science.

Reporting Structure: The Sr. Manager Data Science, Marketing will report directly to the Director of Data Science and collaborate with various marketing and data teams.

Work Arrangement: This role has a hybrid work arrangement, requiring in-office presence for 2 days a week and remote work for the remaining days.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to expand the data science team and take on additional responsibilities
  • Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and influence marketing strategies
  • Career progression within CarMax's data science or marketing departments

ASSUMPTION: Given CarMax's focus on growth and development, this role offers strong potential for career advancement and skill-building opportunities.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: CarMax's corporate office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation.

Office Location(s): The role is based out of the Richmond, VA Home Office, with the option to work remotely for part of the week.

Geographic Context:

  • Richmond, VA is a mid-sized city with a cost of living slightly below the national average
  • The area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with various neighborhoods and amenities
  • Richmond has a vibrant cultural scene, with museums, theaters, and festivals throughout the year

Work Schedule: The hybrid work arrangement allows for flexibility in scheduling, with core hours between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM EST.

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement provides a good balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, catering to different work styles and preferences.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
  • On-site or virtual interview with the data science team
  • Final interview with the director of data science

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Technical skills and data science expertise
  • Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities
  • Communication and presentation skills
  • Leadership and team management capabilities

Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant data science projects and achievements in your resume
  • Prepare examples of how you've optimized marketing investments or improved conversion rates using data-driven approaches
  • Demonstrate your understanding of CarMax's business and customer-centric focus in your cover letter

ATS Keywords: Data Science, Marketing, Media Mix Modeling, Python, SQL, Cloud Computing, Data Lake, Strategic Planning, Team Leadership, Project Management

ASSUMPTION: CarMax's interview process is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best candidate for the role and the organization.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Python (Pandas, NumPy, Scikit-learn, etc.)
  • SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL)
  • Cloud Computing Platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure)
  • Data Lake Tools (Hadoop, Spark, Hive)
  • Data Visualization Tools (Tableau, Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies listed are commonly used in data science roles and may vary depending on CarMax's specific tech stack.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Integrity
  • Honesty
  • Transparency
  • Customer-centric focus
  • Continuous improvement

Work Style:

  • Collaborative and team-oriented
  • Data-driven and analytical
  • Adaptable and responsive to change
  • Customer-focused and results-oriented

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • Do you thrive in a collaborative, team-based environment?
  • Are you comfortable working with large datasets and complex data models?
  • Do you have strong communication skills and the ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders?
  • Are you committed to delivering exceptional customer experiences?

ASSUMPTION: CarMax's company culture emphasizes integrity, transparency, and a customer-centric focus, creating an environment that values honesty and open communication.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Balancing strategic planning with hands-on data science work
  • Managing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
  • Communicating complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively
  • Adapting to changes in marketing strategies and data science tools and technologies

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require a versatile skill set, strong adaptability, and effective time management.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is unique in its focus on integrating data science into marketing programs within the automotive retail industry
  • Compared to other data science roles, this position requires a strong balance of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and communication skills
  • Career progression may involve moving into a director or vice president role within CarMax's data science or marketing departments

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to apply data science expertise to drive marketing strategies and improve customer experiences within the automotive retail industry.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing a customized Media Mix Model to optimize marketing budget allocation
  • Creating a predictive model to identify high-value site visitors and improve targeting for paid digital channels
  • Analyzing customer data to identify trends and opportunities for improving the car-buying experience

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are representative of the types of initiatives the Sr. Manager Data Science, Marketing may work on, focusing on data-driven decision making and improving customer experiences.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the current state of data science integration within CarMax's marketing programs?
  • How does this role collaborate with other data science teams and marketing departments within the organization?
  • What are the most pressing challenges facing CarMax's marketing efforts, and how can data science help address them?
  • How does CarMax support the professional development and growth of its data science team members?
  • What is the company's long-term vision for data science within the marketing department, and how does this role contribute to that vision?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and CarMax's data science initiatives, while also providing valuable insights into the organization's priorities and culture.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Highlight relevant data science projects and achievements in your resume, using the ATS keywords provided
  • Prepare examples of how you've optimized marketing investments or improved conversion rates using data-driven approaches for your interview
  • Demonstrate your understanding of CarMax's business and customer-centric focus in your cover letter
  • Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.