📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Sr. Manager Data Science, Marketing - Hybrid
🔹 Company: CarMax
🔹 Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States (with options for Dallas, Texas, or Atlanta, Georgia)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Marketing
🔹 Date Posted: July 8, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (in office 2 days a week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading the analytic community to develop and execute the vision for Data Science in Marketing
- Delivering models to optimize marketing investments and improve conversion rates
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to create data-science applications that enrich CarMax’s culture of innovation
- Mentoring and developing team members to promote best practices and foster technical growth
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in data science and marketing to effectively lead the analytic community and drive data-driven marketing strategies.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop vision, strategy, and roadmap to fully integrate Data Science into marketing programs
✅ Deliver model suite to optimize marketing investments and drive improvements to conversion
✅ Develop customized Media Mix Model to understand Marketing impact and optimize budget allocation
✅ Model site visitor value to improve targeting and maximize return of paid digital channels
✅ Employ a deep command of data science modeling techniques and statistics, leveraging a variety of technologies, programming languages, and cloud computing platforms
✅ Communicate with all levels throughout the organization to understand business opportunities, create new use cases for data-powered solutions, and influence adoption
✅ Develop the team: delivering high quality analytics, promoting best practices, fostering technical and professional development
✅ 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 requires a strong balance of technical expertise and leadership skills to effectively manage the team and drive data-driven marketing strategies.
🎯 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: While experience in marketing or media mix modeling is preferred, a strong data science background and willingness to learn can make up for any gaps in marketing experience.
💰 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)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Employee discounts on car purchases
- Tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (with a hybrid work arrangement, in office 2 days a week)
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications. Benefits are subject to change and may vary based on the candidate's location and employment status.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Retail (specifically, used car retail)
Company Size: 10,001+ employees (large enterprise)
Founded: 1993
Company Description:
- CarMax disrupted the auto industry by delivering an honest, transparent, and high-integrity experience for customers
- Operates as the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, with over 200 locations nationwide
- Committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and is recognized as one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®
Company Specialties:
Company Website: carmax.com
ASSUMPTION: CarMax's large size and established presence in the used car retail industry provide ample opportunities for career growth and development.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Senior Manager
Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Director of Data Science and Marketing
Work Arrangement: Hybrid (in office 2 days a week)
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance to a Director or Vice President role within the Data Science or Marketing departments
- Opportunities to lead and contribute to strategic initiatives that drive business growth and innovation
- Chance to mentor and develop team members, fostering a culture of learning and growth
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for candidates with strong leadership skills and a passion for driving data-driven marketing strategies.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters with a hybrid work arrangement
Office Location(s): Richmond, Virginia; Dallas, Texas; Atlanta, Georgia
Geographic Context:
- Richmond, Virginia: The company's headquarters, offering a mix of urban and suburban living with a rich history and cultural scene
- Dallas, Texas: A vibrant, growing city with a diverse economy and a strong job market
- Atlanta, Georgia: A major hub for business, finance, and culture, with a diverse population and a thriving arts scene
Work Schedule: Full-time, Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM (with a hybrid work arrangement, in office 2 days a week)
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility and a better work-life balance, while still providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and networking.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- Technical interview with the data science team
- Behavioral interview with the director or another senior team member
- Final interview with the director or another senior leader
Key Assessment Areas:
- Technical skills in data science and marketing
- Leadership and communication skills
- Problem-solving and strategic thinking
- Cultural fit and alignment with CarMax's values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant data science and marketing experience, as well as any experience leading or managing teams
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize skills and experiences that match the required qualifications
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions by reflecting on past experiences and how they demonstrate your leadership and problem-solving skills
ATS Keywords: Data Science, Marketing, Media Mix Modeling, Python, SQL, Cloud Computing, Leadership, Team Management, Strategic Thinking
ASSUMPTION: CarMax's application process is designed to assess both technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on finding candidates who can drive data-driven marketing strategies and lead the data science team.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Python (Pandas, NumPy, SciKit-Learn, etc.)
- SQL (PostgreSQL, MySQL, etc.)
- Cloud Computing (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)
- Data Lake (Hadoop, Spark, etc.)
- Data Visualization (Tableau, Power BI, etc.)
ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in a variety of data science and marketing tools, as well as the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Honesty
- Transparency
- Customer focus
- Continuous improvement
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Data-driven and analytical
- Innovative and entrepreneurial
- Adaptable and flexible
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you have a strong commitment to integrity, honesty, and transparency in your work?
- Are you comfortable working in a collaborative, team-oriented environment?
- Do you have a proven track record of driving data-driven marketing strategies and leading teams?
ASSUMPTION: CarMax values candidates who are strong cultural fits, with a commitment to integrity, honesty, and transparency, as well as a collaborative and innovative work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team with diverse skills and backgrounds, requiring strong leadership and communication skills
- Balancing multiple priorities and projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment
- Keeping up with the latest data science and marketing trends and technologies
- Navigating a large, established organization with a complex political landscape
ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require strong leadership, communication, and adaptability skills to succeed.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other Senior Manager Data Science roles, this position places a stronger emphasis on marketing and customer-focused initiatives
- In the retail industry, this role is unique in its focus on used car retail and the integration of data science into marketing programs
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into a Director or Vice President role within the Data Science or Marketing departments, or transitioning into a more specialized data science or marketing role
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique blend of data science and marketing responsibilities, with significant growth potential for candidates with strong leadership and strategic thinking skills.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a customized Media Mix Model to optimize marketing budget allocation and maximize ROI
- Creating a predictive model to identify high-value site visitors and improve targeting for paid digital channels
- Leading a team to develop and implement a data-driven marketing strategy that drives business growth and innovation
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives that a Senior Manager Data Science, Marketing might undertake in this role.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Data Science and Marketing departments?
- How does CarMax support the professional development and growth of its data science team members?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the Data Science and Marketing departments, and how can this role help address them?
- How does CarMax measure the success of its data science initiatives, and what key performance indicators (KPIs) are most important for this role?
- What is the company's long-term vision for data science and marketing, and how does this role contribute to achieving that vision?
ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the company's long-term goals, enabling them to make a more informed decision about whether the position is the right fit for their career aspirations.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant data science and marketing experience, as well as any experience leading or managing teams
- Prepare for technical and behavioral interview questions by reflecting on past experiences and how they demonstrate your leadership and problem-solving skills
- Research CarMax's company culture and values to ensure a strong cultural fit
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
