Vice President, Decision Science

Are you ready to drive innovation at the intersection of advanced data science, compliance, and global financial services? Western Union is looking for a seasoned data science leader to join us as Vice President, Decision Science. In this pivotal role, you will spearhead our transformation in Fraud, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Compliance detection strategies, developing AI/ML models to enhance growth while safeguarding our network against fraud and non-compliance.

Western Union powers your pursuit.

As VP of Decision Science, you’ll take on a high-impact role focused on building and scaling advanced models that balance customer acquisition with strong risk management. You’ll lead initiatives to allow more customers while carefully managing risks, working with advanced analytics and machine learning techniques to distinguish between high-risk and trustworthy profiles.

Your role in the team:

• Transformative Modeling: Spearhead the development of AI/ML models that optimize customer acquisition while reducing exposure to fraud, AML, and compliance risks.
• Risk Mitigation & Compliance Alignment: Design solutions that uphold regulatory standards and differentiate trusted customers from high-risk individuals, leveraging data science to enhance fraud detection, AML, and compliance capabilities.
• Cross-functional Leadership: Collaborate with compliance, risk, technology, and product teams to integrate data-driven solutions into our overall business strategy, driving cross-functional alignment.
• Scalable, Cutting-edge Solutions: Develop scalable models and decision-making frameworks that evolve with Western Union’s global reach, supporting sustainable growth and secure operations.
• Advanced Analytics & Innovation: Utilize data science techniques, including natural language processing, time series analysis, and emerging areas like GenAI, to build an adaptive decisioning framework.

What you bring:

• Expertise in AI & ML: Over 10 years of experience in data science focused on fraud, AML, or compliance analytics, with extensive knowledge in machine learning, statistical analysis, and data mining techniques.
• Proven Leadership: 5 years leading teams in model development, particularly within regulated environments, demonstrating a strong sense of ownership and drive.
• Technical Excellence: Proficiency in Python, R, SQL, and big data platforms like Spark or Databricks, with a track record of building models that detect and mitigate fraud effectively.
• Strategic Thinking & Execution: Visionary yet methodical, with experience managing large and complex projects involving multiple teams.
• Risk-focused Analytics: Deep understanding of compliance, fraud, and AML practices, with the ability to implement innovative solutions to minimize exposure to fraud and regulatory risks.

We make financial services accessible to humans everywhere. Join us for what is next.

Western Union is positioned to become the world’s most accessible financial services company transforming lives and communities. We are a diverse and passionate customer-centric team of over 8,000 employees serving 200 countries and territories, reaching customers and receivers around the globe. More than moving money, we design easy-to-use products and services for our digital and physical financial ecosystem that help our customers move forward.

Just as we help our global customers prosper, we support our employees in achieving their professional aspirations. You will have plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and build a career, as well as receive a great compensation package. If you are ready to help drive the future of financial services, it is time for Western Union. Learn more about our purpose and people at https://careers.westernunion.com/.

Salary

The base salary range is $270,000-$310,000 USD per year, total on target compensation includes a base salary plus long-term and short-term incentives that align with individual and company performance.

Benefits

You will also have access to short-term incentives, multiple health insurance options, accident and life insurance, and access to best-in-class development platforms, to name a few (https://careers.westernunion.com/global-benefits/). Please see the location-specific benefits below and note that your Recruiter may share additional role-specific benefits during your interview process or in an offer of employment.

Your United States – specific benefits include:

Family First Program

Flexible Time off

Medical, Dental and Life Insurance

Tuition Assistance Program

Parental Leave

Western Union values in-person collaboration, learning, and ideation whenever possible. We believe this creates value through common ways of working and supports the execution of enterprise objectives which will ultimately help us achieve our strategic goals. By connecting face-to-face, we are better able to learn from our peers, problem-solve together, and innovate.

Our Hybrid Work Model categorizes each role into one of three categories. Western Union has determined the category of this role to be Hybrid. This is defined as a flexible working arrangement that enables employees to divide their time between working from home and working from an office location. The expectation is to work from the office a minimum of three days a week.

For residents of Colorado, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Minnesota, and Pennsylvania: Please do not respond to any questions on this initial application that may seek age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You may also redact this information from any materials you submit during the application process. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

We are passionate about diversity. Our commitment is to provide an inclusive culture that celebrates the unique backgrounds and perspectives of our global teams while reflecting the communities we serve. We do not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, religion, political affiliation, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, marital status, or veteran status. The company will provide accommodation to applicants, including those with disabilities, during the recruitment process, following applicable laws.

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