VP of Machine Learning Job Description Template

The vice president of machine learning leads the organization’s machine learning function, covering strategy, teams, platform and the commercial case for the investment. The role has to hold a realistic line about what machine learning will deliver, since expectations in this area are frequently set by people who have never shipped a model and maintained it.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities

• Set machine learning strategy aligned to business priorities
• Lead machine learning teams and their leaders
• Own the platform and infrastructure investment case
• Decide which problems justify machine learning investment
• Build hiring strategy for a competitive talent market
• Establish standards for evaluation, governance and responsible use
• Report on outcomes rather than on models delivered
• Partner with product and engineering leadership
• Manage the budget including significant compute spend
• Advise the executive team realistically on capability

Education

• Advanced degree in a quantitative field, or equivalent experience

Required Skills and Experience

• 12+ years including senior leadership of machine learning teams
• Track record of machine learning delivering measurable business value
• Ability to set realistic expectations with executives
• Experience building and retaining machine learning teams
• Understanding of platform and infrastructure economics
• Governance and responsible use experience
• Strong commercial judgment about where to invest
• Board level communication

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience across both research and applied settings
• Background scaling a machine learning organization