Principal Data Scientist

Job Title: Principal Data Scientist Company: Forward Financing Job Category: Data Science Roles & Responsibilities: We are seeking a Principal Data Scientist to set the technical vision for data science at Forward Financing and drive our highest\-impact, most ambiguous initiatives from concept to production. As the most senior individual contributor on the team, you will shape the multi\-year data science roadmap, define how models are built and deployed across the organization, and serve as a trusted technical advisor to senior leadership. You will operate at the intersection of deep technical execution and strategic business partnership, delivering advanced analytical solutions with measurable impact across all business domains. In This Role You Will * Lead the design, development, and deployment of the company's most complex and highest\-stakes statistical and machine learning models, particularly in ambiguous problem spaces with no established playbook * Drive end\-to\-end delivery of flagship data science initiatives, from problem framing and model design through deployment, monitoring, and ongoing iteration * Lead the technical strategy and architecture for Forward's modeling ecosystem, including credit risk, pricing and loss forecasting, ensuring solutions are built for long\-term scalability and business impact * Partner with senior leaders across Portfolio Strategy, Engineering, Product, Underwriting, Sales, and Collections to shape the data science roadmap, proactively identify high\-value opportunities, and influence business strategy with data * Define and enforce organization\-wide standards for model development, validation, code quality, and documentation; serve as the technical authority on design decisions * Mentor data scientists at all levels, including senior and lead team members, raising the technical bar and fostering a culture of rigorous, continuous learning * Communicate complex technical concepts, tradeoffs, and business implications to executives and non\-technical stakeholders, and represent data science in strategic planning * Architect and evolve production machine learning pipelines and monitoring frameworks to ensure models are reliable, scalable, and continuously improving Why You Should Apply * Mission driven company: Forward is a trusted source of fast, flexible funding for small businesses that have often been underserved by traditional financing options. When you join the team, you will help ensure all small businesses have access to the financial support they need to succeed. * Flexibility is a top priority: Our employees are empowered to choose where they want to work (whether that’s from home, in the office, or a combination of both) with flexible hours. Total Rewards Additionally, we offer a comprehensive total rewards package, including but not limited to: medical, dental, vision, a flexible time\-off policy, paid parental leave, RRSP match, wellness reimbursement, volunteering days, annual professional development budget, and charitable donation match. When we aren’t collaborating to drive business and support our customers, we’re finding virtual and in\-person ways to get to know our colleagues, celebrate team wins, and have fun together! Our Culture: The Forward Compass The Forward Compass is the standard we hold for ourselves and one another—guiding how we lead, collaborate, and show up every day to move in the same direction. Back the Builders: We are wired to fuel customer progress, not just provide support. Flying V: We move through coordinated effort with speed and urgency to achieve what no individual could do alone. Work Location: Ontario, Canada Availability: Full time

Forward Financing is a financial technology company based in Boston, Massachusetts with team members throughout the United States, Dominican Republic, and Canada. The company is on a mission to unlock the capital that fuels small businesses across America. Recognized as a Best Place to Work by Built In Boston and certified as a Great Place To Work®, Forward is investing in its employees, technology, and customer experience – with long\-term success in mind every step of the way. Compensation Annual Salary: $208,000 \- $286,000 CAD At Forward Financing, we're committed to fair and transparent compensation. We believe in providing a compensation package that recognizes your skills, experience, and the unique value you bring to our team. We take a market\-based approach to pay, regularly reviewing benchmark data to ensure our compensation remains competitive, equitable, and aligned with our performance\-driven culture. Final offers are determined by a variety of factors, including the candidate's qualifications, relevant experience, specific skills, and internal equity. This approach ensures that our compensation is competitive and equitable. Your recruiter will provide specific details on the expected base and variable earnings as it pertains to this specific role. Equal Opportunity Employment Information It is the policy of Forward Financing to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, religion, national origin, status, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or domestic/civil partnership status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by law. We welcome and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Please let us know should you require any accommodations. As part of our commitment to a streamlined and equitable hiring experience, we use AI tools to assist with candidate screening and assessment. Key Skills: Data Science Salary: $208,000