Position: Data Scientist Team Lead
Company: Confidential AI / Data Platform Company
Location: Tokyo, Japan (hybrid / remote within Japan depending on role)
Employment Type: Full-time
Overview
A Tokyo-based AI and digital transformation company is seeking a Data Scientist Team Lead to join as a founding member of a new data-focused initiative. The organization operates across multiple domains including HR tech, marketing technology, AI transformation, and cybersecurity, with a strong emphasis on practical generative AI implementation.
This role focuses on building and leading the data and machine learning foundation behind a skill intelligence platform, including the design of data architecture, ML systems, and scalable infrastructure.
Position Summary
The Data Scientist Team Lead will be responsible for designing, building, and operating a Skill Data Cloud and related data systems. This role combines hands-on technical work with team leadership, driving the development of data pipelines, ML models, and MLOps infrastructure while guiding a growing team.
Key Responsibilities
Data Architecture & Platform
Design and maintain skill taxonomies and ontologies
Lead development and operation of the Skill Data Cloud
Build scalable data pipelines and analytics foundations
Standardize data metrics and data quality frameworks
Machine Learning & AI
Design, implement, and evaluate ML and generative AI models
Develop production-ready ML systems from prototypes
Drive continuous improvement of model performance and reliability
MLOps & Infrastructure
Design MLOps frameworks including feature stores and model registries
Build CI/CD pipelines for model deployment
Implement model monitoring, A/B testing, and quality management systems
Leadership & Project Management
Lead and mentor a team of data scientists
Define project roadmaps and execution plans
Bridge technical and business stakeholders
Establish frameworks and processes in ambiguous environments
Qualifications
Required
5+ years of experience in data engineering, data science, or related fields
Strong Python development experience
Experience in ML/AI engineering, including cloud and container environments
Hands-on experience with MLOps tools (e.g., MLflow or similar)
Experience with data extraction, preprocessing, and feature engineering
Experience deploying models via APIs and managing containerized environments
Experience with model monitoring, A/B testing, and quality control
Experience leading data or AI projects on the business side
Proven ability to productionize PoC or prototype models
Preferred
Experience designing large-scale data platforms or data clouds
Strong background in ML system architecture
Experience with BI tools and data visualization
Leadership experience in scaling data teams
Experience working in cross-functional or product-driven environments
Technical Environment
Languages
Python, SQL
Machine Learning
MLOps, model monitoring, experiment tracking (e.g., MLflow)
Data
Data warehouses, data pipelines, BI tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker)
Infrastructure
Kubernetes, CI/CD pipelines
Working Style & Benefits
Hybrid or remote work options within Japan
Flexible working arrangements depending on role
120+ annual holidays (weekends, national holidays, seasonal breaks)
Paid leave, special leave, and parental leave programs
Full social insurance coverage
Commuting and family allowances
Health check programs
Company-provided equipment
Learning and certification support
Language support and visa assistance
Access to internal platforms and AI tools
Team & Culture
Collaborative, global team environment
Strong focus on practical AI implementation and real-world impact
Fast-paced, innovation-driven culture
Emphasis on knowledge sharing and team growth
Compensation
12M – 18M JPY (depending on experience)
Career Path
Founding leadership role within a new data initiative
Opportunity to shape data strategy and platform architecture
Progression into Head of Data / AI leadership roles