Lead Data Analyst

At NerdWallet, we’re on a mission to bring clarity to all of life’s financial decisions and every great mission needs a team of exceptional Nerds. We’ve built an inclusive, flexible, and candid culture where you’re empowered to grow, take smart risks, and be unapologetically yourself (cape optional). Whether remote or in-office, we support how you thrive best. We invest in your well-being, development, and ability to make an impact because when one Nerd levels up, we all do. The Lead Data Analyst is a high-impact role responsible for shaping strategy and driving execution of advanced analytics across product, business, and platform domains. With a broad sphere of influence, this role owns highly complex initiatives, mentors cross-functional teams, and steers the Analytics & BI function toward scalable, data-driven decision-making. The Lead functions as a technical expert, strategic thinker, and organizational bridge-builder. As a Lead thought leader within Analytics, the Lead Data Analyst drives roadmap alignment, introduces innovative measurement strategies, and oversees development of analytics capabilities across teams. This role works closely with stakeholders to diagnose challenges, design solutions, and deliver high-leverage insights. They serve as a multiplier for analytics effectiveness through influence, enablement, and cross-org partnership. This role reports to the Director, Business Analytics. WHERE YOU CAN MAKE AN IMPACT: - Lead end-to-end delivery of strategic analytics programs spanning multiple teams or business domains. - Architect scalable and reusable analytics solutions, including data pipelines, semantic models, and KPI frameworks. - Design and evangelize measurement strategies that drive alignment on goals and performance metrics. - Guide business-critical decision-making with deep, proactive insights using SQL, Looker, and statistical modeling. - Serve as an expert advisor to executives and senior leaders on data strategy and analytics capabilities. - Influence cross-functional partners to prioritize and integrate data-informed decision-making across initiatives. - Drive the evolution of internal analytics infrastructure, standards, and governance. - Coach and mentor analysts across teams; lead communities of practice and best-in-class knowledge sharing. - Represent the Analytics function in cross-org strategic planning and OKR development. YOUR EXPERIENCE: - 5+ years of progressively senior experience in data analytics, BI, or data science. - Demonstrated ability to lead large-scale, cross-functional analytics initiatives with measurable business impact. - Advanced SQL fluency and strong experience with Looker (or similar BI platforms) at the data modeling layer. - Deep expertise in analytics architecture: reusable pipelines, event taxonomies, semantic layers, KPI governance. - Strong track record in designing and implementing enterprise-wide measurement and experimentation strategies. - Strategic thinking and business acumen: ability to connect high-level objectives with tactical data execution. - Skilled at navigating ambiguity and setting direction for others in complex, fast-paced environments. - Highly effective communicator and influencer, including at the executive level. - Strong mentoring and leadership presence; builds capability through coaching, feedback, and enablement. - Embodies self-awareness, resilience, and thoughtfulness in interpersonal dynamics. Preferred Qualifications: - Experience operating in platform analytics, data governance, or embedded enterprise analytics roles. - Proficiency in Python or R for statistical modeling or automation. - Experience with dbt, Airflow, or similar tools for data pipeline development and orchestration. - Familiarity with causal inference, machine learning, or advanced forecasting methods. - Track record of leading change management or transformation efforts within data organizations. WHERE: - This role will be remote (based in the U.S.). - We believe great work can be done anywhere. No matter where you are based, NerdWallet offers benefits and perks to support the physical, financial, and emotional well being of you and your family. WHAT WE OFFER: Work Hard, Stay Balanced (Life’s a series of balancing acts, eh?) - Industry-leading medical, dental, and vision health care plans for employees and their dependents - Rejuvenation Policy – Flexible Vacation Time Off + 11 holidays + holiday company shutdown - New Parent Leave for employees with a newborn child or a child placed with them for adoption or foster care - Mental health support - Paid sabbatical after 5 years for Nerds to recharge, gain knowledge, and pursue their interests - Health and Dependent Care FSA and HSA Plan with monthly NerdWallet contribution - Monthly Wellness Stipend, Cell Phone Stipend, and Wifi Stipend (Only remote Nerds are eligible for the Wifi Stipend) - Work from home equipment stipend and co-working space subsidy (Only remote Nerds are eligible for these stipends) Have Some Fun! (Nerds are fun, too) - Nerd-led group initiatives – Employee Resource Groups for Parents, Diversity, and Inclusion, Women, LGBTQIA, and other communities - Hackathons and team events across all teams and departments - Company-wide events like NerdLove (employee appreciation) and our annual Charity Auction - Our Nerds love to make an impact by paying it forward – Take 8 hours of volunteer time off per quarter and donate to your favorite causes with a company match Plan for your future (And when you retire on your island, remember the little people) - 401K with 4% company match - Be the first to test and benefit from our new financial products and tools - Financial wellness, guidance, and unlimited access to a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) through Northstar - Disability and Life Insurance with employer-paid premiums If you are based in California, we encourage you to read this important information for California residents linked here https://www.nerdwallet.com/privacy-policy. NerdWallet is committed to pursuing and hiring a diverse workforce and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law, so all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.   NerdWallet will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act and the San Francisco Fair Chance Act, which requires this notice https://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2022-12/FCO%20poster2020_0.pdf, as well as the Los Angeles Fair Chance Act, which requires this notice https://dcba.lacounty.gov/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/FCOE-Official-Notice-Eng-Final-8.30.2024.pdf. NerdWallet participates in the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services E-Verify program for all US locations. For more information, please see: - E-Verify Participation Poster (English+Spanish/Español https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf) - Right to Work Poster (English) https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Verification/E-Verify/E-Verify_Native_Documents/OSC_Right_to_Work_Poster.pdf / (Spanish/Español) https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/USCIS/Verification/E-Verify/E-Verify_Native_Documents/OSC_Right_to_Work_Poster_ES.pdf  #LI-Remote #LI-4