Head of Data Science & Geo Spatial Analytics

Job Title

Head of Data Science & Geo Spatial Analytics

The Head of Data Science & Geospatial Analytics serves as the firm’s lead expert in quantitative, econometric, and geospatial analysis for commercial real estate, driving the development of an integrated, data‑driven “Reimagining Real Estate” analytical framework. This role shapes data strategy across public, private, and proprietary sources; advances innovative modeling, forecasting, and geospatial capabilities; and advises on best‑in‑class quantitative methodologies used throughout the organization.

Acting as a strategic thought leader, the position strengthens the firm’s analytical brand through research, client engagement, and industry representation, while managing a team of specialized data scientists and overseeing complex cross‑functional analytical initiatives. Ideal candidates bring advanced quantitative education, deep expertise in econometrics and ML/AI, strong programming proficiency, and exceptional communication and client‑facing skills.

• Multi-disciplinary expert on quantitative and technical matters related to CRE, with strategic advisory to all analytical endeavors as appropriate.

• Expert on public and private data sources, including microdata and geospatial associations.

• Develop and implement new framework for analyzing real estate markets, with a whole-of-real-estate and whole-of-data approach.

• Innovate creative solutions and incubate new analytical methods, tools or products.

• Advise and develop data strategy in partnership with Head of Quantitative Insights & Principal Economist, TDS, PRI and other relevant stakeholders, including appropriate data vendors, public data, and proprietary data. Strategy will include geospatial components, estimation techniques, database structure, normalization and other elements of best-in-class research data planning.

• Deploy Places Lens and other appropriate classification layers to data architecture and ensure base level of capabilities from partnership are met (e.g., Risk/Reward matrix, Places Score, HALO, etc.). Partner with the Head of Forecasting as appropriate to ensure consistent analytical product delivery.

• Identify opportunities for new research, R&D and innovation that add value to Cushman & Wakefield as well as its clients.

• Over time, partner with Head of Quantitative Insights & Principal Economist and team to identify white space in analytical/advisory business where platform can add value to new clients (e.g., CMBS/MBS credit analysts, etc.) and integrate vision into analytical capabilities, research and publication.

• Strategic Advisor for quantitative methodologies deployed throughout the firm (e.g., best practices for labor analytics employed by Consulting). Partner with Head of Commercial Analytics as needed to integrate methodologies into [automated] practice. Ensure best-in-class methodological documentation practices are followed.

• Partner with internal and external technology and data partners to identify strategic opportunities to augment or refine data (e.g., Linnaean) for research/analytical purposes. Where appropriate, lead specific opportunities.

• Provide advisory to Head of Quantitative Insights & Principal Economist and team on quantitative endeavors (e.g., key advisor to FVI/FVR and TIME Score methodologies).

• Expert on macro (economy, financial, demographics) and micro (urban planning/zoning, land-use, regional economy, TOD) reals that affect CRE.

• Partner with Think Tank and Americas Research on thought leadership that promotes brand value, with emphasis on novel analytical findings, differentiation and tactical/strategic white papers, often with an academic tilt. [Generally aiming for one report year where Head of Quantitative Insights & Principal Economist team is main author and content is novel analytical findings and strategic implications. Otherwise, support other efforts as appropriate, but not as main author.]

• Brand ambassador…