Data Science Manager, TikTok Shop Risk Control and Security

About the team

E-commerce's Governance and Experience is a global team responsible for ensuring our TikTok Shop marketplace is safe and trustworthy for users, sellers, and creators. We value user satisfaction and work on policies, rules, and systems to ensure quality.

About the role

As the Data Science Manager for Risk Control and Security within TikTok Shop’s USDS (U.S. Data Security) division, you will be at the forefront of protecting one of the world's fastest-growing e-commerce ecosystems. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will oversee the analytical engine that detects, prevents, and mitigates risks across the platform.

You will lead a team of talented data scientists to generate insights and build the defense mechanisms that ensure TikTok Shop remains a safe and trusted marketplace for millions of U.S. users. This role requires a blend of technical mastery, strategic foresight, and the ability to navigate complex global organizational structures.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership & Operations: Directly manage a high-performing team of data scientists. You will oversee the delivery of core analytical outputs, including:
• Defining and tracking key metrics for risk and security.
• Building and maintaining scalable data pipelines and automated reporting.
• Executing deep-dive analyses to uncover emerging fraud patterns or security threats, explain trends, and support strategic decisions.
• Developing and refining automation rules, models, and risk strategies to proactively detect bad actors.
• Utilizing AI and AI tools to make the entire team more efficient
• Global Stakeholder Alignment: Act as the primary bridge between the USDS data analyst team and global stakeholders. You will align local requirements with global initiatives, ensuring team resources are allocated to the highest-priority areas.
• Strategic Initiatives: Identify opportunities to improve risk controls, processes, and infrastructure, then initiate and execute data-driven projects—from initial concept to full-scale implementation—that enhance platform integrity and team efficiency.
• AI-Driven Talent Development: Lead the team into the next generation of data science. You are responsible for upskilling the team to thrive in the era of AI, integrating Large Language Models (LLMs), advanced statistical methodologies, and modeling techniques into daily workflows and risk-detection strategies.

Minimum Qualifications

• Experience: 5+ years of experience in Data Science, Risk Analytics, Cybersecurity, or related field with 3+ years in a people management capacity.
• Technical Depth: Mastery of SQL and Python/R. Deep experience with big data environments (eg. Hive, Hadoop, Spark) and automated workflow tools.
• Risk Expertise: Proven experience developing automated rules or strategies for fraud detection, trust & safety, or platform security.
• Global Collaboration: Demonstrated ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships across different time zones and cultural contexts.
• Education: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a quantitative field (e.g., Statistics, Computer Science, Economics, or Mathematics).

Preferred Qualifications

• AI/ML Integration: Experience leveraging AI/ML tools to automate traditional data science tasks or improve detection accuracy.
• E-commerce Background: Prior experience in a marketplace or e-commerce environment.
• Familiarity with privacy and data security: Knowledge of U.S. privacy and data security requirements and the unique challenges of managing data within a highly regulated environment.
• Communication: A "storyteller" mindset—the ability to turn complex data points into a clear strategic narrative for executive leadership.