Thomas Packer
Senior Engineering Manager, Search & Discovery
Professional Overview
Thomas Packer is an experienced technology leader with a strong background in data science, natural language processing (NLP), and search engineering. As the Senior Engineering Manager for Search & Discovery at PartsTech, he oversees the development and optimization of advanced search and recommendation systems that drive e-commerce success. Packer's expertise spans conversational AI, information retrieval, and machine learning, enabling him to strategically guide teams in creating innovative search and discovery solutions.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Senior Engineering Manager for Search & Discovery at PartsTech, Packer is responsible for leading a team of skilled engineers and data scientists in the development and continuous improvement of the company's search and recommendation capabilities. Under his leadership, the Search & Discovery team has achieved significant improvements in search relevance and conversion rates, contributing to PartsTech's overall growth and market position.
Career Progression
Prior to joining PartsTech, Packer held several notable data science and engineering roles, including Lead Data Scientist for Online (Conversational AI, NLP, Search) at The Home Depot, Lead Data Scientist (NLP) at Verisk, and Senior Data Scientist at Rubicon Project. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a proven track record of driving innovation, optimizing business-critical systems, and delivering measurable results.
Academic Background
Packer holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Brigham Young University, where his research focused on natural language processing and information retrieval. His academic background, combined with his extensive industry experience, has equipped him with a deep understanding of the latest advancements in relevant technologies and their applications.
Areas of Expertise
- Natural Language Processing (NLP)
- Conversational AI and Chatbots
- Information Retrieval and Search Engine Optimization
- Machine Learning and Data Science
- Software Engineering and System Architecture
- Team Leadership and Agile Methodologies
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, Packer has made significant contributions to the field of search and discovery. At The Home Depot, he led the development of a highly accurate and personalized conversational AI assistant that improved customer engagement and loyalty. At Verisk, he spearheaded the implementation of an advanced NLP-powered search engine that enhanced regulatory compliance for the company's clients.
Conclusion
With his exceptional technical expertise, leadership skills, and proven track record of delivering innovative solutions, Thomas Packer is poised to continue driving the success of PartsTech's Search & Discovery initiatives. His dedication to advancing the state-of-the-art in search and discovery technologies makes him a valuable asset to the organization and the broader industry.