Job Description:

Are you passionate about Data Science and excited about its potential to transform the way an enterprise works? Do you have the strategic vision, technical expertise, and leadership skills to drive data-driven solutions? Do you want to work in a dynamic, fast-growing category? If so, you might be the ideal candidate for the role of Senior Director, Data Science, in the Data and Analytics function for Global Pet Nutrition (PN) at Mars.

Pet Nutrition (PN) is the most vibrant category in the FMCG sector. As we work to transform this exciting category, a new program, Digital First, has been mobilized by the Mars Pet Nutrition (PN) leadership team. Digital First places pet parents at the center of all we do in Mars PN, while digitalizing a wide range of business processes and creating future-fit capabilities to achieve ambitious targets in top-line growth, earnings, and pet parent centricity. The Digital First agenda requires digitizing at scale and calls for significant thought leadership, quality decision-making, deep technical know-how, and the ability to navigate complex business challenges while building and leading a team of world-class data science professionals.

The Director, Data Science COE Digital Core for Global Pet Nutrition is a strategic leadership role that oversees the development and implementation of advanced data science solutions that drive business value. This role is accountable for leading data science initiatives, from ideation to deployment, across all the products/ programs in the "Digital Core" areas in the multi-billion-dollar Pet Nutrition division. These solutions will be in service of products and programs that optimize enterprise planning, end-to-end value chain, commercial procurement, and manufacturing processes, ESG and R&D led Innovation. Reporting to the Sr. Director, Data Science COE, Global Pet Nutrition, the role operates globally and partners with PN business and digital leaders across all functions.

What are we looking for?

Bachelor’s/Master’s/higher in computer science, data science, engineering, mathematics, or related field10+ years of experience working in a quantitative role preferably in the CPG, or retail industry.5+ years of experience supply /manufacturing analytics domain Proven track record of delivering value through AI/ Data Science products in a fast-paced, agile environment using a scalable and reusable codebase and models to address business problems effectively.Partner with business leadership across functions to identify business challenges and opportunities and translate them unto actionable, integrated, data-driven solutions.Eagerness to learn, flexibility to pivot when needed, savviness to navigate and thrive in a dynamic environment, and a growth mindset needed to build a successful teamAn understanding of product management principles such as product definition, roadmap building and management, and product releases and commercializationA strong customer centric mindset especially within an internal customer base with the purpose of driving value creation, adoption and useStrategic thinking, problem solving and innovation, with the ability to anticipate and navigate challenges and opportunities. Ensure compliance with analytics standards, including tailoring methodologies to specific use case needs such as ML, AI, and descriptive analytics.Ability to translate business needs into analytical frameworks & superior verbal and written communication skillsProficiency and hands-on experience in advanced analytics techniques and machine learning algorithms, including NLP, time-series analysis and other relevant methods and willingness to coach data scientists tactically Working understanding of ML Ops and DevOps frameworksFamiliarity with Microsoft Azure tech stack, including but not limited to Azure Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, Databricks

What will be your key responsibilities?Strategy and Thought Leadership: Work with PN Digital Leadership to create and execute the data foundations strategy and roadmap for the Pet Nutrition segment, in alignment with the Pet Nutrition’s business strategic priorities, goals and analytics needs.Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with PN D&A leadership, PN product owners, and segment D&A leadership to synchronize and formulate data priorities aimed at maximizing value through data utilization.Team and resource management: Hire, build, lead and manage multilocational teams throughout the development lifecycle. Manage budget allocation. Coach and grow a community of data scientists, and ensuring fulfilling careers.Data Science Solutions: Lead the design, development, and deployment of predictive models, machine learning algorithms, and advanced analytics solutions. Ensure data science solutions are scalable, reliable, and deliver measurable business impact.Innovation and Research: Stay abreast of the latest advancements in data science and AI, incorporating innovative techniques into the organization. Foster a culture of continuous learning and experimentation within the data science team.Performance Measurement and Reporting: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the success of data science initiatives. Provide regular updates and reports to senior leadership on the progress and impact of data science projects.Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations and ethical standards in data science. Identify and mitigate risks associated with data science activities.

What can you expect from Mars?Work with over 140,000 diverse and talented Associates, all guided by the Five Principles.Join a purpose driven company, where we’re striving to build the world we want tomorrow, today.Best-in-class learning and development support from day one, including access to our in-house Mars University.An industry competitive salary and benefits package, including company bonus.

#LI-LD1

#LI-Hybrid

#TBD

Mars is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the application process because of a disability, it is available upon request. The company is pleased to provide such assistance, and no applicant will be penalized as a result of such a request.