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 Senior Director, Data Science COE, 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 the multi-billion-dollar Pet Nutrition division. Reporting to the VP- Data and Analytics (Global Pet Nutrition), the person in this role will be a part of the Global PN D&A Leadership team. 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 field
• 15+ years of experience working in a quantitative role preferably in the CPG, or retail industry.
• 8+ years of experience managing a team of data scientists, product analysts or data analysts
• Proven track record of delivering value through AI/ Data Science products in a fast-paced, agile environment.
• Partner with senior business leadership across functions to identify business challenges and opportunities and translate them into actionable, integrated, data-driven solutions.
• Ability to influence and collaborate in cross-functional capacity with leaders in engineering, product, finance etc.
• 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 team
• An understanding of product management principles such as product definition, roadmap building and management, and product releases and commercialization
• A strong customer-centric mindset especially within an internal customer base with the purpose of driving value creation, adoption and use

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. Coach and grow a community of data scientists, and ensuring fulfilling careers. Manage budget allocation
• 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.
• Quality Decision-Making: Utilize data-driven insights to support strategic decision-making processes across the organization. Ensure data science projects are aligned with business goals and drive value.
• Change Management: Champion the digital transformation agenda and ensure the successful implementation of data science initiatives. Manage change effectively, addressing challenges and ensuring alignment with the overall Digital First strategy.
• 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.
• Center of Excellence (CoE) for Data Science: Deliver business value in our product and program teams by setting up and leading a Center of Excellence (CoE) for Data Sciences, overseeing its operationalization, fostering collaboration across different teams and geographies, and leverage the CoE to deliver high-quality data and analytics solutions in services of the products/ programs to which the data science-based solutions are deployed.

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.

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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.