Data Science Lead

The Chief Data Office (CDO) is a Mars Wrigley program that leverages data and insights to address key business challenges, driving quality growth and operational excellence. CDO enables connected insights across the Mars Snacking ecosystem, equipping associates with the right data, tools, and capabilities to make informed decisions that maximize value and create meaningful impact for consumers, customers, and the business.

This role will be instrumental in driving AI and data science initiatives within Mars Snacking, focusing on demand and supply chain analytics. The position requires strong leadership in managing AI teams, developing scalable and high-quality AI solutions, and collaborating with business stakeholders to align analytics strategies with company objectives. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics, with a strong understanding of product management principles. They will ensure compliance with governance policies while fostering innovation in AI-driven decision-making. This role offers the opportunity to work in a dynamic environment, leveraging cutting-edge technologies to drive business impact.

What are we looking for?

• 7+ years of experience in a quantitative role, preferably in the CPG or retail industry.
• 4+ years of experience leading teams of data scientists, product analysts, or data analysts.
• Proven ability to deliver AI/Data Science solutions in fast-paced, agile environments using scalable, reusable code and models.
• Strong collaboration with business leaders to identify challenges and translate them into actionable, data-driven solutions.
• Adaptability, problem-solving skills, and a growth mindset to thrive in dynamic environments and build high-performing teams.
• Deep expertise in demand and supply chain KPIs and analytical solutions within the CPG/Retail industry.
• Understanding of product management principles, including product definition, roadmap development, and commercialization.
• Customer-centric approach to drive value creation, adoption, and usage within an internal stakeholder base.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving, and innovation to anticipate and navigate challenges.
• Compliance with analytics standards, tailoring methodologies for ML, AI, and descriptive analytics.
• Ability to translate business needs into analytical frameworks with strong communication skills.
• Hands-on experience in advanced analytics and ML techniques, including NLP and time-series analysis, with a willingness to coach data scientists.
• Working knowledge of ML Ops and DevOps frameworks.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Azure tech stack, including Azure Data Factory, Synapse Analytics, and Databricks.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Mars Principles: Embody and uphold the Five Principles of Mars, Inc. within the team and personal conduct.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Thought Leadership: Collaborate with Mars Snacking D&A leadership, product owners, and managers to shape and execute the AI and analytics strategy, aligning with business goals and data-driven decision-making.
• Team & Resource Management: Build and lead multi-location AI teams, overseeing the full model development lifecycle from ideation to deployment and continuous optimization, while managing resources effectively.
• Data Governance & Compliance: Ensure AI solutions adhere to governance policies, ethical AI principles, and privacy regulations while implementing best practices.
• AI & Data as a Product: Drive the development of scalable, secure, and high-quality AI models and data assets that address business challenges and enhance decision intelligence.
• Solution Ideation & Development: Lead a team of data scientists in creating cutting-edge AI and machine learning solutions tailored to business needs, ensuring accuracy, scalability, and impact.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with 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.

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.