Data Director

Job Description:

The Waltham Petcare Science Institute provides the word-class science behind the MARS Petcare brands. Our work at WALTHAM covers diverse topics in pet nutrition, health, and wellbeing and is achieved through designed experiments and real-world data. In addition, we join forces with other MARS Petcare teams in the Science domain to collectively work on making a better world for pets.

What are we looking for?

An experienced Data Director to manage all IT and cloud aspects related to the collection, ingestion, processing, and consumption of WALTHAM research data collected on-site and elsewhere, in line with company guidelines and technology standards.

• PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics (or related subject areas) or equivalent by experience.
• Significant people management experience with proven ability to build and grow Data teams.
• Expert knowledge on IT systems, data management, data stewardship and data products and on related coding languages, tools, and cloud working environments.
• Extensive experience in Data Analytics projects in a business context, preferably in a Life Sciences R&D environment.
• Ability to manage ambiguity. Familiarity with Digital Transformation work is an asset.

What will be your key responsibilities?

• Accountable for WALTHAM’s overall data strategy including operational IT systems, cloud-based data assets and digital transformation encompassing the data collected at WALTHAM as well as through strategic initiatives such as the Petcare biobank.
• Responsible for people managing the WALTHAM Data team through 3-5 team leads as direct reports with a total team size of about 10.
• Accountable for development, deployment, and operational support for data collection systems for WALTHAM and for other pet centres where applicable.
• Accountable for data ingestion into the cloud and follow-up processing into data products that are fit-for-use for supporting Waltham’s research, meet FAIR data guidelines, and compatible with Petcare Data Analytics technology and standards.
• As a member of the WALTHAM site management team, responsible for the efficient and quality-driven orchestration of system and data activities, and for the WALTHAM digital transformation work.

What can you expect from Mars?

• Work with over 130,000 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.

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.

About Mars:

Mars is a family-owned business with more than $35 billion in global sales. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands: M&M’s®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, MILKY WAY®, DOVE®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, WHISKAS®, EXTRA®, ORBIT®, 5™, SKITTLES®, BEN’S ORIGINAL® and COCOAVIA®. Alongside our consumer brands, we proudly take care of half of the world’s pets through our nutrition, health and services businesses such as Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, AniCura, VCA™ and Pet Partners™. Headquartered in McLean, VA, Mars operates in more than 80 countries. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our 130,000 Associates into taking action every day towards creating the world we want tomorrow.