Senior Data Scientist

Senior Transformational Data Scientist,

Supply Chain Data and Analytics Location: Slough or Paddington-UK, Veghel-NL

Mars Inc. is undergoing a significant Digital Transformation journey. Our ability to solve the most critical problems across Mars in a user-centric way through Data & Analytics is fundamental to our Digital Engine and our transformation. The opportunities are significant for Mars, and the opportunities for those working in this space are both hugely exciting and rewarding. Connecting and deriving breakthrough insight from our Mars Snacking data ecosystems, leveraging the rapidly growing world of external data to get closer to our customers and consumers than ever before, and unlocking efficiencies and automation in our Supply Chain and Quality operations are just some of our big focus areas.

Building on this momentum, we are recruiting an experienced Senior Data Scientist to join our team in a transformational role. As a Senior Data Scientist in this unique role, you will be at the forefront of driving innovative ideas, new ways of working, and transformative change within our supply chain operations. Your expertise in data science, advanced analytics, and machine learning will be instrumental in shaping the future of our team and driving meaningful impact across the organization.

This transformational role aims to support a 36-month transformative program and will be focused primarily on the reinvention and enhancement of the digital acceleration effort ongoing at Mars. This role has a strong potential to transition into a permanent Mars role prior to the conclusion of the transformation period, where appropriate.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the charge in establishing new ideas, methodologies, and best practices in data science and analytics within SCDA, with a focus on driving transformative change.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Mars Supply Chain Functional Teams, Mars Platform Services, and Advanced ML teams, to identify opportunities for innovation and implement cutting-edge solutions.
• Challenge the status quo and drive the adoption of new technologies, tools, and techniques to push the boundaries of data science and analytics within the supply chain domain.
• Mentor and inspire team members, including Data Scientists and Data Scientist Analysts, to embrace a transformational mindset and explore new approaches to problem-solving.
• Lead strategic projects and initiatives, leveraging your expertise in data science, statistical modeling, and machine learning to develop a new Supply Chain Data & Analytics (SCDA) infrastructure designed to unlock extreme speed in all prototyping, product development, and product scale efforts.
• Present findings, recommendations, and innovative ideas to technical and non-technical stakeholders in a compelling and persuasive manner.
• Assist the SCDA Data Science organization with ongoing projects and help steer the adoption of new infrastructure when appropriate.

Requirements:

• Extensive knowledge of the latest developments in Applied Data Science, Optimization, AI/ML, and ML Operations, with a track record of driving transformational change across large organizations using revolutionary thinking.
• Strong software engineering skills, including expertise in cutting-edge technologies and the ability to develop, design, code, and test scalable solutions.
• Ability to think strategically and translate complex business challenges into visionary technical solutions, challenging traditional approaches and driving innovation.
• Proven experience in leading and inspiring teams, fostering a culture of creativity, curiosity, and continuous learning.

Qualifications & Competencies:

Knowledge:

Application of the latest Data Science approaches and techniques being applied in industry today (Consumer Goods experience is advantageous).

Education:

Master’s degree in Analytics or related quantitative fields (Statistics, Operations Research, Mathematics, Econometrics, etc.).

Experience:

• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in an Applied Data Science role or equivalent, and overall, 8-12 years experience ideally within the CPG, Consumer Products, Retail, Telecom, or Financial Services industries.
• Deep understanding of advanced statistical analyses and machine learning techniques, such as regression, time-series analysis, classification, and ensemble methods, and their application to drive transformative insights.
• Proficiency in Python and (Py)Spark for data processing and analysis, as well as experience with SQL, Hive, and big data platforms like the Hadoop ecosystem and Apache Spark.
• Familiarity with data visualization tools such as Power BI or Plotly's Dash Framework and common deployment strategies for analytical models.
• Strong knowledge of DevOps principles, including CI/CD, unit testing, and Agile development methodologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, presentation, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Exceptional planning, project management, and organizational skills, with a keen attention to detail.
• Experience working with data from multiple, cross-functional, and disparate systems.
• Familiarity with cloud-based computing services (e.g., AzureML, Databricks, etc.).

Relevant Competencies:

• Delivers Consistent Results.
• Creates Collaborative Relationships.
• Innovation Management.
• Dealing with Ambiguity.
• Business Acumen.

Note: This Transformational Senior Data Scientist role will partner with the Lead Data Scientist to be at the forefront of driving innovation and transformative change within the SCDA team. This position will focus on leading and executing groundbreaking projects, exploring new methodologies and technologies, and shaping the future of data science and analytics in our organization.

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.