Global Head of Data Science, Analytics & AI

Job Description:

The Global Head of Data Science, Analytics & AI for Mars Snacking is a pivotal senior leadership role, that will be joining at a time of transformation for the Segment, following the recent acquisition of Kellanova, We are seeking a visionary leader to shape and execute our segment's Analytics & AI strategy. Reporting to the SVP Chief Data & Analytics Officer, and a member of the CDAO leadership team, you will be instrumental in powering our strategic priorities delivering leading digital products and capabilities, developing the governance & frameworks for how we lead in this space, and building a best-in-class team.

Mars Snacking is at the start of a hugely exciting journey, integrating two incredibly successful organizations with exciting and category leading brands. This position requires a leader who can innovate, excite, and help shape our future; ensuring data, analytics, and AI are core enablers of our growth across a newly expanded portfolio. As a key member of the CDAO leadership team, you will be responsible for co-creating a vision and strategy that will help steer the organisation through complexity and change, keeping a sharp focus on value creation and a winning culture.


What are we looking for?

• Bachelor's degree required; Master's degree or PhD in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Statistics, or a related discipline preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in the data and analytics space with at least 5 years in a senior leadership capacity managing large, technical teams.
• Proven experience in Product Management, specifically within the AI, Data Science, and Machine Learning domains.
• Strong stakeholder relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate with senior leaders across a large enterprise.
• Deep technical knowledge in Machine Learning, Data Science, and Computational Science.
• Demonstrated experience in AI strategy development and successful implementation.
• Experience managing vendor and partner relationships to drive innovation and execution.
• A strong understanding of User Experience (UX) principles in the context of AI and analytics products.
• Solid experience in business case development and feasibility assessment for technical projects.
• Ideally experience in a CPG or Retail environment.
• Experience working across leading technology platforms including GCP Gemini, Databricks, Azure, etc.

• AI Strategy & Vision: Lead the development and application of the strategic vision for data science, analytics, and AI for the Snacking segment, partnering with functional, regional, and divisional leaders to deliver innovative and scalable solutions.
• Team Leadership: Build, engage, and develop a high-performing global team of Data Science, Analytics & AI associates, establishing clear ways of working and accountabilities.
• Stakeholder Management / Business Partnership: Be the strategic partner of choice for the segment regions, functions & divisions by deeply understanding the business needs, identifying opportunities for scale and providing innovative solutions and recommendations.
• Deliver Business Value: Support the regions, functions and divisions on the delivery of our integration priorities with purpose and pace.
• Operational ExcellenceO: Ensure operational excellence and accelerate quality growth through the creation of advanced analytics and AI capabilities, such as SRM (Strategic Revenue Management) and Perfect Store, Perfect Service agentic tools.
• Capability & Governance: Establish a clear vision, strategy, and framework to ensure a consistent, scalable, and high-quality approach to Analytics & AI, ensuring value realization and adherence to governance and ethical practices.
• Elevate AI Literacy: Act as an accelerator and champion for AI maturity growth across the segment, elevating capabilities and sponsoring valuable experimentation and scale.
• Technology & Architecture: Contribute to the architectural direction for analytics technology solutions and partner with internal IT and external partners to maximize the value derived from our technology platforms.
• Innovation & Research: Lead the research and evaluation of emerging skills, models, and market trends, bringing forward recommendations and solutions to achieve our long-term vision.

• 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.
• A strong focus on 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.