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.
What will be your key responsibilities?
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.
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.
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.
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The base pay range for this position at commencement of employment is between the range listed below, however, base pay offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The total compensation package for this position will include variable pay, medical and dental benefits, participation in 401k plan, and paid time off benefits. Details of participation in these benefit plans will be provided if an applicant receives an offer of employment.
The pay range shown is applicable to all US locations listed within the job posting:USD 252,000.00 - USD 346,500.00Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a quantitative field
- Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science or related field
- 12+ years of experience in data and analytics
- 5 years in a senior leadership role
- Proven experience in Product Management within AI and Data Science
- Strong stakeholder relationship management skills
- Deep technical knowledge in Machine Learning and Computational Science
- Experience managing vendor and partner relationships
- Understanding of UX principles in AI products
- Experience in business case development for technical projects
- Ideally experience in a CPG or Retail environment
- Experience with GCP, Databricks, Azure
Mars Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Mars and has not been reviewed or approved by Mars.
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Healthcare Strength — The benefits package is positioned as comprehensive, with broad medical coverage and additional protections like life insurance and short- and long-term disability. Mental health support is emphasized, including free mental health services and wellbeing programming under initiatives such as Mars Be Well.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave is highlighted as market-leading in the U.S., with an example of 18 weeks fully paid for both parents. Additional family-related leave types such as sick time for caregiving and bereavement leave are also described as part of the overall package.
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Retirement Support — Retirement offerings are described as strong, including 401(k) matching (with a 6% match cited) and pension plans in some cases. The broader package also references retirement savings options and contributions aligned to local market practice, supporting long-term financial security.
Mars Insights
What We Do
For more than a century, Mars, Incorporated has been driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. This idea is at the center of who we have always been as a global, family-owned business. Today, Mars is transforming, innovating and evolving in ways that affirm our commitment to making a positive impact on the world around us. Across our diverse and expanding portfolio of confectionery, food, and petcare products and services, we employ 133,000 dedicated Associates who are all moving in the same direction: forward. With $40 billion in annual sales, we produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’s®, MILKY WAY®, SNICKERS®, TWIX®, ORBIT®, PEDIGREE®, ROYAL CANIN®, SKITTLES®, WHISKAS®, COCOAVIA®, and 5™; and take care of half of the world’s pets through our pet health services AniCura, Banfield Pet Hospitals™, BluePearl®, Linnaeus, Pet Partners™, and VCA™. We know we can only be truly successful if our partners and the communities in which we operate prosper as well. The Mars Five Principles – Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom – inspire our Associates to take action every day to help create a world tomorrow in which the planet, its people and pets can thrive.
