Your Opportunity as the Lead Data Scientist, IS Supply Chain & Operations Analytics
The Smucker Information Services (IS) department enables technology solutions for capabilities that help our business perform, transform and grow. The Lead Data Scientist on the IS Supply Chain & Operations Analytics team will work with analytics and business partners across the Supply Chain & Plant Operations business domains to deliver actionable, data-driven insights while raising the analytical acumen of the Company. The successful candidate will be able to wrangle, investigate and develop data science models while also being able to convey complex ideas and influence key decisions. In addition, this role will be responsible for managing partner relationships and growing the capabilities of the Data Science community by participating in cross-functional Data Science knowledge sharing and mentorship.
Location: Orrville, Ohio (Close proximity to Cleveland/Akron)
Work Arrangements: Hybrid work arrangement – Onsite approximately 6-9 days per month during core weeks as determined by the Company and more as business need requires
In this role you will:
Translate complex operational challenges into analytics solutions.
Drive strategic business decisions by translating data, analytics, and predictive insights into measurable outcomes.
Develop and influence the Supply Chain analytics strategy by identifying, prioritizing, and championing high-impact data science opportunities aligned with business objectives.
Partner directly with Supply Chain and Operations leaders to drive measurable improvements.
Evaluate emerging AI and machine learning technologies and recommend practical applications that create measurable business value.
Apply advanced analytics, optimization, forecasting, and simulation techniques to solve manufacturing and supply chain challenges.
Serve as a trusted advisor who helps the organization make faster, smarter, and more confident decisions.
Communicate findings clearly, concisely, and impactfully to key business stakeholders.
Identify new data sources to further analysis results and opportunities.
Serve as a technical leader for advanced analytics initiatives by establishing best practices, reviewing solution approaches, and ensuring analytical rigor across projects.
Mentor data science teammates.
What we are looking for:
Minimum Requirements:
7+ years of work experience as a data scientist, statistician, or quantitative analyst role with either a Bachelor's Degree in a STEM discipline or specialized training in Information Technology
Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, and analytical modeling techniques
Experience developing machine learning solutions using modern analytics platforms and frameworks (e.g., Databricks, Azure ML, Spark, Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, or equivalent)
Experience using visualization and business intelligence tools such as Power BI, Tableau, Spotfire, or similar platforms
Ability to validate, interpret, and communicate statistical results to business stakeholders
Experience working with large, complex datasets from ERP, WMS, MES, and other operational systems
Understanding of data governance, data quality, and model performance monitoring concepts
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional analytics projects
Experience influencing business decisions without direct authority
Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives while balancing strategic and tactical work
Experience mentoring analysts and data scientists
Strong project management and stakeholder management skills
Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role (not required):
Master’s degree or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Operations Research, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or related field
Experience developing and operationalizing forecasting models
Familiarity with generative AI, large language models, and AI-assisted decision support solutions
Experience with MLOps concepts and model lifecycle management
Knowledge of experimentation frameworks and causal inference techniques
Consumer Packaged Goods industry experience
The Right Place for You
We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.
Stay connected with us on LinkedIn®
We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.
Skills Required
- 7+ years of experience as a data scientist, statistician, or quantitative analyst, with a Bachelor's degree in a STEM discipline or specialized Information Technology training
- Strong proficiency in Python, SQL, and analytical modeling techniques
- Experience developing machine learning solutions using platforms or frameworks such as Databricks, Azure ML, Spark, Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, or TensorFlow
- Experience with visualization and business intelligence tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Spotfire
- Ability to validate, interpret, and communicate statistical results to business stakeholders
- Experience working with large, complex datasets from ERP, WMS, MES, and other operational systems
- Understanding of data governance, data quality, and model performance monitoring
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional analytics projects
- Experience influencing business decisions without direct authority
- Ability to prioritize multiple initiatives while balancing strategic and tactical work
- Experience mentoring analysts and data scientists
- Strong project management and stakeholder management skills
- Master's degree or PhD in Data Science, Statistics, Operations Research, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field
- Experience developing and operationalizing forecasting models
- Familiarity with generative AI, large language models, and AI-assisted decision support solutions
- Experience with MLOps concepts and model lifecycle management
- Knowledge of experimentation frameworks and causal inference techniques
- Consumer Packaged Goods industry experience
The J.M. Smucker Co. Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The J.M. Smucker Co. and has not been reviewed or approved by The J.M. Smucker Co..
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Retirement Support — Retirement programs are described as strong, with a company 401(k) match, immediate vesting in some materials, and access to an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. These elements contribute to a favorable view of total compensation value.
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Parental & Family Support — Paid parental leave for all parents and on-site childcare at key locations signal a family-forward approach. Additional supports such as adoption assistance and pet-related leave reinforce this emphasis.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid time off, seasonal compressed schedules, and flexibility options are highlighted across materials. The ability to start with substantial PTO and buy additional time enhances perceived time-off breadth.
The J.M. Smucker Co. Insights
What We Do
Each generation of consumers leaves their mark on culture by establishing new expectations for food and the companies that make it. At The J.M. Smucker Co., it is our privilege to be at the heart of this dynamic with a portfolio that appeals to each generation of people and pets with products found in 90 percent of U.S. homes and countless restaurants. This includes a mix of iconic brands consumers have always loved such as Folgers®, Jif® and Milk-Bone® and new favorites like Café Bustelo®, Smucker’s® Uncrustables® and Rachael Ray® Nutrish®. By continuing to immerse ourselves in consumer and pet parent preferences for food, how it’s purchased and how the companies that make it should operate, we will maintain the important role we play in their lives. This will allow us to continue growing our business and the positive impact we have on all of those who count on us.
