Strategic Leadership:
• Develop and execute comprehensive enterprise data and AI strategy aligned with business goals
• Drive the vision for a modern data ecosystem that supports advanced analytics, machine learning, and AI use cases
• Lead, mentor, and scale a high-performing team across data engineering, data architecture, data governance, and Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML)
Data Platform & Engineering:
• Oversee the development and maintenance of scalable, secure, and efficient data platforms (e.g., data lakes, data warehouses, data pipelines)
• Champion best practices in data modeling, ETL/ELT processes, metadata management, and data quality
• Lead data engineering teams to ensure reliable, high-quality data delivery and real-time streaming capabilities
Team Leadership:
• Hire, coach, and develop top talent across data, analytics, and AI disciplines
• Foster a culture of continuous learning, experimentation, and cross-functional collaboration
• Promote data literacy and data-driven decision-making across the organization
Analytics and AI/ML:
• Oversee model development, validation, deployment, and monitoring
• Ensure responsible AI principles are applied, including fairness, explainability, and ethical use of AI
• Enable self-service analytics and BI platforms for business teams
Stakeholder Engagement:
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure alignment of data objectives and initiatives
• Serve as the primary point of contact for data-related issues and concerns
• Communicate data strategy, goals, and progress to employees, partners, and vendors
Policy Development and Compliance:
• Define and implement policies that govern data acquisition, storage, access, processing, and usage across the organization
• Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA) and manage data risk
• Lead internal and external audits and assessments, ensuring the organization meets all compliance requirements
Requirements
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field (Master’s or PhD preferred)
• 5 years of relevant AI / Data Science experience in algorithm, data analysis, statistical analysis, data modelling & ML experience (AWS)
• At least 10-15 years of progressive experience in data management, analytics, and AI/ML with a proven track record in a senior leadership role
• Good understanding of Python, R, SQL, RDBMS, NoSQL databases and big data solutions, architecture issues
• Familiarity with basic statistical techniques for prediction and optimization
• Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) Architecture for Generative AI
• Experience with AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), orchestration tools (Airflow, Kubeflow), and data visualization platforms (Tableau, Power BI)
• Deep understanding of data management principles, frameworks, and best practices, including DAMA-DMBOK, FAIR data principles, and data quality standards. Strong familiarity with global data privacy and protection regulations such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA, ensuring compliance and ethical handling of data across all jurisdictions
• At least 10-12 years of global experience in leading data services teams
Preferred (other) Qualifications
• PhD or Masters in Computer Science/Statistics or related fields
• Strong presentation skills for internal, external, and executive audiences
• A valid passport and the ability to travel internationally without restrictions
Compensation & Benefits:
The following information is provided in good faith as a general description of the salary range and benefits for the position posted. The actual compensation offered to the successful candidate is dependent upon experience, skills, education, work location, internal pay equity, and other objective job-related factors.
Salary Range estimated for the Sr. Director, Data Services & AI: $172,000 to $300,000 USD.
Driscoll’s is committed to a culture of care and offers an attractive benefits package that includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, life insurance, and disability coverage for positions working more than 30 hours per week. Other benefits include: 401(k) with employer match, profit-sharing participation, paid sick time, paid vacation, paid personal and family care leave, and a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP). More detailed information regarding the benefits package, will be shared during the application process.
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Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or related field (Master's or PhD preferred)
- 5 years of relevant AI / Data Science experience
- 10-15 years of progressive experience in data management, analytics, and AI/ML
- Good understanding of Python, R, SQL, RDBMS, and NoSQL databases
- Experience with AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)
- Deep understanding of data management principles and global data privacy regulations
Driscoll'S Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Driscoll'S and has not been reviewed or approved by Driscoll'S.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage includes comprehensive medical, dental, and vision, alongside wellness resources and an Employee Assistance Program. Company materials emphasize easy access and breadth as part of a formal Total Rewards program.
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Retirement Support — A 401(k) with employer match and participation in profit sharing are offered to support long‑term savings. These components complement base pay as part of the overall package.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Paid vacation, sick time, and personal/family care leave are provided, with parental leave and volunteer time off also referenced. The mix indicates a well‑rounded time‑off framework.
Driscoll'S Insights
What We Do
Driscoll’s is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll’s is passionate about growing great tasting berries. Driscoll’s exclusive patented berry varieties are developed through years of research using only natural breeding methods – that means no GMOs. A dedicated team of agronomists, breeders, sensory analysts, plant pathologists and entomologists help grow baby seedlings that are then grown on family farms. Our independent berry growers then work with Mother Nature, using experience and know-how to get the very best out of each strawberry, blueberry, blackberry and raspberry plant. Driscoll’s is serious about yummy berries! Driscoll’s is the trusted brand for Only the Finest Berries ™.
