Senior Director, Data Science

at  Simplot

The J.R. Simplot Company is a diverse, privately held organization, with roots firmly planted in agriculture and agriculture-related businesses. The J.R. Simplot Company is a true farm-to-table company with operations that touch every aspect of agriculture, including seed production, farming and ranching, plant sciences, fertilizer manufacturing, food processing, commercial product development, and distribution.

SUMMARY

Leads and drives the strategic and operational success of the Data Science team to enable Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions for the domestic and international operations of the company. Understands the current business environment and how to effectively leverage AI solutions to enable business results. Engages with key stakeholders and executive leaders to influence, define, and drive the use of AI to improve operational efficiency and assist with strategic decision making. In addition, drives alignment across organizations to ensure successful delivery and integration of AI solutions. Accountable for the end-to-end operations of Data Science, including governance of AI solutions, performance metrics, short- and long-term objectives, people development and retention, business continuity planning, risk management, and reducing IT cost structures while increasing innovation.

TYPICAL EDUCATION

• Master’s degree in Data Science, Statistics, Analytics, or relevant experience required.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

• 10+ years related experience and/or training
• Strong business acumen with knowledge across many functional areas such as operations, supply chain, sales and marketing, finance, human resources, procurement, etc.
• Proven global/international leadership experience in managing multiple, large cross-functional teams or projects, and influencing senior level management and key stakeholders.
• Experience in a senior management or executive leadership role with an emphasis on consulting/integration.
• Demonstrated critical thinking and planning at a strategic, global level.
• Strong financial management skills in budgeting, forecasting, and cost control.
• Persuasive, professional communication style.
• Capable of communicating complex, technical topics to a wide variety of audiences.
• Ability to interact with senior management and influence decision makers.
• Strong multi-tasking capabilities, with flexibility to adapt to changing conditions and priorities.
• Strong organizational skills and excellent written and spoken communication skills.
• #LI-MG1
  Job Requisition ID: 17038
  Travel Required: Less than 10%
  Location(s): Simplot Headquarters - Boise
  Country: United States

• Drive a artificial intelligence vision, strategy, and architecture to serve the company.
• Lead the data science capability by overseeing standards, methods, tools, and guidance to those individuals building, delivering, and maintaining AI solutions. Must ensure robust model management practices are in place to ensure the integrity of model insights over time.
• Create a compelling vision of high value use cases for employing AI with business partner engagement and advocacy.
• Oversee the planning and execution of a rolling one-year portfolio of planned work, including projects and enhancements, and the on-going lifecycle management of technology assets.
• Develop a three-year roadmap of technology requirements aligned to each roadmap of the delivery streams. Forecast resources required to achieve the approved roadmap.
• Partner closely with leadership to rigorously prioritize the work within the portfolio and roadmap, and represent its value to executive management.
• Oversee the resource capacity management for the Data Science team to ensure that the portfolio and roadmap can be fulfilled with a skilled team of internal and external resources. Must define and negotiate statements of work with external services.
• Optimize the delivery of technology through monitoring and measurement of performance.
• Ensure that the service and support delivered meets the expectations of stakeholders.
• Frequently update business unit and technology leadership on the progress of the portfolio and roadmap. Proactively manage escalations and conflicts with stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment with Technology & Data Science’s principles, policies, standards, and processes. Develop new and propose modifications to existing governance mechanisms as needed.
• Regularly assess the risks faced by Data Science and Technology & Data Science, and proactively manage the required mitigating activities. Must remain current on AI legislation and partner closely with Legal and other stakeholders to ensure risks are adequately mitigated.