Senior Data Scientist

This position is project-based with an expected end date of December 31, 2026. As we approach this date, we will collaborate with you to explore other employment opportunities within the Mars family of companies. If a suitable alternative role is not available at that time, your employment will conclude.

Please consider whether you are comfortable pursuing recruitment for this role, given its project funding, and the necessity to secure your next full-time or promotional opportunity with Mars before December 31, 2026.

This role is a key member of data science component of the Manufacturing D&A team. We are searching for a highly experienced data scientist to help deliver Pet Nutrition's digital transformation objectives. The role sits within a multi-disciplinary D&A team and focuses on managing and delivering projects, identifying and implementing strategic opportunities and working with the business to extract value from their data assets.  

This will demand rapidly learning about the data we have, the business needs/challenges and applying expertise in analytics and data science delivery to turn this into great insight that is ultimately actionable and leads to valuable outcomes for the business.  

• Degree or equivalent in Data Science, Mathematics, Statistics, or other numerate discipline. 

• Nice to have – Master's / PhD with computing, scientific, statistical, or mathematical component.

• 10+ years’ experience working as a Data Scientist.

• 5+ years varied technical experience in delivering statistical analytics, data science and insight on large-scale consumer data sets across multiple sectors, including packaged goods and retail. 

• Demonstrated ability to collaborate in a cross functional team including data engineer, data architect, general IT and non-technical stakeholders 

• Demonstrable experience using data science and advanced analytics to generate business value and change, including optimisation of production processes 

• Great knowledge of Python and in particular, the classic Python Data Science stack (NumPy, pandas, PyTorch, scikit-learn, etc) is required; Familiarity with PySpark is also desirable.  

• A cloud platform experience (e.g Azure, AWS, GCP), we’re using Azure in the team. 

• Good SQL understanding in practice 

• Capacity and enthusiasm for coaching and mentoring less experienced data scientists, including code reviews, training sessions 

• Must have excellent communication skills and interact effectively with all levels of internal business stakeholders in a global and multicultural environment. 

• 3+ years of experience writing production-level code: Routine use and deep understanding of the best practices with version control, unit testing, CI/CD and in general, MLOps for model lifecycle management and monitoring. Familiarity with containerization (Docker) and orchestration for scalable deployment. 

• Ability to write re-usable code

• Plan and lead data science projects to understand and optimise manufacturing processes across different regions and plants. 

• Manage multiple projects at the same time  

• Use machine learning techniques, visualisations, & statistical analysis to gain insight into various data sets – some readily available, and some that have been created and curated by yourself.  

• Apply the right data science approach to proactively identify inefficiencies and drive pragmatic, actionable solutions to enhance manufacturing processes and productivity. 

• Develop compelling stories that provide insight into the drivers of process & plant performance  

• Regularly present work to stakeholders with context and implications, as well as Insights for feedback. 

• Collaborate with internal and external teams to ensure we focus on pet-centric product and service recommendations and be a key player in our network of data talent.  

• Apply a pet and pet-owner centric approach to problem solving across divisions ensuring highest standards of insight and data science delivery to create change.  

• Contribute to a high performing analytics and data science function.  

• Mentoring, coaching, and inspiring the team.  

• Thorough application and documentation of best practice standards in the execution of analytics projects for value creation, including suggesting enhancements.  

• Enthusiastically learn new technologies and techniques relevant to the business’ problems, identifying the correct solution.  

• Contribute to the upskilling of Pet Nutrition by inspiring local teams with insight and storytelling to gain deeper engagement with the digital transformation strategy.  

• Participate in communities of data science talent with a desire to share, network and communicate with other analytical and data experts to advance learning and understanding of pets and pet-owners.  

• Adhere to consumer and pet privacy frameworks, terms, consents and approaches to ensure we position ourselves to empower consumers, to effectively leverage data for their advantage and to abide by all laws and relevant best practices.  ​

• 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.

• Best-in-class 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

#TBDDT