VP Distinguished Scientist

Job location: Hershey, PA

*This role can be remote or hybrid with travel to Hershey, PA as needed.

It’s an exciting time to join The Hershey Company as we continue our journey of rapid growth and transformation. The Distinguished Scientist will play a critical role in shaping the organization’s AI and data science strategy. Reporting directly to the CTO, this senior-level individual contributor will be responsible for developing and implementing an enterprise AI strategy, identifying key data science opportunities, and providing expert consultation on data science solution builds. The successful candidate will leverage their extensive experience and expertise to drive innovation, support strategic decision-making, and ensure the organization remains a leader in AI and data science. This role requires a visionary thinker who can influence senior leadership and drive the adoption of cutting-edge technologies across the enterprise.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and articulate the enterprise AI strategy, aligning with the organization’s overall business objectives
• Identify and prioritize key data science opportunities across the enterprise to drive innovation and competitive advantage
• Provide expert support and consultation on data science solution builds across various departments and teams
• Collaborate with senior leadership, including the CXOs, to integrate AI and data science initiatives into the broader technology strategy
• Stay well-informed of the latest advancements in AI and data science, ensuring the organization remains at the forefront of technological innovation

QUALIFICATIONS

• Leadership: Ability to develop and communicate a clear vision for the enterprise AI strategy, inspiring and leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic goals and drive organizational change.
• Technical Expertise: Deep understanding of advanced AI and data science methodologies, tools, and technologies, with the ability to apply this knowledge to drive business value.
• Analytical Skills: Strong analytical skills to assess data science opportunities, design robust data or AI models, and evaluate their impact on business outcomes, ensuring data-driven decision-making.
• Collaboration & Influence: Extensive experience in managing large-scale data science projects, leading cross-functional teams, and collaborating with senior executives. Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and present complex ideas clearly. Extensive experience in consulting and supporting the development of data science solutions.
• Innovation and Continuous Learning: Commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, staying current with the latest advancements in AI and data science, and promoting continuous learning and development within the team and the broader organization.

EDUCATION

• Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Economics (with a focus on Econometrics/Quantitative Methods), or a related STEM field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in data science, AI, or a related discipline, with significant contributions to the field or in technology consulting.
• Consumer products and retail experience is preferred

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