Lead Data Scientist, IS Supply Chain & Operations Analytics

The J.M. Smucker Co. • Orrville, OH

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. This role has a hybrid work arrangement – Onsite approximately 6-9 days per month during core weeks as determined by the Company and more as business need requires.

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

Nice To Haves

• 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

Responsibilities

• 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.

Benefits

• The company culture is rooted in its Basic Beliefs, and it believes in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior