Senior Director, Data Science

Position Title: Senior Director Data Science

Job Description :

Roles & responsibilities :

• Albertsons Companies is transforming how we operate from Source to Tablereimagining planning, ordering, inventory, and execution as a deeply connected, AI-enabled ecosystem. In this role, you will set the vision and lead delivery for an AI-native Data Science organization that builds the predictive, prescriptive, and agentic intelligence powering our next-generation supply chain and store execution platforms.
• You will set the vision and roadmap for a team of data scientists that will build data science capabilities to optimize operations, processes and capabilities in Source to Table transformation area that would include 1) end to end demand forecasting; 2) inventory optimization to minimize out of stocks; 3) store and warehouse replenishment to minimize supply chain waste; 4) Agentic AI frameworks to augment and automate planning and execution capabilities.
• You will lead the efforts to convert multiple point solutions to connected data science and AI solutions at scale.
• You will lead efforts to connect merch planning, supply chain operations, promo, price, clearance and S&OP through common forecasts. Lead the shift from disconnected point solutions to connected, end-to-end intelligence products with shared data/feature foundations and consistent governance
• Build and scale AI-native components: models + agents + reasoning layers.

Build a portfolio that includes:

• Core ML/optimization models (forecasting, bias correction, replenishment, shrink/markdown, execution signals).
• Agentic AI frameworks that augment and automate planning and executionhuman-in-the-loop where needed, autonomous where safe/valuable.
• LLM-powered explanation and decision support that translates outputs into natural language.
• You will lead efforts to optimize inventory policies across our supply chain and stores network to minimize out of stocks and maximize efficiency.
• Lead partnerships with cross-functional teams to deliver analytical, predictive and decision-support solutions for supply chain and fulfillment-related functions and capabilities. Interface with cross functional leaders and represent point of views from data science to drive measurable success
• Recruit, build and lead high-performing teams of data scientists in a technical capacity. Inspire and deliver data science innovations that fuel the growth of the business
• Provide technical and thought leadership in data science and AI. Guide architectures, data science models, machine learning algorithms and engineering best practices. Cultivate team managers and members and grow their skill sets.
• Use machine learning and AI to solve real customer problems, power the next generation experiences for large scale applications in real time. Deliver breakthrough benefits to customers using personalized, enriched, and derived data from a range of sources
• Drive meetings and lead discussions. Prioritize projects across the team and allocate resources to meet business and team goals, supporting divisional and corporate efforts for cycles of planning and execution
• Communicate sophisticated machine learning and modeling solutions and capabilities effectively with intuitive visualizations for business stakeholders

Experience Required :

• Advanced degree in a STEM field like CS, DS, Engineering, Statistics, Math, etc. is preferred, or equivalent experience. PhD strongly preferred in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Statistics, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Industrial Engineering, or a closely related quantitative field (or equivalent depth of research + applied production experience).
• 5+ years management experience in building and leading data science teams
• Specific experience and skills working in the retail and grocery industry is preferred, including in the areas of supply chain optimization, merchandising and pricing, digital/ecommerce, fulfillment, and customer and marketing analytics and intelligence capabilities using data science, AI and machine learning tools and techniques
• You will bring product thinking and deep expertise in systems design to this role.
• You will bring an understanding of how planning and operations connects with customer related work from a data science perspective.
• You would have prior experience as a consultant and bring a service mindset to the work of business transformation.
• You will be equally comfortable interacting with scientists, engineers, product, and business clients.
• Business acumen and retail understanding is critical.
• Getting stuff done is critical.
• Has to be able to clearly set a vision to partners for the art of the possible.
• Track record of guiding teams through unstructured technical problems to deliver business impact. Ability to translate high-level business objectives into action
• Skilled at running cross-functional relationships and communicating with leadership across multiple organizations
• 10+ years of industry experience in applying data science: experimental design, machine learning, deep learning algorithms etc.
• 8+ years of experience and proficiency in Python, SQL
• 5+ years of hands-on experience in building data science solutions and production-ready systems on big data platforms such as Snowflake, Spark, Hadoop
• 5+ years of experience with Data Engineering, MLOps, and Model Life Cycle Management.
• Excellent communications skills, with the ability to synthesize, simplify and explain complex problems to different audience
• Experience with logistics and supply chain management systems, Snowflake, Azure Databricks is a plus

Skills Required:

• Machine learning
• Deep learning
• Applied Optimization, Operations Research
• Python
• SQL
• AI/machine learning tools (Databricks, Vertex AI, etc.)
• Systems design
• Analytics across functions
• Data Science team leadership (5+ years)
• Strong cross-functional relationship management and executive communication skills

Skills Preferred:

• Big data platforms (Snowflake, Spark, Hadoop)
• Data Engineering
• MLOps
• Model Life Cycle Management
• Experimental design
• Strategic retail and grocery analytics expertise