Lead Data Scientist, IS Supply Chain & Operations Analytics

The J.M. Smucker Company; Orrville (OH); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The J. M. Smucker Company is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to advance analytics across IS Supply Chain & Operations. You will wrangle data, build predictive models, and translate insights into actions that improve manufacturing and logistics performance.

Based in Orrville, OH with a hybrid schedule, you will mentor teammates, partner with Supply Chain leaders, and drive high-impact analytics initiatives using ML and optimization.

Qualifications

• 7+ years in data science, statistics, or quantitative analytics.
• Strong Python, SQL and modeling skills.
• Experience with ML platforms/frameworks (Databricks, Azure ML, Spark, Scikit-Learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Experience with visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, Spotfire).
• Ability to communicate results to business stakeholders.
• Experience with ERP/WMS/MES data and data governance concepts.
• Leadership of cross-functional analytics projects.

Responsibilities

• Translate complex operational challenges into analytics solutions.
• Drive strategic decisions by turning data into measurable outcomes.
• Develop and influence Supply Chain analytics strategy with high-impact opportunities.
• Partner with Supply Chain and Operations leaders to drive improvements.
• Evaluate AI/ML technologies and propose practical applications.
• Apply advanced analytics, forecasting, and optimization to manufacturing and supply chain challenges.
• Act as a trusted advisor to enable faster, smarter business decisions.
• Communicate findings clearly to key stakeholders.
• Identify new data sources to enhance analyses.
• Lead best practices and ensure analytical rigor across projects.
• Mentor data science teammates.

Skills

Python

SQL

Machine learning

Data visualization

Analytical modeling

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in STEM

Master's or PhD (preferred)

Tools

Databricks

Azure ML

Spark

Scikit-Learn

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Job description

Your Opportunity as the Lead Data Scientist, IS Supply Chain & Operations Analytics

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.

Location: Orrville, Ohio (Close proximity to Cleveland/Akron)

Work Arrangements: Hybrid work arrangement – Onsite approximately 6-9 days per month during core weeks as determined by the Company and more as business need requires

In this role you will:

• 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.

What we are looking for:

• 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

Additional skills and experience that we think would make someone successful in this role (not required):

• 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

The Right Place for You

We are bold, kind, strive to do the right thing, we play to win, and we believe in a strong community that thrives together. Our culture is rooted in our Basic Beliefs, and we believe in supporting every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Stay connected with us on LinkedIn

We're an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, age, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status.

We’re a community of passionate, talented professionals dedicated to creating food people and pets love—while supporting the communities in which we work and live.

We value what makes each person unique, champion growth and development, and foster collaboration that fuels productivity and drives our shared success.

Learn more about our Thrive Together purpose

At Smucker, we're passionate about creating a workplace where you truly belong. With a culture rooted in our Basic Beliefs and a competitive Total Rewards program, we aim to support every employee by meeting their physical, emotional, and financial needs.

Learn more about working at Smucker

Our culture is sustained and brought to life every day by the people of Smucker and our hiring process is designed to identify the right candidate for every position at our company.

Learn more about our hiring process

The J. M. Smucker Co. (the “Company”) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person will be discriminated against in hiring or in any other aspect of their employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, transgender status, marital status, familial status, disability, genetic information, protected veteran/military status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.