Director of Data Science – Sourcing & Supply Chain (Ref: 196538)

As a premier external recruitment partner, we connect leadership with transformative opportunities in complex, consumer-focused ecosystems. Our client roster comprises leading retailers, global brands, and end-to-end supply chains seeking strategic data capabilities and AI-enabled decisioning. We operate as an independent voice for executive search, delivering high-impact leadership placements aligned with business outcomes and technology execution.

In partnership with a globally recognized retailer pursuing a comprehensive AI and data transformation across sourcing, supply chain, merchandising, and digital product creation, we are recruiting an executive to align business strategy with analytics delivery. The Director will steer a cross‑functional program to scale AI-enhanced product development, predictive cost modeling, and supply chain optimization, emphasizing strategic influence, visibility, and delivery leadership across distributed teams.

• Bridge senior business stakeholders with data science and engineering squads, translating strategic imperatives into actionable programs.

• Design and oversee a portfolio of AI and data initiatives that enable digital product development, cost modeling, and sourcing optimization.

• Set priorities, shape roadmaps, and drive execution across onshore and offshore delivery resources.

• Secure executive sponsorship and foster cross‑functional collaboration with sourcing, merchandising, and product leadership.

• Maintain scalable, compliant, and auditable data science delivery within enterprise data platforms (primarily GCP).

• Lead and grow distributed teams, including offshore talent, to deliver consistent program impact.

• Advance AI governance, risk management, and ethical AI practices at scale.

• Contribute to the long‑term design of the data organization and operating model.

• Senior leadership experience (Director level or equivalent) in Data Science, AI, Analytics, or Data Product environments.

• Proven ability to manage senior executive stakeholders and guide enterprise transformation programs.

• Deep understanding of ML, predictive modeling, AI/LLM technologies, and data science delivery workflows.

• Experience with data engineering ecosystems and modern cloud platforms (GCP preferred).

• Track record of leading distributed or offshore teams and delivering in ambiguous contexts.

• Strategic communicator with demonstrated business impact and influence capabilities.

• Competitive compensation with a contract‑to‑hire trajectory.

• Path to permanent, senior leadership role for the right candidate, with base salary aligned to experience (~$250k–$310k).

• Hybrid work arrangement with flexible location options.

• Comprehensive benefits package typical of large organizations, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.

Our client is a globally recognized retailer embarking on a strategic AI and data transformation to modernize sourcing, supply chain, and product creation. This leadership role offers a unique opportunity to influence enterprise‑level change and to steer data and AI initiatives that drive real business outcomes across multiple functions.