Director of Data Science and Computational Creativity

McCormick & Company, Inc., a global leader in the spice, flavor, and seasonings industry, is seeking a full-time Director of Data Science and Computational Creativity to join our Global R&D team. This new hire will work at McCormick's Technical Innovation Center (TIC) located in Hunt Valley, Maryland and will eligibile to paricipate in our hybrid work program (50% onsite, 50% remote per month). The Director of Data Science and Computational Creativity will report to a VP Science & Technology.

McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor with approximately 14,000 employees worldwide. With over $6 billion in annual sales across 160 countries and territories, we manufacture, market, and distribute spices, seasoning mixes, condiments, and other flavorful products to the entire food industry including e-commerce, retail,food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Our most popular brands include McCormick, French's, Frank's RedHot, Stubb's, OLD BAY, Lawry's, Zatarain's, Ducros, Vahiné, Cholula, Schwartz, Kamis, DaQiao, Club House, Aeroplane, and Gourmet Garden. Every day, no matter where or what you eat or drink, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. Our Purpose is "To Stand Together for the Future of Flavor and our Vision is "A World United by Flavor—where healthy, sustainable and delicious go hand in hand."

As a company recognized for its exceptional commitment to employees, McCormick offers a wide variety of benefits, programs, and services. Benefits include, but are not limited to, tuition assistance, medical, dental, vision, disability, group life insurance, 401(k), profit sharing, paid holidays, and vacations.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Director of Data Science and Computational Creativity is responsible for the global strategic direction, development and execution of the company’s computational creativity program (SAGE) and other Artificial Intelligence/Data Science related R&D initiatives as well as driving and executing overall Global R&D data strategy in line with McCormick business objectives. The position also oversees and supports all IT related projects for R&D globally and acts as main liaison with the McCormick IT function. As a leader of a team of R&D and data scientists, this role will drive data literacy and data related expertise development of R&D personnel.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Leads the planning, development, execution and implementation of computational creativity platform (SAGE). Responsible for managing overall program budget and reporting, including KPI metrics reporting to the business.
• Develops, oversees and executes overall R&D data strategy and data/artificial intelligence R&D projects portfolio including reporting to McCormick leadership.
• Leading R&D change management including training to adopt new ways of creating, handling and utilizing data and data analytics in R&D (including SAGE and Bench Test).
• Builds and maintains a strong working relationship with McCormick IT function and oversees and implements the R&D IT related initiatives.
• Manages a team of R&D data scientists

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Master’s in Food Science or a closely related field or its equivalent
• Minimum 15 years in R&D, at least 10 years’ experience leading a group of scientists.
• Experience in data management, data analytics and/or Artificial Intelligence and or IT-related subjects
• Proven track record of complex, multi-functional and multi-discipline project management including change management
• Proven ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with product development, IT and data analysts
• Strong business acumen and understanding how R&D function operates
• Skilled in creating and communicating a compelling and inspiring narrative in the technical space.
• Ability to manage ambiguity effectively
• Ability to influence, to build trust and strong working relationships with stakeholders and cross-functional partners
• Embraces and leads change.
• Fosters and maintains an environment that encourages innovative thought and agility.
• Ability to effectively balance and lead in a matrix organizational structure.

McCormick & Company is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

As a general policy, McCormick does not offer employment visa sponsorships upon hire or in the future.