Chief Data Scientists shape how organizations use data, analytics, and artificial intelligence to make decisions and create business value. As senior executives, they set data science strategy, guide teams, and partner with leaders across the organization to turn complex information into measurable results. Explore vetted Chief Data Scientist (CDS) opportunities paying $100,000 or more on Ladders.
A Chief Data Scientist leads an organization’s data science vision and execution. Typical responsibilities include setting priorities for analytics and machine learning, overseeing data science teams, establishing standards for model development, and explaining findings to executives and stakeholders. Depending on the company, the role may also cover AI strategy, data governance, experimentation, and the development of data products.
Employers commonly seek extensive experience in data science, statistics, machine learning, or a related discipline, along with a record of leading teams and delivering business outcomes. Strong candidates combine technical judgment with executive communication, strategic planning, and cross-functional collaboration. Familiarity with responsible AI, privacy, data quality, and cloud-based data platforms can also be valuable.
Chief Data Scientists work across industries including technology, financial services, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, and consulting. The position may be titled Chief Data Scientist, Chief AI Officer, VP of Data Science, or Head of Data Science, depending on the organization’s structure. These leaders often work closely with engineering, product, legal, and business teams.
Browse vetted professional opportunities for Chief Data Scientists and related data science leaders on Ladders. Discover roles with salaries of $100,000 or more, compare opportunities, and find a position that matches your leadership experience and career goals.
$140K - $190K *
Join a team that's redefining data science by tackling complex analytical challenges. You'll own projects from inception to delivery, leveraging AI tools to drive insights and shape our innovative pro...
1 week ago
Director, Applied Science - Ad Optimization & ML Systems
$225K - $275K *
Shape the future of programmatic advertising by leading the design, deployment, and optimization of advanced real-time decisioning systems, ensuring peak performance and innovation in auction strategi...
Reposted 5 days ago
Director, Applied Science - Ad Optimization & ML Systems
$225K - $275K *
Shape the future of real-time decisioning in programmatic advertising through building, deploying, and optimizing advanced machine learning systems while leading a talented team of scientists and engi...
Reposted 5 days ago
Director, Applied Science - Ad Optimization & ML Systems
$225K - $275K *
Drive the future of advertising by leading a high-impact machine learning team, delivering innovative solutions, and cultivating engineering excellence to solve complex business challenges at scale...
Reposted 5 days ago
Director, Applied Science - Ad Optimization & ML Systems
$225K - $275K *
Take ownership of the design and deployment of scalable ML systems that optimize real-time bidding in ad technology. Lead a team of applied scientists and engineers, driving technical strategy and ens...
Reposted 5 days ago
$105K - $140K *
Innovate with advanced analytics and AI to transform enterprise data into actionable insights, driving impactful decisions in Clinical Development and Operations. Collaborate with cross-functional tea...
Today
$110K - $130K *
Join a team that's building robust AI solutions using Microsoft Azure services. You will design and deploy AI/ML applications, collaborate with data teams, enhance data pipelines, and ensure complianc...
3 weeks ago
Data Engineer / Enterprise Telemetry & Data Pipeline SME
$170K - $200K *
Lead the charge in engineering robust data pipelines and telemetry architectures, optimizing end-to-end data flows for enterprise analytics. Drive automation, ensure data quality, and enhance performa...
3 weeks ago
Member of Data Staff (Data Scientist)
$130K - $160K *
Pioneer AI-driven data solutions, enhancing workflows and analysis capabilities. Develop scalable systems for autonomous data science, enabling a 10x improvement in team efficiency and pushing industr...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Lead the charge in shaping data infrastructure as an AI-native organization, partnering with various teams to enhance data usability, governance, and insights for operational excellence and informed d...
4 weeks ago
$110K - $130K *
Transform data into strategic insights while architecting essential systems for an AI-driven organization. Collaborate with cross-functional teams and lead initiatives to ensure data integrity and acc...
4 weeks ago
Principal Consultant, Data Product Strategy
$125K - $150K *
Champion the strategy and adoption of data products to enhance international growth. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define product vision, prioritize features, and ensure data quality, dri...
2 days ago
Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Ads & Promos Delivery
$268K - $395K *
Lead the charge in shaping AI-driven ads relevance systems, designing and building ML models that enhance personalization and optimize marketplace performance, while collaborating across teams to exec...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Elevate product discovery by leading data-driven insights that inform new solutions. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate complex questions into actionable strategies, ensuring analyti...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Computer Vision/ML Scientist
$138K - $165K *
Drive innovative applied research in computer vision and ML, tackling complex visual understanding challenges across industries. Lead projects from concept to deployment, mentoring junior scientists w...
Yesterday
Senior Director, Solutions Architecture
$160K - $200K *
Transform mission-critical environments by leading the design and deployment of advanced AI platforms. Drive team success through innovative solutions, customer engagement, and operational excellence...
2 days ago
Senior Director, Solutions Architecture
$160K - $200K *
Join a team that's redefining AI solutions for mission-critical government environments. Lead the design and deployment of innovative platforms while building a high-performing engineering team to del...
2 days ago
Senior Director, Solutions Architecture
$160K - $190K *
Join a team that's redefining AI solutions for mission-critical government environments. Lead the design and deployment of innovative platforms while building a high-performing engineering team to del...
2 days ago
$130K - $170K *
Transform biomedical data into actionable insights by applying advanced machine learning techniques. Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to develop innovative algorithms and tools for health and...
3 weeks ago
Senior Data Design and Analytics Manager
$120K - $150K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of healthcare analytics by developing advanced data systems. Lead a dynamic group of data scientists to drive machine learning initiatives, optimize data workflow...
4 weeks ago
(USA) Distinguished, Data Scientist
$156K - $312K *
Shape the future of advertising measurement by leading causal inference methodologies, collaborating with engineering and product teams to deliver scalable solutions, and mentoring a talented group in...
4 weeks ago
(USA) Distinguished, Data Scientist
$169K - $338K *
Partner with us to redefine advertising measurement through innovative causal inference methodologies, driving impactful data-driven decision-making across campaigns and segments while mentoring fello...
4 weeks ago
(USA) Distinguished, Data Scientist
$156K - $312K *
Unlock potential by spearheading AI/ML initiatives for Global Governance with a focus on proactive risk intelligence, mentoring top talent, and architecting robust AI solutions that enhance compliance...
4 weeks ago
(USA) Distinguished, Data Scientist
$156K - $312K *
Shape the future of AI/ML for Global Governance, driving strategies for scalable solutions and governance workflows. Lead cross-functional teams to establish standards, mentor talent, and enhance AI c...
4 weeks ago
(USA) Distinguished, Data Scientist
$169K - $338K *
Drive the development of cutting-edge ads incrementality measurement solutions, leveraging your expertise in causal inference and data science to enhance advertising effectiveness and influence produc...
4 weeks ago
What does a Chief Data Scientist do?
A Chief Data Scientist sets data science strategy, leads analytics and machine learning teams, and helps executives apply data-driven insights to business decisions. The role may also oversee AI initiatives, data products, and responsible data practices.
What qualifications are common for Chief Data Scientist jobs?
Employers typically look for deep experience in data science or a related technical field, leadership experience, and a record of delivering measurable results. Expertise in machine learning, statistics, AI, data governance, and executive communication is often valued.
How is a Chief Data Scientist different from a Data Science Manager?
A Data Science Manager generally leads a team or function, while a Chief Data Scientist typically sets strategy across the organization and advises senior executives. The exact scope varies by company.
Which industries hire Chief Data Scientists?
Chief Data Scientists are hired in technology, financial services, healthcare, retail, manufacturing, consulting, and other sectors that rely on analytics, machine learning, or AI.
What salary range can I expect for Chief Data Scientist jobs on Ladders?
Ladders focuses on vetted professional jobs paying $100,000 or more. Compensation varies based on factors such as industry, location, company size, and the scope of the role; review individual listings for salary details.