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.
Distinguished Engineer, Machine Learning - Discovery
$419K - $457K *
Shape the future of machine learning solutions driving search and recommendation systems. Lead technical direction and collaboration as you enhance user experiences through innovative AI strategies ac...
3 weeks ago
SENIOR KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT ANALYST
$87K - $135K *
Unlock your potential by leading a dynamic Knowledge Management program that enhances IT support services, fosters collaboration, and drives efficiency for a large-scale enterprise environment. Make a...
2 days ago
Principal Data & Analytics Strategy and Technology Consultant, Healthcare & Life Sciences
$190K - $240K *
Accelerate progress at the forefront of data transformation in Healthcare and Life Sciences, driving impactful strategies while fostering trusted partnerships to solve complex challenges and enhance b...
4 weeks ago
Principal Data & Analytics Strategy and Technology Consultant, Healthcare & Life Sciences
$190K - $240K *
Pioneer innovative data strategies in the Healthcare sector, driving transformation and growth while collaborating with clients to tackle complex challenges and achieve impactful solutions. Become a t...
4 weeks ago
Principal Data & Analytics Strategy and Technology Consultant, Healthcare & Life Sciences
$190K - $240K *
Join a dynamic team as you drive data strategy and analytics initiatives in healthcare and life sciences, collaborating with clients to tackle business challenges and foster organizational transformat...
4 weeks ago
$158K - $199K *
Unlock potential by leading global client strategies, driving growth and retention through trusted relationships and innovative solutions. Leverage your expertise to enhance client value and execute a...
6 days ago
$158K - $199K *
Champion client success by leading strategic initiatives for global accounts. Drive growth and retention through trusted relationships with C-Level executives, delivering tailored solutions and maximi...
6 days ago
$144K - $184K *
Drive client success by leading global account strategies, fostering trust with C-Level leaders, and delivering innovative solutions that unlock growth and retention in key multinational accounts...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
$144K - $184K *
Lead the strategy execution for key global clients, driving client value, retention, and new business growth while cultivating trust-based relationships with senior leaders and maximizing account pote...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Chief Architect - Data Engineering (Databricks Practice)
$160K - $200K *
Pioneer innovative data solutions as a hands-on leader, driving architecture and delivery for enterprise-scale Databricks projects while mentoring engineers and shaping practice growth across APAC...
Reposted today
$230K - $270K *
Shape the future of AI-driven utilities by architecting a robust MLOps infrastructure. As the first engineer on a new team, you'll define deployment, scalability, and cost strategies while fostering a...
1 week ago
People Scientist Lead - People Analytics
$143K - $273K *
Innovate advanced people analytics strategies to uncover insights, drive workforce solutions, and enhance employee experience. Lead complex analyses, translating business challenges into actionable fr...
Today
Delivery Consultant- GenAI/ML & Data Science, AWS Industries
$176K - $239K *
Lead the charge in delivering scalable, secure AWS solutions while driving customer success. Utilize your technical expertise to architect and implement complex projects, guiding clients through their...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Principal Scientist / Associate Director, Developability & Protein Sciences
$175K - $215K *
Unlock potential by leading protein sciences for bispecific antibody programs. Manage a team, oversee developability screening, and collaborate cross-functionally to drive therapeutic advancements and...
6 days ago
$105K - $175K *
Join our team to apply your data science expertise in machine learning and analytics. Lead projects that enhance customer experiences and drive business decisions through innovative solutions and adva...
1 week ago
Machine Learning Scientist 5 - Ads Demand Science
$466K - $500K+*
Elevate your career by designing and deploying ML models that transform advertiser requests into optimized media plans, collaborating with a dynamic team to drive innovation and enhance decision-makin...
2 weeks ago
Sr. Deployment Strategist, FDE - Public Sector
$219K - $302K *
Tackle high-stakes business problems by bridging customer needs and technical solutions, managing projects from discovery to launch, and ensuring successful adoption through expert communication and a...
1 month ago
Analytics Manager, Global Affairs
$110K - $130K *
Elevate your career by analyzing AI usage data to uncover insights that inform policy and communications strategies. Collaborate across teams to translate complex datasets into impactful narratives th...
Today
Senior Manager, Data Initiatives
$110K - $130K *
Drive data quality and governance initiatives by leading a team focused on enhancing data accuracy and implementing innovative solutions in Global Wealth Management & Insurance, collaborating with cro...
1 week ago
Senior Product & PLG Analyst (Full-Stack Data Scientist)
$179K - $224K *
Lead end-to-end Product and PLG analytics, driving insights and recommendations. Collaborate with leadership to optimize growth strategies and metrics, while building data pipelines and predictive mod...
Reposted 1 week ago
Principal AI & Data Governance Architect
$175K - $210K *
Shape the future of AI governance by architecting compliance solutions that integrate seamlessly with data workflows and ML systems, ensuring legal and ethical standards are met across all layers of t...
4 days ago
$250K - $350K *
Build robust evaluation strategies and data pipelines, collaborating with scientists to enhance AI model training through rigorous scientific workflows and external datasets. Shape the future of AI by...
3 weeks ago
Data & AI - GTM Delivery Leader (CPRS)
$142K - $235K *
Optimize client transformation and drive Data & AI service excellence across Consumer Products, Retail, and Services sectors, leveraging deep industry expertise to deliver measurable business outcomes...
Reposted 6 days ago
$110K - $130K *
Unlock innovative AI solutions by leading data scientists to solve complex business challenges, driving impactful data science applications and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance Wealth Manage...
Reposted 1 week ago
$125K - $150K *
Transform data engineering and analytics initiatives as a Lead Developer, driving high-quality solutions, collaborating with teams, and leading large-scale modernization efforts to empower data-driven...
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.