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.
Lead Data Scientist - Network Planning and Design (applied ML, optimization, simulation)
$132K - $286K *
Join a team that's shaping the future of supply chain strategy through advanced analytics and decision science. Drive impactful modeling and cross-functional collaboration to optimize network planning...
1 week ago
Lead Data Scientist - Network Planning and Design (applied ML, optimization, simulation)
$132K - $286K *
Transform supply chain strategies by developing advanced analytical models and decision-support systems, influencing executive decisions, and driving cross-functional collaboration to optimize network...
1 week ago
$135K - $160K *
Innovate with us as a Solutions Architect, driving technical sales and enhancing customer experiences across diverse data center operations, while shaping product direction and empowering the sales te...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Data Scientist II, NAS Returns Tech
$136K - $184K *
Elevate customer experience by leveraging data science expertise to analyze complex datasets, enhance ML-based recommendation systems, and collaborate cross-functionally on impactful projects...
Reposted yesterday
$140K - $200K *
Build and maintain advanced sandboxed environments essential for AI training. Collaborate across teams to ensure reliable, high-performance setups that support real-time evaluation and development of...
4 weeks ago
Sr Director Head of Data Science Services
$196K - $342K *
Transform workforce intelligence by spearheading the HR data science strategy. Lead a team to drive impactful analytics and AI initiatives that enhance HR capabilities and foster ethical and responsib...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Senior AI Engineer, Post-Training
$242K - $285K *
Transform legal tech at the intersection of AI and engineering, owning end-to-end model development and production implementation. Collaborate with experts to enhance user experience through cutting-e...
1 month ago
Senior AI Engineer, Post-Training
$242K - $285K *
Drive innovative AI solutions by owning end-to-end model development and transforming legal workflows through advanced machine learning techniques. Partner with multidisciplinary teams to enhance prod...
1 month ago
$133K - $200K *
Oversee the development of advanced data models and machine learning solutions, transforming complex data into actionable insights and strategy for various stakeholders, while leading and mentoring a...
3 weeks ago
$162K - $195K *
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to extract insights and guide strategic decisions, crafting innovative models that enhance products and elevate user experiences. Shape the future of data solut...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Director of Quality & Risk Management
$110K - $130K *
Take ownership of quality excellence by leading field operations and ISO 9001 initiatives. Drive a team of Quality Auditors to enhance Layer 1 infrastructure installation standards, ensuring exception...
Reposted 2 weeks ago
Director, Applied Artificial Intelligence
$257K - $347K *
Transform the future of AI by leading the design and operation of the OPUS Brain, a cognitive architecture that empowers agents across supply chain processes. Drive innovation, governance, and collabo...
2 weeks ago
Principal Data Engineer, Intelligent Talent Acquisition
$184K - $248K *
Shape and oversee complex data projects to enhance data services across teams, driving technical strategy and interoperability solutions while mentoring engineers and ensuring data quality in a fast-p...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Senior Director, Data Operations Center (DOC)
$150K - $180K *
Elevate your career by leading a transformative Data Operations Center, ensuring data integrity and operational excellence through advanced automation and real-time monitoring. Drive innovation while...
2 weeks ago
$125K - $150K *
Engage stakeholders and elevate brand awareness by defining and implementing robust communication strategies. Build trusted relationships within the community and lead recruitment efforts in a competi...
Reposted today
$162K - $195K *
Unlock potential by driving data-driven product strategies, optimizing analytics processes, and influencing stakeholders. Lead a high-impact data science team enhancing product decisions through insig...
Reposted 3 weeks ago
Machine Learning Ops Data Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Shape the future of AI/ML technology by leading a hands-on team that transforms innovative prototypes into secure, production-ready solutions on Google Cloud Platform, optimizing reliability and cost...
Reposted yesterday
Machine Learning Ops Data Engineer
$130K - $155K *
Drive end-to-end AI/ML project lifecycle on Google Cloud, overseeing architecture, deployment, and operations. Collaborate with teams to ensure scalable, secure solutions while mentoring engineers for...
Reposted yesterday
$138K - $197K *
Lead the charge in data-driven security solutions, leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning to protect assessment integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable ins...
1 week ago
$138K - $197K *
Lead the charge in data-driven security initiatives, leveraging advanced analytics and machine learning to protect assessment integrity. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to deliver actionable i...
1 week ago
Agentic Data Cloud Sales Specialist III, Google Cloud
$138K - $200K *
Drive the future of data and AI by securing new business and partnerships. Collaborate with stakeholders to create impactful business cases and showcase the value of modern data solutions, ensuring lo...
6 days ago
Agentic Data Cloud Sales Specialist III, Google Cloud
$138K - $200K *
Unlock potential by driving transformative data and AI solutions, engaging with executives to build business cases, and fostering partnerships that enhance enterprise growth and modernization in data...
6 days ago
$210K - $250K *
Elevate commercial performance by leading a comprehensive growth strategy, driving organic revenue, enhancing customer retention, and fostering strategic partnerships to achieve sustainable, profitabl...
5 days ago
Principal Data Scientist, Product Data & Analytics
$203K - $274K *
Transform data science practices by leading international analytics initiatives, partnering with product teams to drive AI-native decision-making and measurable outcomes across markets, while mentorin...
2 weeks ago
Director, External Data Acquisition and Delivery
$183K - $305K *
Shape the future of external data acquisition and delivery, leading strategic initiatives and cross-functional collaborations to ensure data integrity and compliance across diverse therapeutic areas...
2 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.