Data Scientist – Retail Decision Science

Data Scientist – Retail Decision Science

About the Role

We’re partnering with a large-scale grocery and retail client to hire a Senior Data Scientist focused on predictive analytics, advanced modeling, and real-world business decision-making. This role goes beyond traditional reporting or historical analysis. You’ll answer forward-looking questions such as:

• If we change product mix, pricing, or store assortment, how will it impact sales and profitability?
• How do seasonality, promotions, foot traffic, and customer behavior interact—and how can we model that to improve performance?

The ideal candidate is a Business Decision Scientist who can work through ambiguity, connect complex data sources, and translate insights into clear, actionable recommendations for business leaders.

What You’ll Do

Analytics, Design & Development

• Build predictive and scenario-based models to evaluate “what-if” business decisions across stores, regions, and product categories
• Analyze large, complex datasets including transactional, operational, behavioral, and clickstream data
• Identify hidden drivers of performance by connecting variables that are not always obviously related
• Apply causal reasoning and advanced analytics to move beyond correlation into decision-quality insight
• Partner cross-functionally with planning, merchandising, pricing, and operations teams to influence strategy
• Translate technical findings into clear business narratives and actionable recommendations
• Contribute to scalable analytics frameworks and reusable decision-support methodologies

What We’re Looking For

Experience & Background

• Bachelor’s degree required;
  Master’s degree strongly preferred (Data Science, Analytics, Mathematics, Statistics, or similar)
• 5+ years of experience in data science, decision science, or advanced analytics
• Experience in retail, grocery, CPG, restaurants, or consumer behavior analytics strongly preferred
• Comfortable working in ambiguous environments without a predefined path

Core Technical Skills

• Strong SQL and Python (hands-on coding expected)
• Experience working across multiple data sources (transactional, behavioral, operational)
• Predictive modeling, forecasting, and scenario analysis
• Exposure to machine learning, AI, or causal modeling techniques

Advanced Technical Capabilities

Strong candidates will bring depth across several of the following areas (not all required):

• Programming &
  
  Languages:
  
  Hands-on experience with SQL and Python required; familiarity with R, Scala, Java, and/or C/C++ preferred
• Experience optimizing machine learning workloads using large-scale or distributed systems, including tools and techniques such as GPU optimization, Spark MLlib, Horovod, Cython, JNI, or Numba
• Working knowledge of mainstream ML and AI techniques, which may include manifold learning, distributed clustering, graph networks, hierarchical and Bayesian models, deep learning, computer vision, NLP/NLU, reinforcement learning, meta-learning, or federated learning
• Causal Reasoning & Responsible AI: Ability to consider and apply causal reasoning frameworks, along with human-centric, explainable, and responsible AI practices when developing models and recommendations
• Business Translation & Storytelling: Strong ability to translate complex machine learning outputs into clear, compelling business narratives and decision-ready recommendations
• Real-World Data Problem Solving: Comfortable working with imperfect, incomplete, or ambiguous data to deliver practical, high-impact solutions
• Decision-Oriented AI: Proven ability to apply AI and advanced analytics directly to business decisions, driving measurable outcomes rather than purely academic results

Business & Communication

• Strong communicator who can translate technical work into business value
• Ability to explain how past experience applies to retail and operational decision-making
• Comfortable engaging stakeholders without getting overly technical

What Sets Candidates Apart

• Prior experience supporting a retailer, grocer, or CPG company
• Work involving pricing, promotions, assortment, supply chain, or store analytics
• Demonstrated ability to influence decisions — not just deliver analysis
• Willingness to be on-site in San Antonio…