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 or open to relocation
• Frequently shifting priorities tied to real business needs
• High visibility role with access to decision-makers

Equal Employment Opportunity

Eight Eleven Group (DBA Calculated Hire) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, citizenship, disability, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, amnesty or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

About Eight Eleven

Eight Eleven, our business is people. Relationships are at the center of what we do. We’re your trusted partner for IT hiring, recruiting and staffing needs. For over 16 years, Eight Eleven has established and maintained relationships designed to meet your IT staffing needs. We customize our search based upon your company\'s unique initiatives, culture and technologies. Our national team is positioned at 21 major hubs around the nation. When you work with us, we work with you. That’s the Eight Eleven promise.