Senior Data Scientist – Store Performance, Operations

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Texas.

📋 Description

• Develop and implement analytical models to assess the factors influencing store performance, such as traffic, conversion rates, UPT, AUR, labor utilization, shrinkage, and margin profitability.

• Identify stores that are underperforming, assess root causes, and suggest targeted strategies like labor scheduling, product placement, assortment adjustments, training, and process redesign.

• Design and establish stringent test-and-learn methodologies to assess operational and merchandising efforts.

• Create models that uncover operational trends, identify causal factors, and forecast outcomes based on leading indicators.

• Develop predictive and decision-support models for scheduling, staffing coverage, fulfillment processes, and allocation strategies.

• Transform data from POS, labor, tasking, shrink events, and foot traffic into actionable intelligence that supports experimentation and decision-making.

• Continuously enhance models and reporting to adapt to changing store strategies, customer behaviors, and brand requirements.

• Present insights and performance diagnostics to leadership within stores.

• Collaborate with Store Operations, Finance, Merchandising, and Field Leadership to align analytics with business objectives.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives aimed at enhancing sales, labor productivity, customer satisfaction, and overall store profitability.

⛳️ Requirements

• 6–10+ years of experience in advanced analytics or data science, preferably in retail or operationally intensive consumer sectors.

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related field.

• A Master’s degree is advantageous.

• Proven track record in delivering forecasting, optimization, and segmentation solutions using machine learning models and AI tools.

• Capability to drive measurable operational or financial results.

• Strong analytical judgment in complex data environments.

• Ability to identify and validate relevant data, differentiate between causal and predictive inquiries, make valid comparisons, and recognize bias and assumptions.

• Skill in translating model results into sound business recommendations.

• Financial and operational knowledge, including the ability to interpret profit and loss statements and operational KPIs.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Capacity to influence decision-making without direct authority.

• Commitment to fostering intellectual honesty, constructive skepticism, shared ownership, continuous improvement, and practical rigor.

• Proficiency in Python and SQL.

• Ability to develop and validate reproducible workflows, including AI-assisted coding.

🏝️ Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available from day one.

• Term life insurance coverage.

• Paid vacation and holidays.

• 401(k) Savings Plan with company matching.

• Associate discounts on JCPenney merchandise.

• Access to training and development programs.

• Opportunities for career advancement.

• A collaborative and supportive workplace culture.