Data Scientist, Merchandising Analytics

The Data Scientist, Merchandising Analytics at Tractor Supply Company will play a key role in leveraging data to address complex business challenges. The role will develop advanced statistical methods using Machine Learning, AI, statistical modeling, and optimization techniques to support the merchandising strategies and broader organizational goals of TSC. Additionally, the role will contribute to setting objectives to enhance the overall data architecture and data governance within the Merchandising team. Key areas of focus within Merchandising will be Space Planning and Pricing.

The Data Scientist will lead cross-functional projects, design and implement predictive models, and promote data-driven decision-making throughout the organization. Strong communication skills are essential as this role will translate complex analytical results into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders. This role work will ensure that Tractor Supply Company remains at the forefront of industry trends and emerging technologies in the data science field.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities (Min 5%)

• Work closely with key business partners to fully explore and frame a business question including objectives, goals, KPIs, decisions the analysis will support and required timing for deliverables.
• Extracting available and relevant data from internal and external data sources to perform data science solution development.
• Develop, maintain, and improve predictive models using R, Python, and Databricks to enhance business knowledge and processes.
• Contribute and assist the team with best practices in data governance, data engineering, and data architecture.
• Identify opportunities for automation and continuous improvement within data pipelines, processes, and systems.
• Maintain a broad exposure to the wider ecosystem of AI / Machine Learning and ensure our team is pushing toward the most optimal solutions.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously with limited oversight including development of new technologies and maintenance of existing framework.
• Foster a culture of data-driven decision making and collaborate with cross-functional teams and senior leadership to define the long-term vision and goals for data science and engineering within the organization.
• Design and execute A/B tests to evaluate the effectiveness of various data-driven solutions, including designing appropriate sample sizes, metrics for evaluation, and statistical analysis plans.
• Use proven, predictive science to right-size every store with localized plans that balance individual store space allocations with your top-down and bottom-up strategies.
• Be a ‘Go-To’ person for any data analytical needs ranging from data extraction/ manipulations, long term trend analysis, statistical analysis, and modeling techniques. Perform code-review and debug with the team and assist during implementation where necessary.

Experience: 3-5 years proven experience as a Data Scientist, preferably in the retail or e-commerce industry. Prefer 2+ years of experience in predictive modeling utilizing CRM or transaction information.

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Mathematics, Statistics, or Econometrics. Master’s Degree prefered. Any combination of education and experiencce will be considered.

Professional Certifications: None

Preferred Knowledge, Skills Or Abilities

• Intermediate-advanced in one or more programming language (Python, PySpark, R).
• Deep expertise in writing and debugging complex SQL queries.
• Ability to frame business questions and create an analytics solution using statistical or other advanced analytics methodologies.
• Proven advanced modeling experience in leading data-driven projects from definition to execution, driving and influencing project roadmaps.
• Experience using Azure, AWS, or another cloud compute platform a plus.
• Familiarity with visualization tools such as Power BI and Tableau.
• Must possess high degree of aptitude in communicating both verbally and written complex analysis results to Senior & Executive Leadership.
• Knowledge of A/ B testing methods; capable of designing a controlled test design, running the test and providing measurement post-hoc.
• Proficiency with managing data repository and version control systems like Git.
• Speak, read and write effectively in the English language.

• Hybrid / Flexible working conditions

• Sitting
• Standing (not walking)
• Walking
• Kneeling/Stooping/Bending
• Lifting up to 10 pounds

This job description represents an overview of the responsibilities for the above referenced position. It is not intended to represent a comprehensive list of responsibilities. A team member should perform all duties as assigned by his/ her supervisor.

Company Info

At Tractor Supply and Petsense by Tractor Supply, our Team Members are the heart of our success. Their dedication, passion, and hard work drive everything we do, and we are committed to supporting them with a comprehensive and accessible total reward package. We understand the evolving needs of our Team Members and their families, and we strive to offer meaningful, competitive, and sustainable benefits that support their well-being today and in the future.

Our benefits extend beyond medical, dental, and vision coverage, including company-paid life and disability insurance, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement, and family planning resources such as adoption and surrogacy assistance, for all full-time Team Members and all part-time Team Members. Part time new hires gain eligibility for TSC Benefits by averaging at least 15 hours per week during their 90-day lookback period. The lookback period starts the first of the month following the date of hire. If the 15-hour requirement was met, the benefits eligibility date will be the first day of the month following 4 months of continuous service.

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