Data Science Analyst, CPG and Retail Analytics

United Natural Foods, Inc.; Providence, Northern (RI, KY); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

United Natural Foods, Inc. is seeking a Data Science & Analytics professional to transform data into actionable insights that drive business performance.

You will partner with product, marketing and operations to support decision-making through analysis, reporting, experimentation, and emerging AI-driven capabilities. You will develop dashboards, KPI frameworks, and scalable analytics processes while ensuring data quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, computer science, economics or related fields.
• 3–5+ years of experience in data analytics, business intelligence, or related field.
• Experience informing consumer, shopper, or retail partner strategies in CPG/grocery/retail.

Responsibilities

• Analyze large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for business improvement.
• Develop analytical frameworks and decision-support tools that integrate shopper, loyalty, sales, supplier, and market data to drive assortment optimization, category growth, and merchandising strategies.
• Partner with merchandising and category leadership to identify growth opportunities, establish KPI frameworks, and measure impact of assortment, innovation, and differentiation initiatives.
• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and visualizations to track key performance indicators.
• Support experimentation efforts, including A/B test design, execution, and analysis.
• Apply AI-enabled tools and techniques to enhance analysis and efficiency.
• Partner with cross-functional teams to define metrics and inform decision-making.
• Translate analytical findings into clear, actionable insights for stakeholders.
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity by validating data sources and outputs.
• Contribute to building standardized analytical processes and documentation.
• Assist in developing scalable data models and analytics infrastructure.
• Translate data insights into actionable strategies focused on consumer behavior and in-store performance.
• Identify opportunities to improve assortment, merchandising, pricing, and promotions.

Skills

SQL

Python/R

Data visualization

Statistics

Experiment design

AI analytics

Stakeholder communication

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's in data science or related field

Tools

Tableau

Power BI

Looker

Job description

Job Overview:

The Data Science & Analytics plays a critical role in transforming data into actionable insights that drive business performance. This role partners closely with product, marketing, and operational teams to support decision-making through analysis, reporting, experimentation, and emerging AI-driven capabilities. You will leverage advanced analytics, automation, and AI tools to uncover trends, improve efficiency, and support scalable decision-making. In addition, you will help establish and refine processes that improve data quality, reporting consistency, and analytical rigor across the organization.

Job Responsibilities:

Core Responsibilities

• Analyze large datasets to identify trends, patterns, and opportunities for business improvement
• Develop analytical frameworks and decision-support tools that integrate shopper, loyalty, sales, supplier, and market data to drive assortment optimization, category growth, and merchandising strategies
• Partner with merchandising and category leadership to identify growth opportunities, establish KPI frameworks, and measure the impact of assortment, innovation, and differentiation initiatives
• Develop and maintain dashboards, reports, and visualizations to track key performance indicators
• Support experimentation efforts, including A/B test design, execution, and analysis
• Apply AI-enabled tools and techniques (e.g., predictive analytics, automated insights, lightweight ML models) to enhance analysis and efficiency
• Partner with cross-functional teams to define metrics, answer business questions, and inform decision-making
• Translate analytical findings into clear, actionable insights for both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Ensure data accuracy and integrity by validating data sources and outputs
• Contribute to building and standardizing analytical processes, documentation, and best practices
• Assist in developing scalable data models and supporting analytics infrastructure
• Translate data insights into actionable strategies focused on consumer behavior, shopper engagement, and in-store retail performance
• Identify opportunities to improve assortment, merchandising, pricing, and promotions through consumer and shopper data analysis
• Partner with commercial and retail teams to connect analytical outputs to in-store execution and retailer-specific strategies
• Performs other duties as assigned

Job Requirements:

Education/ Certifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in data science, statistics, mathematics, computer science, economics or related fields

Experience:

• 3–5+ years of experience in data analytics, business intelligence, or related field
• Experience using data to inform consumer, shopper, or retail partner strategies, ideally within CPG, grocery, or retail environments
• Preferred experience working with retail, merchandising, category management, assortment optimization, loyalty, or shopper analytics data
• Preferred experience with predictive modeling, machine learning workflows, or AI-powered analytics tools
• Preferred familiarity with data pipelines, data warehousing, and analytics engineering concepts
• Preferred exposure to automation (e.g., scripting, workflow tools) to improve efficiency
• Preferred experience contributing to standardized reporting frameworks or analytics processes

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Strong proficiency in SQL and experience with Python or R
• Familiarity with AI/ML concepts and experience leveraging AI-assisted tools or models in analysis
• Experience with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI, Looker)
• Solid understanding of statistics, hypothesis testing, and experimental design
• Ability to synthesize complex data into clear insights and recommendations
• Strong attention to detail and process orientation
• Good judgment is required for this position as there may be times when direct supervision may not be immediately available

Work Environment:

Remote Role:

• This position is classified as remote where the associate will perform remote work from their primary residence. Remote associates are welcome to work from the office but are not required to do so. While remote associates are not required to work from an office on a regular basis, they may be required to come to the office or other UNFI locations for necessary business reasons or if directed to do so by their manager.

Travel (minor):

• This position may require the associate to travel to company offices, distribution centers, or other locations for specific meetings or other business reasons.

Physical Environment/Demands:

Office Roles:

• Most work is performed in a temperature-controlled office environment.
• Incumbent may sit for long periods of time at a desk or computer terminal.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.
• Incumbent may use calculators, keyboards, telephones, and other office equipment in the course of a normal workday.
• Stooping, bending, twisting, and reaching may be required in the completion of job duties.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature of the work performed by the employees assigned to this job. All employees must comply with Company policy and applicable laws. The responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified may vary within each department and/or location.

UNFI is an Equal Opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive and respectful environment for all. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or other protected ground. Accommodation is available upon request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the job selection process. - Veteran/Disability. VEVRAA Federal Contractor.

Compensation:

UNFI anticipates paying the above-referenced pay rate (or within the above-referenced pay range) for this position. Actual Pay, where applicable, will depend on a number of factors, including, but not limited to, education, experience, training, and any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements. UNFI is committed to transparency in pay in compliance with applicable state and local laws.

Benefits:

For Washington positions (or positions that may be performed remotely from Washington), https://www.unfi.com/jobs-more-info-wa.html for Washington-specific paid time off details.

Candidates hired into this position will also be eligible to participate in the following benefits programs: Paid Time Off; Sick Time; paid holidays and parental leave; 401K Program; medical, dental, vision, life, and accidental death/dismemberment insurance; short-term and long-term disability insurance program, Flexible Spending Account and/or Health Savings Account, subject to meeting the eligibility requirements and the terms and conditions of these programs, and subject to any requirements under applicable collective bargaining agreements.

UNFI’s compensation, benefits, and paid time off policies are subject to change in the Company’s sole discretion, consistent with applicable law. This job posting should not be construed as an offer of employment with certain terms, nor should it be construed as a guaranteed minimum.

Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance and the California Fair Chance Act.