Head of Data Science & Analytics — AI Strategy (Remote)

UNFI; Providence (RI); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401K Program

Medical insurance

Paid time off

Dental insurance

Disability insurance

Job summary

UNFI is seeking a hands-on analytics leader to own high-impact analytics and data science initiatives, shaping scalable processes, frameworks, and standards across the team. You will translate data into strategy for consumers and retailers, embedding AI-powered decision-making into core workflows and partnering with cross-functional teams to drive measurable business impact.

The role requires translating complex data into actionable recommendations, building scalable dashboards, and mentoring

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in data science, statistics, AI, or related field strongly preferred.
• 5–8+ years of experience in analytics, data science, or related field.
• Strong experience with experimentation, statistical analysis, and data modeling.
• Demonstrated experience applying AI or automation to drive efficiency and insight generation.
• Experience developing and implementing scalable analytical processes and frameworks.
• Strong experience linking data science and analytics outputs to consumer, shopper, and retail partner strategies, preferably in CPG or retail environments.
• Preferred experience in product analytics, growth analytics, or customer lifecycle analysis.
• Preferred experience working with retail, merchandising, category management, loyalty, or shopper analytics data.
• Preferred familiarity with modern data ecosystems (e.g., cloud data platforms, feature stores).
• Preferred experience operationalizing machine learning models or AI-enabled solutions.
• Preferred track record of improving organizational analytics maturity and workflows.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end analytics and data science initiatives, from problem definition to insight delivery and business impact
• Analyze shopper behavior, loyalty, assortment, and category performance data to identify opportunities for assortment optimization, innovation, and differentiation
• Support development of category decision frameworks by integrating sales, shopper, supplier, and market trend data into actionable recommendations
• Design and execute experiments using strong statistical and causal inference methodologies
• Integrate AI/ML techniques (e.g., predictive modeling, segmentation, recommendation logic, automation) into analytical workflows
• Establish and scale standardized processes for analytics, experimentation, and reporting
• Partner cross-functionally with Pro Services, Marketing, and Merchandising teams to define KPIs, measurement frameworks, and growth strategies
• Translate complex data and models into clear, actionable recommendations for stakeholders
• Build and oversee scalable dashboards, tools, and data products
• Drive improvements in data quality, instrumentation, and analytics infrastructure
• Mentor team members and promote best practices in analytics, AI usage, and process discipline
• Identify high-impact opportunities and prioritize work to maximize business value
• Lead the development of data-driven strategies that connect consumer behavior, shopper insights, and retail partner needs to business outcomes at the store level
• Guide teams in translating advanced analytics into actionable recommendations for merchandising, assortment, pricing, and in-store execution
• Partner with retail and commercial stakeholders to ensure analytical outputs are aligned to retailer priorities and shelf-level decision making
• Performs other duties as assigned

Skills

SQL

Python/R

Business acumen

Communication

Education

Master’s degree in data science

Tools

ML frameworks

Feature stores

Cloud data platforms

Job description

UNFI is seeking a hands-on analytics leader to own high-impact analytics and data science initiatives, shaping scalable processes, frameworks, and standards across the team. You will translate data into strategy for consumers and retailers, embedding AI-powered decision-making into core workflows and partnering with cross-functional teams to drive measurable business impact.

The role requires translating complex data into actionable recommendations, building scalable dashboards, and mentoring