Manager, Data Science and Analytics - Remote

United Natural Foods, Inc.; Providence, Northern (RI, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

United Natural Foods, Inc. is seeking a hands-on analytics and data science leader who will own high-impact analytics initiatives and embed AI-driven decision-making into core workflows.

You will translate data into strategy for consumers and retailers, shaping processes, standards, and repeatable frameworks across the team. You will mentor the analytics group, partner with Pro Services, Marketing, and Merchandising, and drive KPI-driven growth while scaling dashboards and data products to

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in data science, statistics, AI, business analytics or related field strongly preferred.
• 5–8+ years of experience in analytics, data science, or related field.
• Experience applying AI or automation to drive efficiency and insight generation.
• Strong ability to link data science outputs to consumer, shopper, and retail partner strategies.

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 for optimization opportunities.
• Design and execute experiments using strong statistical and causal inference methodologies.
• Integrate AI/ML techniques into analytical workflows to drive insights and automation.
• Build and oversee scalable dashboards, tools, and data products; mentor team members.

Skills

SQL

Python/R

AI/ML frameworks

Business acumen

Communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Master’s degree in data science, statistics, AI, business analytics or related field

Tools

ML frameworks

Job description

Job Overview:

This role sits at the intersection of business strategy, advanced analytics, and AI-driven innovation. As a hands‑on leader, you will own high-impact analytics and data science initiatives while shaping processes, frameworks, and standards that scale across the team. You will blend technical expertise, business acumen, and leadership to drive insights, build repeatable processes, and embed AI‑powered decision‑making capabilities into core workflows. Ability to translate data to strategy with consumers and Retailers.

Job Responsibilities:

Core 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

Job Requirements:

Education/Certifications

• Master’s degree in data science, statistics, AI, business analytics or related field strongly preferred

Experience

• 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

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Proficiency in SQL and Python/R; experience with ML/AI frameworks or tools preferred
• Strong business acumen and ability to connect insights to outcomes
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• 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. - M/F/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.