Agricultural Data Scientist - Supply Chain Optimization

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Performance-based bonuses

Training opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an analytical Agricultural Data Scientist to optimize supply chain operations in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will work with farm production, weather, market data, and logistics to build predictive models and insights that reduce waste and improve efficiency.

The role requires a master’s or Ph.D. in a quantitative field and at least 5 years of data science experience focusing on supply chains or agriculture.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Agricultural Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data science or advanced analytics, with a focus on supply chain or agricultural operations.
• Proficiency in Python or R, and SQL for data extraction and manipulation.
• Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning techniques (regression, classification, clustering), and time series analysis.
• Experience with big data technologies (Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is desirable.
• Familiarity with agricultural markets, supply chains, and related datasets.
• Excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced analytical models to forecast crop yields, predict market demand, and optimize inventory levels.
• Analyze supply chain performance metrics to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Utilize machine learning algorithms to predict price fluctuations, identify optimal sourcing strategies and manage risk.
• Integrate data from various sources, including farm sensors, ERP systems, logistics providers, and market intelligence platforms.
• Create compelling data visualizations and dashboards to communicate insights to stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaborate with operations, procurement, and sales teams to implement data-driven strategies.
• Evaluate and recommend new data sources, tools, and technologies to enhance supply chain analytics capabilities.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and security throughout the analytical process.

Skills

Python

R

SQL

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Time series

Big data

Cloud platforms

Education

Master’s or PhD in Data Science or related

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly analytical Agricultural Data Scientist to enhance their supply chain operations. This position, based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal , will focus on leveraging big data to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and optimize logistics from farm to market. You will work with diverse datasets, including production volumes, weather patterns, market prices, and transportation logs, to develop predictive models and actionable insights. The ideal candidate will possess a strong blend of statistical modeling, machine learning, and a deep understanding of agricultural value chains. This is a critical role for driving data-informed decision-making within a leading agricultural enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced analytical models to forecast crop yields, predict market demand, and optimize inventory levels.
• Analyze supply chain performance metrics to identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement.
• Utilize machine learning algorithms to predict price fluctuations, identify optimal sourcing strategies and manage risk.
• Integrate data from various sources, including farm sensors, ERP systems, logistics providers, and market intelligence platforms.
• Create compelling data visualizations and dashboards to communicate insights to stakeholders at all levels.
• Collaborate with operations, procurement, and sales teams to implement data-driven strategies.
• Evaluate and recommend new data sources, tools, and technologies to enhance supply chain analytics capabilities.
• Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and security throughout the analytical process.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, Agricultural Economics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in data science or advanced analytics, with a focus on supply chain or agricultural operations.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, and experience with SQL for data extraction and manipulation.
• Strong knowledge of statistical modeling, machine learning techniques (regression, classification, clustering), and time series analysis.
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with agricultural markets, supply chains, and related datasets.
• Excellent problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation abilities to convey complex findings to non-technical audiences.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement contributions, and performance-based bonuses. Employees benefit from extensive training opportunities and support for professional development. This role provides the chance to work on impactful projects that directly influence the efficiency and sustainability of the agricultural sector in Durban and beyond. Join a collaborative team focused on innovation and excellence in agricultural logistics.