Remote Data Scientist - FMCG Analytics

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,828,000 - 2,493,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Remote work package

Health insurance

Paid holidays

Professional development

Company laptop

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Data Scientist for a fully remote role in the FMCG sector. You will extract insights, develop predictive models, and drive data-driven decisions across the organization.

You will work on consumer behavior, supply chain optimization, and marketing effectiveness with a world-class analytics team. The ideal candidate has a strong background in statistical modeling, machine learning, data visualization, and programming, plus excellent communication for both technical and

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a quantitative field and 5+ years of data science experience.
• Proven ability to build and deploy ML models for business problems.
• Strong SQL skills and experience with Python or R.
• Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau/Power BI/Matplotlib).
• Excellent communication and ability to work remotely.

Responsibilities

• Develop statistical models and ML algorithms for FMCG challenges.
• Analyze large datasets for consumer behavior, sales, and ops.
• Build predictive models for forecasting, churn, and campaigns.
• Design and run A/B tests and experiments.
• Create dashboards to communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define data needs.

Skills

Statistical modeling

Machine learning

Data visualization

Excellent communication

Remote collaboration

Education

Master's or PhD in a quantitative field

Tools

Python

R

SQL

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark

Tableau/Power BI

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in leveraging data to optimize operations within the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector, is seeking a talented and innovative Data Scientist to join their fully remote analytics team. This position is critical for extracting actionable insights from vast datasets, developing predictive models, and driving data-informed decision-making across the organization. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in statistical modeling, machine learning, data visualization, and programming. You will work on challenging projects related to consumer behaviour, supply chain optimization, sales forecasting, and marketing effectiveness within the FMCG domain. This is a fully remote opportunity, offering the freedom to work from anywhere while collaborating with a world-class team. We are looking for a curious and analytical individual who is passionate about uncovering patterns and translating complex data into tangible business value. You will play a key role in shaping data strategies that enhance competitive advantage.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement advanced statistical models and machine learning algorithms to solve complex business problems in the FMCG sector.
• Analyze large, complex datasets to identify trends, patterns, and insights related to consumer behaviour, sales, and operations.
• Build predictive models for sales forecasting, demand planning, customer churn, and campaign effectiveness.
• Design and conduct A/B tests and other experiments to evaluate the impact of strategic initiatives.
• Create compelling data visualisations and dashboards to communicate findings to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including marketing, sales, and product development, to define data requirements and deliver analytical solutions.
• Clean, transform, and prepare data for analysis, ensuring data quality and integrity.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and AI.
• Contribute to the development of the company's data infrastructure and analytical capabilities.
• Present complex analytical findings in a clear and concise manner to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as Statistics, Computer Science, Mathematics, Economics, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience as a Data Scientist, with a significant focus on applying data science techniques to business challenges.
• Proven experience in building and deploying machine learning models (e.g., regression, classification, clustering, time-series forecasting).
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in data science, such as Python or R, and associated libraries (e.g., pandas, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong experience with SQL for data extraction and manipulation.
• Familiarity with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.
• Excellent data visualisation skills using tools like Tableau, Power BI, or Matplotlib/Seaborn.
• Strong statistical understanding and ability to interpret model results effectively.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, capable of explaining complex concepts to diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and significant performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive remote work package, including home office stipend and flexibility.
• Global health, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Generous annual leave and paid holidays.
• Professional development allowance for conferences, courses, and certifications.
• Opportunities to work on cutting-edge AI and ML projects within the FMCG industry.
• A collaborative and intellectually stimulating remote work environment.
• Access to powerful computing resources and diverse datasets.
• Company-provided laptop and necessary software licences.
• Retirement savings plan with company contributions.