Principal Specialist

We're looking for a highly skilled and influential specialist to advance the next generation of data-driven strategy at FairPrice Group (FPG). In this pivotal role, you'll go beyond traditional analytics to harness the power of Artificial Intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced analytics to solve our most complex challenges.You will act as the primary bridge between our technical capabilities and business strategy, translating executive goals into sophisticated analytical frameworks. You'll be a key force in shaping our analytical future, responsible for identifying, evaluating, and embedding cutting-edge capabilities while elevating the data literacy of the entire organization.Responsibilities: Identify Improvement Opportunities: Proactively analyze trends and identify performance and productivity enhancement opportunities across business units and departments. Manage Analytics Projects: Oversee a portfolio of analytics initiatives, from inception to implementation, including milestone tracking, resource management, and risk mitigation. Ensure timely completion of projects while maintaining clear communication on progress and outcomes. Monitor Success Metrics: Develop and track key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the impact and success of analytics-driven business integration initiatives. Develop Strategic Deliverables: Lead the creation of high-quality business documents, including market assessments, business plans, presentations, and reports. Foster Stakeholder Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with executive teams to develop strategies and secure approval for new opportunities. Collaborate with line-level staff for actionable insights. Serve as a Strategic Consultant: Act as a liaison between analytics and business teams to ensure cross-functional alignment and seamless integration of analytics into divisional operations. Translate complex analytical and business insights into clear, actionable recommendations that support business decisions. Champion Advanced Analytics & AI: Act as a thought leader, staying at the forefront of AI and machine learning trends. Identify, evangelize, and drive the adoption of new technologies and methodologies to continuously elevate the team's capabilities and solve business problems in novel ways. Drive Data Literacy: Partner with our Learning & Development (L&D) team to design and implement a comprehensive data literacy program. Empower employees at all levels to understand, interpret, and make decisions based on data, fostering a true data-first culture. Job Requirements Qualifications: Educational Background: Master's degree or higher in a quantitative field like Computer Science, Statistics, Economics, or Engineering. 8+ years of experience in a strategic role within data science, advanced analytics, business intelligence, or management consulting. A proven track record of applying advanced analytics, statistical modeling, or machine learning concepts to solve complex business problems and drive growth. Deep industry knowledge of the consumer retail, e-commerce, or digital business landscape is essential. Experience with the full lifecycle of an AI/ML project, from conception to deployment and measurement, is a significant advantage. Skills: Business Acumen: A sharp ability to connect sophisticated analytical techniques directly to commercial goals like revenue, operational efficiency, and customer lifetime value. Executive Communication & Influence: Exceptional skill in presenting complex technical concepts and model outcomes to senior leadership in a clear and persuasive manner. Technical & Analytical Proficiency: A strong command of advanced analytical and statistical methods (e.g., predictive modeling, segmentation, A/B testing). A solid understanding of machine learning concepts (e.g., regression, classification, clustering) and their practical applications is essential. Familiarity with SQL and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker Studio) is expected. Collaboration: Experience working effectively across internal and external organizational boundaries.