Senior Data Scientist – Demand Forecasting and Pricing Optimization

Company Overview

Originating as a trading enterprise in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim Group has evolved into a prominent, diversified regional conglomerate headquartered in Dubai, UAE. Operating through five core segments—automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and healthcare—it employs over 35,000 professionals spanning more than 20 countries across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Partnering with over 200 global leading brands, Al-Futtaim is recognized for its entrepreneurial spirit and customer-centric philosophy, continuously adapting to societal and market needs.

The company is guided by core principles of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, committed to positively impacting the lives and aspirations of customers every day.

Role Summary

The Senior Data Scientist will spearhead creation and implementation of sophisticated machine learning models aimed at enhancing demand forecasting and pricing strategies. This role emphasizes expertise in Generative AI, MLOps, and collaborative interaction with multiple business units to integrate data-driven models effectively. Key success indicators include model accuracy, pricing optimization, and enriched customer analytics.

Main Responsibilities

• Create and operationalize demand forecasting models utilizing traditional methods and advanced algorithms such as ARIMA, XGBoost, and LSTM.
• Employ Generative AI technologies to simulate prospective demand scenarios and boost forecasting precision.
• Develop dynamic pricing mechanisms that adjust in response to demand forecasts, inventory status, and competitive market data.
• Investigate customer behavior using clustering and predict customer lifetime value to inform personalized pricing efforts.
• Continuously monitor and refine model performance using metrics like MAE, RMSE, and Precision/Recall for optimal outcomes.
• Implement MLOps methodologies including version control, automated testing, and deployment pipelines to facilitate model scalability and stability.
• Collaborate with marketing, product, and sales teams to align analytical solutions with business priorities.
• Deploy and maintain forecasting and pricing models on Microsoft Azure, leveraging CI/CD workflows and real-time monitoring capabilities.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Statistics, Data Science, Machine Learning, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related quantitative discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years in data science with at least 5 years specializing in demand forecasting, pricing optimization, and customer analytics.
• Proficient hands-on experience with ARIMA, XGBoost, LSTM, and Operations Research models.
• Advanced knowledge of Python programming, SQL query language, Databricks environment, and cloud platforms including Azure and Google Cloud Platform.

Skills and Expertise

• Advanced machine learning modeling and tuning
• Expertise in Generative AI applications
• MLOps and end-to-end model deployment practices
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication

Additional Candidate Guidance

Applicants are encouraged to thoroughly review the job responsibilities and qualifications to ensure alignment. Crafting a tailored and thoughtful CV that highlights your fit is essential. The recruitment team prioritizes not only skill compatibility but also alignment with our values of Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, and Excellence. Candidates can expect ongoing communication throughout the recruitment process, emphasizing a commitment to an excellent candidate experience.