Job Specifications
Overview
The Senior Data Scientist plays a pivotal role in advancing REI's data-driven strategy by developing sophisticated personalization and product recommendation algorithms that enhance customer experience and drive long-term engagement. This role leverages cutting-edge data science techniques to optimize REI's multi-channel business objectives, identifying high-impact opportunities that elevate our brand, deepen member relationships, and support our social and environmental commitments.
With a strong foundation in machine learning, statistical modeling, and optimization, the Senior Data Scientist will design and implement scalable solutions that tailor product offerings, content, and experiences to individual customer needs--ultimately increasing customer lifetime value and contributing meaningfully to REI's bottom line.
This role requires a creative and passionate problem-solver who thinks strategically, understands the technical nuances, and acts with urgency. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in solving complex marketing and customer engagement challenges and will understand the downstream impact of upstream data and process decisions. Models and acts in accordance with REI's guiding values and mission.
Responsibilities And Qualifications
Defines ambiguous or semi-structured problems related to customer engagement and personalization and determines the most effective data science approach in collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Partners closely with product, marketing, and business teams to influence strategy and execution. Builds consensus and advises Sr. Manager/Director levels. Actively mentors and develops junior team members.
Applies deep understanding of software systems, data pipelines, and customer behaviours to select optimal methodologies for personalization and recommendation systems.
Leads medium to large-scale projects focused on customer-centric solutions, requiring both technical and business domain expertise. Delivers measurable improvements in customer experience and retention.
Independently launches and deploys data science solutions that personalize customer journeys and optimize product recommendations with minimal assistance.
Drives scientific innovation and system-level changes that support long-term personalization strategies. Makes thoughtful technical trade-offs to balance short-term impact with long-term scalability.
Required Skills & Experience
Masters + 4 yrs experience or BS and 8 yrs exp.
Understands challenges in business area, applicability of relevant data science disciplines, and system interactions.
5+ years' experience implementing large scale end-to-end marketing programs
Able to keep others current on current scientific advancements.
Experience working with raw and prepared data sources in a variety of RDBMS systems (Snowflake, Oracle, TeraData, Redshift etc) and NoSQL environments such as Hadoop, Spark, Athena.
Fluency with statistical and machine learning algorithms such as decision trees, neural networks, collaborative filtering, clustering, survival analysis, graph theory, etc.
Knowledge of and experience working within cloud computing environments such as AWS, Azure, Google Cloud.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to successfully communicate ideas and sell strategic plans to senior executives while influencing adoption and successful implementation.
Actively participates and collaborates with others on one's own team and across REI for the achievement of business goals.
Flexible in one's viewpoints and positions in order to support the direction taken by others at REI.
Uses business knowledge, innovative thinking, and sound judgment in the solution of problems or the pursuit of business opportunities.
Consolidates information from various sources including feedback from others to reach sound decisions.
Considers the ultimate impact of decisions and actions on internal and external customers.
Works smart by setting effective work goals, establishing priorities, and planning well in order to produce quality work.
Executes effectively by using resources efficiently, meeting deadlines, and keeping others informed of work plans and progress toward goals.
Clearly conveys and accurately receives information by a variety of methods and in various situations.
Builds rapport with all kinds of people inside and outside the organization.
Acts upon opportunities and involves and influences others in the accomplishment of worthwhile organizational goals.
Challenges the status quo, champions change and influences others to change.
Closing
At REI, we believe the outdoors is for all. We are committed to becoming a fully inclusive, anti-racist, multicultural organization. We know that there's strength in our diversity - that each employee brings unique skills, experiences, and perspectives. Every day you are driving change, fostering a culture of respect, and knowing you're backed by benefits that support your whole life.
About the Company
At Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), we exist to inspire and enable life outside for everyone. We believe that it's in the wild, untamed and natural places that we find our best selves, so our purpose is to awaken a lifelong love of the outdoors, for all. Since 1938, we have been your local outdoor co-op, working to help you experience the transformational power of nature. We bring you top-quality gear and apparel, expert advice, rental equipment, inspiring stories of life outside and outdoor experiences to enjoy alone or ...
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