Senior Data Scientist at Sysco: Revolutionizing Foodservice Through Data

Role Overview

As a Senior Data Scientist at Sysco, you will be at the forefront of leveraging data to transform the foodservice industry. This is a hybrid position based at Sysco's corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas, requiring an on-site presence three to four days a week. In this role, you will own one of Sysco’s five core predictive/prescriptive engines, comprised of multiple models. You'll be responsible for leading the development, refinement, and deployment of these models to drive actionable insights and optimize business outcomes.

This role demands a deep understanding of mathematical modeling, analytical and heuristic solution methods, and the ability to synthesize, visualize, and communicate complex results. You'll collaborate extensively with various functions, operating companies, specialty companies, geographies, and technology teams to align priorities and ensure value creation. Moreover, you will be expected to not only create models but also coach and mentor team members in model development.

A Day in the Life of a Senior Data Scientist at Sysco

Each day will present unique challenges and opportunities. Here’s a glimpse into what a typical day might involve:

• Data Exploration and Preparation: Start the day by exploring new datasets, ensuring data accuracy, and preparing it for model development. This includes data mining, cleansing, and engineering.
• Model Development and Tuning: Dedicate time to developing, refining, and tuning predictive and prescriptive models. This involves selecting appropriate algorithms, implementing them using scientific scripting languages like Python, and rigorously testing their performance.
• Collaboration and Communication: Engage with cross-functional teams to understand business needs, validate model outputs, and gather feedback for model improvement. Present findings and recommendations to stakeholders in a clear and concise manner.
• Innovation and Research: Stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence. Explore new tools, technologies, and methodologies to enhance Sysco’s analytical capabilities.
• Mentorship and Guidance: Provide guidance and mentorship to junior data scientists, sharing your expertise and helping them develop their skills.
• Performance Monitoring: Review performance scorecards and dashboards to monitor the adoption, implementation, and impact of models and strategies. Identify areas for improvement and optimization.
• Integration and Deployment: Work with Business Technology resources to integrate models into existing systems and deploy them at scale.

Why Houston, Texas?

Houston offers a vibrant and diverse environment, making it an attractive location for professionals. Here are a few reasons why Houston is a great place to live and work:

• Booming Job Market: Houston has a robust and growing job market, particularly in the technology and energy sectors.
• Affordable Cost of Living: Compared to other major cities in the United States, Houston offers a relatively affordable cost of living, especially in terms of housing.
• Cultural Diversity: Houston is a melting pot of cultures, offering a rich and diverse culinary scene, arts, and entertainment.
• Outdoor Activities: With its warm climate, Houston provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities, including parks, trails, and waterways.
• Excellent Education: Houston has a strong education system, with numerous highly-rated schools and universities.

Career Path

The Senior Data Scientist role at Sysco offers a clear path for career advancement. With experience and demonstrated success, you can progress to roles such as:

• Principal Data Scientist: Lead complex data science projects and provide technical leadership to a team of data scientists.
• Data Science Manager: Manage a team of data scientists, overseeing their work and ensuring alignment with business objectives.
• Director of Data Science: Lead a data science department, developing and executing data science strategies that drive business growth.
• VP of Data Science: Provide overall leadership and direction for the company's data science initiatives.

Salary and Benefits

The estimated salary range for a Senior Data Scientist at Sysco in Houston, Texas, is $140,000 to $190,000 per year. Sysco also offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid Time Off: Generous vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement Plan: 401(k) with company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan: Opportunity to purchase Sysco stock at a discounted rate.
• Life Insurance: Company-provided life insurance and disability coverage.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax savings accounts for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Wellness Programs: Programs and resources to support employee health and well-being.
• Tuition Reimbursement: Financial assistance for continuing education and professional development.

Sysco Culture

Sysco is committed to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. The company values its employees and provides opportunities for growth and development. Here are some aspects of Sysco's culture:

• Teamwork: Collaboration is highly valued, with employees working together to achieve common goals.
• Innovation: Sysco encourages employees to think creatively and explore new ideas.
• Customer Focus: Sysco is dedicated to providing exceptional service to its customers.
• Integrity: Sysco operates with honesty and integrity in all its dealings.
• Diversity and Inclusion: Sysco embraces diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all employees.
• Growth Opportunities: Sysco provides ample opportunities for employees to advance their careers.

How to Apply

Interested in joining the Sysco team as a Senior Data Scientist? Visit the Sysco careers website at [Insert Link to Sysco Careers Page] to submit your application. Be sure to highlight your relevant experience, skills, and qualifications. Prepare to showcase projects and contributions that align with the responsibilities of the role.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the work schedule for this position? This is a hybrid position requiring an on-site presence at our corporate headquarters in Houston, Texas, three to four days per week.
2. What qualifications are required for this role? A Bachelor’s degree + 5 years or Master’s degree + 3 years or PhD + 2 years of industry experience in management consulting, strategy, analytics, at a specialized analytics company or in an analytics organization in a corporate setting is required.
3. What skills are important for this role? Strong skills in data mining, data cleansing, data engineering, mathematical modeling, and statistical analysis are crucial. Proficiency in SQL, NoSQL, Python, C++, and Java is highly desirable.
4. What are the main responsibilities of a Senior Data Scientist at Sysco? The key responsibilities include developing and tuning predictive/prescriptive models, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and ensuring the accuracy and appropriateness of data used for modeling.
5. What tools and technologies are used in this role? This role involves working with advanced analytic tools, technologies, and platforms to solve business problems. Specific tools include SQL, NoSQL, Python, and various machine learning libraries.
6. What opportunities are there for professional development? Sysco offers tuition reimbursement and professional development opportunities to help employees grow their skills and advance their careers.
7. What is the company culture like at Sysco? Sysco fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and inclusivity. The company values its employees and provides opportunities for growth and development.
8. What are the benefits of working at Sysco? Sysco offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, paid time off, a 401(k) plan, and an employee stock purchase plan.
9. Is this role remote? This is NOT a remote role; it is a hybrid role.
10. Who does this role report to? This will be clarified during the interview process.