Data Scientist (FMCG) | Outside IR35

The Role

You will work as part of a wider consulting team, taking ownership of the stockholding modelling workstream.

You will combine transactional data from several systems, calculate actual lead times and variability, and build an inventory model covering safety stock, reorder logic, service levels, order constraints and short shelf-life costs.

The completed model will be backtested against historical performance and handed over as a clearly structured and fully documented Excel tool.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop inventory models covering safety stock, reorder logic and service levels.
• Apply SKU-level segmentation, forecast error and observed lead-time variability.
• Incorporate MOQ constraints, case and pallet rounding, obsolescence and waste costs.
• Join transactional extracts from Anaplan, Sage 200 and Power BI using consistent SKU data.
• Calculate actual lead times and variability using purchase order and goods receipt data.
• Backtest the model against Q1 data to demonstrate its impact on availability and stockholding.

Essential

• At least three to four years' relevant data science, supply chain analytics or inventory modelling experience.
• Strong knowledge of safety stock, reorder logic, forecast error and service-level modelling.
• Experience modelling inventory at SKU-day or SKU-week level.
• Advanced Excel skills, including building transparent and maintainable analytical tools.
• Strong data preparation skills, including joining messy transactional datasets.
• Experience with scenario modelling and historical backtesting.
• Ability to independently lead and deliver a defined analytical workstream.
• Comfortable working on-site with client and consulting stakeholders.

Desirable

• Experience within food, grocery or FMCG supply chains.
• Understanding of chilled, frozen and ambient product categories.
• Knowledge of short shelf-life inventory, waste and obsolescence.
• Experience of contract manufacturing, MOQs and practical supplier lead-time constraints.
• Familiarity with Anaplan, Sage 200 or Power BI data.

The Details

• Contract role: 3-4 weeks initially
• IR35 Status: Outside IR35
• Rate: DOE
• Location: Central London, three to four days per week on-site
• Start date: ASAP