Senior Data Scientist - Forecasting

Company Description

Blend is a premier AI services provider, committed to co-creating meaningful impact for its clients through the power of data science, AI, technology, and people. With a mission to fuel bold visions, Blend tackles significant challenges by seamlessly aligning human expertise with artificial intelligence. The company is dedicated to unlocking value and fostering innovation for its clients by harnessing world-class people and data-driven strategy. We believe that the power of people and AI can have a meaningful impact on your world, creating more fulfilling work and projects for our people and clients. For more information, visit www.blend360.com 

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced Data Scientist with a specialization in forecasting to join our data science team. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of statistical and machine learning techniques for time series forecasting and demand prediction. In this role, you will drive business value by developing accurate forecasting models and delivering actionable insights to optimize decision-making processes across the organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement advanced time series forecasting models to predict key business metrics (e.g., sales, demand, inventory, etc.).
• Analyze historical data to identify trends, seasonality, and other patterns that can be leveraged for accurate forecasting.
• Collaborate closely with client’s cross-functional teams such as Supply Chain, Finance, and Marketing to understand business needs and deliver tailored forecasting solutions.
• Build and optimize machine learning models for forecasting using state-of-the-art techniques (e.g., ARIMA, Prophet, LSTM, etc.).
• Design and run experiments to validate forecasting models and continuously improve their accuracy and reliability.
• Communicate complex data-driven insights and forecasting results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Ensure high-quality data inputs for forecasting models by working with data engineering teams to improve data collection, transformation, and integration processes.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in forecasting methodologies, tools, and techniques, and apply them to enhance existing models.
• Provide thought leadership in forecasting and predictive analytics, driving innovation within the data science team.
• Mentor junior team members and help establish best practices for forecasting across the organization.

Qualifications

• Master’s or Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Economics, Applied Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• 4+ years of experience in developing and deploying forecasting models in a business environment.
• Expertise in time series analysis and forecasting techniques, including ARIMA, SARIMA, Holt-Winters, and advanced machine learning methods like gradient boosting, neural networks (e.g., LSTM, GRU), etc.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python or R, with strong experience in data manipulation, model building, and statistical analysis.
• Hands-on experience with forecasting tools and libraries, such as Prophet, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.
• Strong understanding of data structures, data wrangling, and working with large datasets.
• Experience with cloud computing platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and working in a distributed data environment is a plus.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience with visualization tools like Tableau, Power BI, or similar to present forecasting outcomes.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with demand forecasting, sales forecasting, or supply chain optimization in industries such as retail, manufacturing, or finance.
• Familiarity with statistical testing and experimentation (e.g., A/B testing).
• Experience deploying models in production environments and collaborating with engineering teams to build scalable solutions.
• Previous experience in a consulting or client-facing role is a plus.

Additional Information

Thrive & Grow with Us:

• Competitive Salary: Your skills and contributions are highly valued here, and we make sure your salary reflects that, rewarding you fairly for the knowledge and experience you bring to the table. 
• Dynamic Career Growth: Our vibrant environment offers you the opportunity to grow rapidly, providing the right tools, mentorship, and experiences to fast-track your career.
• Idea Tanks: Innovation lives here. Our "Idea Tanks" are your playground to pitch, experiment, and collaborate on ideas that can shape the future.
• Growth Chats: Dive into our casual "Growth Chats" where you can learn from the best—whether it's over lunch or during a laid-back session with peers, it's the perfect space to grow your skills.
• Snack Zone: Stay fuelled and inspired! In our Snack Zone, you'll find a variety of snacks to keep your energy high and ideas flowing.
• Recognition & Rewards: We believe great work deserves to be recognized. Expect regular Hive-Fives, shoutouts and the chance to see your ideas come to life as part of our reward program.
• Fuel Your Growth Journey with Certifications: We’re all about your growth groove! Level up your skills with our support as we cover the cost of your certifications.