Data Scientist

Data Science 

Planning, Allocation & Inventory Optimization

JCPenney

Role Purpose

The Manager, Data Science – Planning & Allocation is responsible for developing and operationalizing analytical models, insights, and decision tools that optimize inventory placement, forecasting, allocation, replenishment, and product flow across the enterprise.

This role is embedded within the business, partnering closely with Planning & Allocation (P&A), Merchandising, Merchandise Operations, Supply Chain, Finance, and Technology teams to deliver data‑driven strategies that improve sales, profit, inventory productivity, and customer experience. Success in this role requires strong analytical leadership, business fluency, and the ability to build trust and adoption of AI‑driven decisioning.

Key Responsibilities

Lead development of analytics and models supporting allocation, replenishment, sizing, assortment optimization and grading.
Translate complex data into clear, explainable insights to drive business strategies
Define and manage business rules, constraints, and guardrails embedded in AI decisioning tools
Analyze sales trends, localization, and lifecycle dynamics to improve buys and in‑season management.
Build tools and dashboards that enable faster, data‑driven decisions.
Partner cross‑functionally (Planning & Allocation, Merchandising, Supply Chain, Finance, Technology) to drive adoption, trust, and measurable business outcomes.
Present insights to senior business leaders with a focus on decision clarity, business impact, and execution.
Continuously refine models, assumptions, and tools as assortments, customer behavior, and strategies evolve.
 Collaborate with technology and data teams, while remaining accountable for business outcomes—not IT delivery.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Data Science, Advanced Analytics, Statistics, Mathematics, Finance or a related field.
7+ years of experience in analytics or data science, preferably within planning, allocation, merchandising, or supply chain.
Proven experience embedding analytics into business decision workflows, not just reporting.
Strong proficiency in Python or R and SQL.
Demonstrated ability to support and influence merchandising strategy and initiative development through data driven insights
Strong communication skills with the ability to explain AI‑driven decisions to non‑technical partners.
Preferred

Hands‑on experience with allocation systems, replenishment logic, sizing or grading strategies.
Familiarity with inventory and planning KPIs (e.g., sell‑through, weeks of supply, service level, margin impact).
Experience working with cloud data platforms and BI tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
What Success Looks Like

Allocation, replenishment, and sizing decisions are trusted, explainable, and consistently data‑driven.
Measurable improvements in inventory productivity, in‑stock performance, and customer experience.
High adoption of decision tools by Planning & Merchandising teams.
Analytics scaled from pilots into core business workflows.

What you get:

If eligible, we offer a competitive benefits package including medical/dental/vision, term life insurance, paid vacation/holidays*, and 401(k) with Company match. All associates are eligible for an associate discount on all Catalyst Brands merchandise. For paid holidays, associates who are eligible for paid vacation (MTO) are also eligible for eight paid holidays during the calendar year. All store hourly associates scheduled to work on a designated holiday will receive additional compensation. *For paid vacation days, as well as eligibility requirements for other benefits, please visit www.catalystbrandsbenefits.com

About JCPenney:

JCPenney is the shopping destination for diverse, working American families. With inclusivity at its core, the Company’s product assortment meets customers’ everyday needs and helps them commemorate every special occasion with style, quality, and value. JCPenney offers a broad portfolio of fashion, apparel, home, beauty, and jewelry from national and private brands and provides personal services including salon, portrait and optical. The Company and its 50,000 associates worldwide serve customers where, when, and how they want to shop – from jcp.com to more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. In 2024, JCPenney celebrates 122 years as an iconic American brand by continuing its legacy of connecting with customers through shopping and community engagement.