Job Title: Data Scientist – Optimization (Retail Stock Movement Planning)
Team: Product Development | Data & Analytics
Reports To: Engineering Manager
About the Role
We are looking for a skilled and experienced Data Scientist with a strong background in Operations Research (OR) and optimization modeling to join our newly-formed product team at IKEA. This team is building an innovative solution to optimize retail stock movement planning, specifically facilitating efficient inventory transfers between large-format and smaller retail stores.
As a key member of our cross-functional team, you’ll design and implement advanced optimization algorithms that directly impact store performance and customer satisfaction. You’ll collaborate with software engineers, machine learning experts, and product leaders to bring data-driven decision-making to life.
Key Responsibilities
-
Design, develop, and deploy optimization models for inventory allocation and transfer in a retail environment.
-
Build algorithms for planning and scheduling stock movements between stores.
-
Work closely with engineering teams to integrate optimization logic into scalable product features.
-
Analyze large and complex datasets to identify patterns, inefficiencies, and improvement opportunities.
-
Document models, methodologies, assumptions, and technical decisions.
-
Act as a subject matter expert on mathematical modeling and optimization techniques.
Who You’ll Work With
You’ll be embedded in a cross-functional product team consisting of senior and junior software engineers, an ML specialist, and stakeholders from the Engineering Manager and Data & Analytics leadership.
Required Qualifications
-
Master’s or PhD in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or a related field
-
3+ years of hands-on experience with optimization techniques applied to supply chain or retail domains
-
Strong foundation in linear programming, integer programming, and constraint satisfaction problems
-
Proven ability to translate complex business needs into mathematical formulations and solve them efficiently
-
Proficient in Python, with experience using libraries such as CPLEX, Gurobi, or Google OR-Tools
-
Strong SQL and data manipulation skills
Preferred Qualifications
-
Prior experience in retail operations or supply chain planning
-
Familiarity with machine learning and its intersection with optimization
-
Experience developing production-ready optimization systems
-
Exposure to cloud-based deployment of analytics solutions (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP)
What Sets You Apart
Top 3 Must-Haves:
-
Advanced Mathematical Problem-Solving – Ability to model complex business challenges and apply the right optimization strategies.
-
Production-Level Programming Experience – Experience delivering robust, maintainable optimization solutions in production environments.
-
Retail/Supply Chain Business Acumen – Deep understanding of operational realities and how optimization delivers measurable value.
Nice-to-Haves: