Senior Data Scientist - Hybrid (Chicago/NYC) & Recs Engines

Job Title: Senior Data Scientist Location: Hybrid (Chicago, IL or New York City, NY) Job Type: Full-Time About SDG Consulting SDG Consulting is a global consulting firm specialized in Data & Analytics. We are committed to unlocking organizations' potential by offering in-depth analytics expertise that empowers our clients to become successful data-driven enterprises. Our mission is to help clients define, design, and implement transformative AI technologies to gain a sustainable competitive advantage. We help reinvent core operations, deliver hyper-personalized customer experiences, and create new AI-powered business models that drive enduring growth. Position Overview As a Senior Data Scientist, you will play a highly visible and critical role bridging the gap between advanced technical execution and business strategy. You will be responsible for navigating and optimizing production codebases, with a strong emphasis on Recommendation Engines. This is a senior-level position that requires an independent, highly experienced professional who requires minimal supervision. Beyond technical development, you will be heavily involved in leading deployment and change management, acting as a key communicator and trusted advisor to business stakeholders, particularly sales teams. Key Responsibilities Deployment & Change Management: Lead the deployment of data science solutions and drive change management initiatives, working hand-in-hand with sales teams to ensure successful adoption. Production Code Mastery: Quickly pick up, understand, and navigate existing production codebases to optimize and scale models efficiently. Recommendation Engines: Design, refine, and implement advanced Recommendation Engines tailored to business needs. Stakeholder Communication: Act as a strategic liaison to the business, translating complex data science concepts into actionable insights for non-technical audiences, particularly sales professionals. Presentation Excellence: Create high-quality, executive-level presentations (PPT) and deliver them with confidence and clarity. Independent Execution: Take full ownership of your workstreams, driving projects forward proactively and with minimal hand-holding. Experimentation (Bonus): Design and execute A/B testing frameworks to measure model effectiveness and business impact. Qualifications Experience Level: Highly experienced Data Scientist; this is a senior role and is not suitable for junior or entry-level candidates. Location: Must be based in or willing to commute to Chicago, IL or New York City, NY. Core Technical Skills: Highly skilled Python programmer with deep expertise in Recommendation Engines. Preferred Technologies: Hands-on experience with PySpark and Databricks is strongly preferred. Communication Skills: Exceptional presentation and PPT skills; native-level or highly fluent English proficiency is required to effectively influence and align with US-based business stakeholders. Industry Experience: Previous consulting or industry experience with Spirits or Retail clients is a major plus. Project Management (Bonus): Formal project management skills or certifications (e.g., PMP, Six Sigma Black Belt) are highly desirable. What We Offer Stability and Growth: Full-time employment in a growing high-tech industry with a meritocratic culture that provides opportunities for professional growth. Competitive Compensation: A competitive salary and a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer match. Comprehensive Benefits: Robust healthcare and benefits package including Medical, Dental, Vision, and Disability coverage. Work-Life Balance: 3+ weeks of paid vacation, a flexible holiday schedule, and hybrid working arrangements that balance on-site and remote work. Supportive Community: A welcoming, collaborative, and inclusive culture where you can learn from exceptional professionals and make a significant impact. J-18808-Ljbffr