Sr. Manager, Data Science - Logistics Modeling

About the Team

The primary responsibility of the Logistics Modeling team is to intelligently and efficiently plan how CarMax moves vehicles across its nationwide network. Each year, CarMax completes over 2 million vehicle moves, and our data scientists develop algorithms that determine which moves are executed by CarMax and which are handled by third-party logistics partners. For the moves CarMax completes, the team generates detailed plans specifying exactly which vehicles each driver will transport and when. To be successful, these plans must optimize efficiency while ensuring vehicles arrive on time to meet customer and operational needs.

What You Will Do – Essential Responsibilities

Develop optimal planning strategies that meet both short and long term business objectives

• Leverage exceptional business knowledge, creativity, vision and analytic skills in order to lead the development of optimal logistics planning strategies
• Develop right optimization strategy given CarMax’s unique business model
• Leverage strong analytic communication skills to gain broad buy-in to planning strategies and goals at all levels of the organization
• Continuously improve our logistics strategy by delivering $10-25MM/yr of incremental value

Build a highly engaged team of 4-7 Data Scientists with the skills to implement our logistics strategies across millions of moves each year

• Create a rewarding and challenging environment designed to teach uniquely gifted analytic professionals how to become effective, value adding data scientists
• Leverage strong functional expertise in a quickly evolving field to ensure that team members have the right technology to meet today’s business needs.
• Set specific, actionable short and mid-term goals for each team member
• Challenge, develop & recognize team members when they achieve their goals

Lead the building of Artificial Intelligence to autonomously plan every move in an optimal way

• Leverage strong mathematics, statistics and technology skills (machine learning, Python, etc.) in order to lead the development of sophisticated planning models that autonomously implement our strategies
• Leverage strong computer science and software engineering skills in order to build software that (a) Calculates the optimal logistics plan for each move and (b) Delivers that plan to the logistics team in seconds
• Lead cross functional efforts to implement new models with IT and the field
• Apply exceptional experiment test and design skills in order to measure the business impact of different planning changes

Purpose of the Role

CarMax relies on algorithms to efficiently move vehicles across our network of 200+ stores, ensuring optimal routes, driver utilization, and on-time delivery while minimizing transportation costs. Doing so ensures that we have the right cars at the right prices at the right time and place to meet our customers’ needs. As we continue to innovate our business and shift more of our buying and selling online, we increasingly need to make these decisions quickly with less human intervention. Our team of data scientists plays a critical role in unlocking the business value from these innovations.

Qualifications and Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

• Undergraduate degree with exceptional academic performance in quantitative discipline (Statistics, Math, Data Science, Computer Science, Engineering). Advanced Degree (Master’s/Ph.D.) is a plus.
• Mathematical, modeling, and reasoning skills in order to build complex planning models
• 4+ years’ experience in strategy, analytics and/or data science
• Proven ability to deliver business value by leveraging deep analytic skills in order to solve complex business problems
• Computer programming skills in order to turn the mathematical model into Artificial Intelligence
• Leadership skills necessary to build a highly engaged team and to work cross functionally to implement new logistics models and strategies
• Exceptional verbal, written, and listening skills necessary to (a) effectively manage their team, (b) listen and understand conflicting points of view on complex matters, (c) navigate through potential contentious situations that periodically occur in a change process, and (d) communicate complex ideas.
• Experience managing highly analytical projects and people. 

Work Location and Arrangement: This role will be based out of the CarMax Technology Innovation Center (Richmond, VA) and associates will work onsite 5 days per week

Work Authorization:  Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.  Sponsorship will not be considered for this specific role.

About CarMax

CarMax disrupted the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity experience customers want and deserve. This innovative thinking around the way cars are bought and sold has helped us become the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, with over 200 locations nationwide.

Our amazing team of more than 25,000 associates work together to deliver iconic customer experiences. Along the way, we help every associate grow their career and achieve their best, at work and in their community.  We are recognized for our commitment to training and diversity and are one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

CarMax is committed to bringing together people from different backgrounds and perspectives, providing employees with a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment.

CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, and any other characteristics protected by law.