Data Analytics Specialist (Lowell, AR) in Lowell, Arkansas at Central Research, Inc.

Position Summary:

Central Research, Inc. (CRI) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Data Analytics Specialist to support operational modeling, workforce planning, forecasting, and business intelligence initiatives across multiple business units. This position will work closely with operations leadership, finance, recruiting, and executive management to develop data-driven insights that improve staffing models, operational efficiency, and strategic decision-making. The ideal candidate is a junior to mid-level analytics professional with strong Excel and data visualization skills, an analytical mindset, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable business recommendations.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Develop and maintain operational forecasting and staffing models for contact center and government services programs.
• Analyze trends related to staffing, attrition, productivity, hiring pipelines, workload allocation, and operational performance.
• Build dashboards, reports, and visual presentations for executive leadership using tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Excel.
• Support financial and operational planning by identifying risks, trends, and optimization opportunities.
• Perform ad hoc data analysis to support business initiatives and strategic decisions.
• Collaborate with recruiting, HR, finance, and operations teams to validate assumptions and improve forecast accuracy.
• Create executive-ready charts, graphics, and presentations that clearly communicate insights and recommendations.
• Monitor KPIs and develop automated reporting solutions where possible.
• Assist with data cleansing, validation, and quality assurance activities.
• Document methodologies, assumptions, and reporting processes for consistency and audit readiness.
• Participate in continuous improvement initiatives related to reporting, analytics, and process automation.

Minimum Requirements (Education & Experience):

• Bachelor’s degree in Data Analytics, Statistics, Business Analytics, Mathematics, Economics, Information Systems, or related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 1–5 years of experience in data analytics, workforce planning, business intelligence, financial 1modeling, or related analytical role.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including pivot tables, lookup functions, Power Query, and modeling techniques.
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or similar visualization/reporting tools.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to organize and interpret large datasets.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present data findings clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• High attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred Requirements (Education & Experience):

• Experience supporting contact center operations, staffing models, or workforce management.
• Familiarity with SQL, Python, R, or other analytical programming languages.
• Experience with forecasting methodologies and scenario modeling.
• Understanding of operational KPIs, SLA performance, and workforce metrics.
• Experience working in government contracting or federal services environments.
• Knowledge of recruiting metrics and workforce planning concepts.

Minimum Requirements (Knowledge, Skills & Abilities):

• Analytical Thinking
• Business Acumen
• Forecasting & Modeling
• Data Visualization
• Attention to Detail
• Communication Skills
• Process Improvement
• Collaboration & Teamwork

Other Requirements/Information:

We are currently unable to consider applicants residing in California, Hawaii, New York, Oregon, Washington, Illinois, and the city of Philadelphia. Thank you for your understanding.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Know Your Rights Poster can be found here: https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12.pdf

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities or qualifications associated with the job. It is intended to describe the general nature and work responsibilities of the position. This job description and the duties of this position are subject to change, modification, and addition as deemed necessary by the Company.