Data & Optimization Specialist

Freelance Data Scientist / Operations Research & Optimization Specialist Project-based assignment | 3–8 weeks | Start: Short notice About the assignment For an innovative project within the hospitality sector, we are looking for an experienced Data Scientist / Operations Research Specialist with a strong background in simulation, mathematical optimization and commercial modelling. The assignment focuses on analyzing historical operational data, identifying opportunities to improve capacity utilization and evaluating the financial potential of alternative planning and allocation scenarios. You will develop an initial analytical and simulation framework to assess commercial feasibility and support future strategic decisions. Your responsibilities Clean, structure and analyze historical operational and transactional data. Develop models to assess capacity utilization and operational efficiency. Identify potential inefficiencies and opportunities for optimization. Build simulations to evaluate alternative allocation and scheduling scenarios. Incorporate operational constraints, dependencies and resource availability. Develop and test mathematical optimization logic. Model different pricing, demand and utilization scenarios. Quantify potential incremental revenue and contribution margin. Perform sensitivity analyses and validate model assumptions. Deliver reproducible code and clear technical documentation. Your profile We are looking for a technically strong specialist who combines advanced analytical capabilities with practical optimization experience. Essential requirements: Advanced Python and SQL skills. Strong knowledge of statistical modelling and simulation. Experience with mathematical optimization, constraint programming or operations research. Proven ability to solve complex allocation, scheduling or inventory optimization problems. Experience with scenario modelling, sensitivity analysis and financial impact assessment. Ability to translate operational challenges into quantitative models. Experience delivering reproducible code and well-documented analytical solutions. Comfortable working independently in an exploratory, project-based environment. Preferred experience: Relevant experience in one or more of the following areas is highly valued: Hospitality and revenue management Airline pricing and capacity optimization Logistics and supply chain optimization Mobility and transportation Marketplace optimization Workforce scheduling Inventory and resource allocation Specific hospitality experience is an advantage, but not essential. Expected deliverables Structured and documented analytical data model. Historical baseline of operational performance and capacity utilization. Reproducible simulation and optimization framework. Financial impact and incremental contribution margin analysis. Sensitivity analysis across relevant scenarios. Documented assumptions, limitations and recommendations for further validation. Source code and technical documentation. Assignment details Contract: Freelance / independent consultant Duration: Approximately 3–8 weeks initially Start: Short notice, subject to data availability Sector: Hospitality Focus: Advanced modelling, simulation and optimization Potential: Follow-up assignments depending on project outcomes Who we are looking for This is not a traditional BI, dashboarding or general data analyst role. We are specifically looking for someone with a strong mathematical and analytical background who can independently develop complex simulation and optimization models. The ideal candidate understands how to combine operational constraints, capacity allocation, demand scenarios and financial outcomes into a robust analytical framework. Generative AI experience is not a core requirement. Interested? Please share your relevant project experience, particularly examples involving mathematical optimization, simulation, capacity allocation or commercial modelling, together with your availability and indicative freelance rate. Further details about the project and its objectives will be shared during an introductory conversation.