Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic
Shepherd Tsoka

Shepherd Tsoka

Yellowknife,NT

Summary

Accomplished Independent Analytics Consultant with extensive experience in data analysis, marketing science, and statistical operations. Proven track record in developing tailored analytics solutions, optimising business operations, and driving strategic decision-making for diverse industries. Expertise in big data analytics, machine learning, and consumer insights. Notable achievements include leading cross-functional teams to enhance performance and efficiency, managing large-scale projects for prominent clients such as Coke and Colgate, and implementing data-driven strategies to drive revenue growth. Adept at delivering clear and concise presentations to stakeholders. Excellent working knowledge of Microsoft Office, SPSS, SAS, Stats Direct, R, SQL, Business Objects, Sawtooth Software, Ronin, Google Data Studio, Power BI and MIS.

Career goal: To leverage analytical expertise to further drive business success and innovation.

Overview

13
13
years of professional experience

Work History

Independent Analytics Consultant

Independent Analytics Consultant
Johannesburg, South Africa
08.2022 - Current
  • Performed comprehensive data analysis to uncover trends, patterns, and insights for a variety of industries.
  • Designed specialized analytic tools for better strategic decision-making support.
  • Worked with cross-functional teams to develop and implement data-driven strategies that improved performance.
  • Generated actionable insights from data analysis to aid clients in achieving business goals.
  • Crafted compelling presentations to effectively convey intricate analytical insights to stakeholders.

Marketing Science Manager

GFK - An NIQ Company
Johannesburg, South Africa
05.2023 - 02.2024
  • Manages a team of Senior and experienced analytics professionals who support the data gathering, processing and advanced analytics for big projects and clients (Coke, Cell C, JTI, Colgate, etc.), resulting in an increase in ROI and Market share
  • Developed targeted marketing plans founded on detailed analysis of consumer trends.
  • Oversaw the design and analysis of Conjoint and MaxDiff studies to gauge consumer preferences for features.
  • Oversaw sample designs, weighting, and quality measurement for projects.
  • Directed and monitored all forms of statistical significant testing, segmentation of population and products users and customer user journeys using behavioral data
  • Coordinated new data acquisition and analytics leveraging various categories via Google API places search.
  • Executed thorough analysis of market data for potential product development and market expansion opportunities.
  • Utilized predictive modeling to enhance campaign performance and boost customer engagement.
  • Generated data-driven insights for ongoing enhancement by partnering with different functional groups.
  • Developed and implemented data-driven marketing strategies to optimize customer engagement and drive revenue growth
  • Used advanced analytics to improve predictions and efficiency of marketing strategies.

Lead - Analytics and Insights

Data Innovators
Johannesburg, South Africa
06.2021 - 06.2022
  • Transformed raw data into useful business insights via effective strategy development.
  • Oversaw the generation of analytical reports with Power BI and Google Data Studio for enhanced data communication.
  • Directed multiple company-wide projects focusing on strategic implementation.
  • Utilized industry insights to create company-wide performance metrics.
  • Leveraged analytics to optimize performance and gain insights into market trends.
  • Led a team of analysts in conducting in-depth data analysis to identify opportunities for revenue growth and cost savings
  • Worked with diverse teams to collect and scrutinize data from varied sources, providing strategic insights.
  • Translated detailed analytical findings into strategic business recommendations.

Analytics and Insights Manager

New Leaders Foundation
Johannesburg, South Africa
06.2017 - 05.2021
  • Created Learner Intervention Planning (LIP) statistical models to forecast end-of-cycle learner performance.
  • Developed models that deliver valuable data analysis for educational authorities employing various statistical methods.
  • Provided mentorship to colleagues on diverse methods for data analysis using Power Bi, SPSS, R.
  • Managed daily delivery of analytical services such as Proof of Concepts, Business as Usual activities, and Ad hoc requests across multiple business units.
  • Designed governance framework optimizing analytics processes impacting educational reforms in South Africa.
  • Orchestrated workshops to improve both product insights and meaningful data presentations.
  • Analyzed DDD website traffic and user behavior, enhancing site navigation and user experience by 15%.
  • Worked with diverse teams to determine key performance indicators and set benchmarks for digital marketing success.
  • Utilized powerful analytics tools like Google Data Studio and Power BI to produce valuable insights.

Statistical Operations LEAD

The Nielsen Company
Johannesburg, South Africa
05.2014 - 05.2017
  • Directed management of statistical operations and conducted execution of onshore processes within the Measurement Science Division focusing on Central and East Africa.
  • Analyzed and conveyed local market conditions to optimize delivery processes.
  • Handled client queries related to data validations, extraction, sample inspection, and analysis using SAS, SQL, R.
  • Transformed raw data into strategic insights incorporated into business plans of Customer Success.
  • Analyzed lagging categories, innovation distribution, ineffective promotions and performance below targets.
  • Worked closely with Client Service to identify client concerns and design suitable approaches for BAU solutions.
  • Worked closely with global Population Center of Innovation teams in a virtual setting to tackle Data and Insights problems.

Business Analyst/Statistician

University of the Witwatersrand
Johannesburg, South Africa
08.2013 - 04.2014
  • Conducted comparative analysis of University of Witwatersrand with both domestic research-intensive universities and international institutions like Monash group.
  • Performed statistical evaluations with limited oversight by the head of Strategic Planning Division.
  • Analyzed University performance in various business intelligence domains against national and global peer institutions.
  • Conducted assessments to gauge institutional performance against benchmarks in the Wits strategic plan.
  • Wrote business reports based on survey findings, including the Graduate Destination Survey and Employer Satisfaction Survey.
  • Utilized data warehouse to evaluate current enrollment status at University of Witwatersrand.

National Statistician

FFA Operations - Trading as Working on Fire
Pretoria, South Africa
08.2012 - 07.2013
  • Facilitated data-driven decision-making by providing comprehensive Fire management statistics to leadership team within Working on Fire Management.
  • Developed data and insights using expertise in statistical modeling processes to enhance custom models.
  • Directed EPWP beneficiary data entry and system updates quarterly.
  • Teamed with stakeholders to outline data needs and manage infrastructure specifications.
  • Generated reports detailing progress and development of the program against funding.
  • Utilized analytical methods to detect trends in national demographic datasets, resulting in improved insightfulness of reports.
  • Directed creation and application of innovative statistical techniques for more accurate data collection.
  • Directed a team of statisticians to execute extensive surveys and research initiatives, ensuring punctual release of statistical publications.

Senior Statistician

ASK AFRIKA Pvt Ltd
Pretoria, South Africa
07.2011 - 07.2012
  • Contributed to the development of research proposals with methodological expertise.
  • Conducted extensive analysis of complex national surveys using SPSS, Ronin for questionnaire programming, and Survey Monkey.
  • Performed advanced regressions, discriminant analysis, CHAID, cluster analysis, and correspondence evaluations without oversight.
  • Designed comprehensive yearly plan delivering valuable brand-related research.
  • Administered comprehensive project management for research endeavours, including managing vendors.
  • Analyzed competitor activity and industry trends to inform strategic decisions.
  • Derived data from AMPS and TGI to design sample structures tailored to client requirements.

Education

Mathematical Statistics - Masters

University of Witwatersrand
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA
12.2014

Mathematics - Honours

Midlands State University
GWERU, ZIMBABWE
01.2005

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence - Postgraduate Diploma

University of Columbia

Skills

  • Big Data Analytics
  • Marketing Analytics
  • Creative thinking and innovation
  • Attention to Detail
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
  • Business Process Mapping
  • Quantitative and Qualitative Research
  • Strategic Communication
  • Problem Solving
  • Data Visualization
  • Strategic thinking
  • Business intelligence
  • Power BI proficiency
  • R programming
  • SAS programming

Timeline

Marketing Science Manager

GFK - An NIQ Company
05.2023 - 02.2024

Independent Analytics Consultant

Independent Analytics Consultant
08.2022 - Current

Lead - Analytics and Insights

Data Innovators
06.2021 - 06.2022

Analytics and Insights Manager

New Leaders Foundation
06.2017 - 05.2021

Statistical Operations LEAD

The Nielsen Company
05.2014 - 05.2017

Business Analyst/Statistician

University of the Witwatersrand
08.2013 - 04.2014

National Statistician

FFA Operations - Trading as Working on Fire
08.2012 - 07.2013

Senior Statistician

ASK AFRIKA Pvt Ltd
07.2011 - 07.2012

Mathematical Statistics - Masters

University of Witwatersrand

Mathematics - Honours

Midlands State University

Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence - Postgraduate Diploma

University of Columbia
Shepherd Tsoka