Director, Data Science (Operation Research)

Walmart • Sunnyvale, CA

3d • $169,000 - $338,000 • Onsite

About The Position

We are seeking a talented and passionate Director, Data Science, you will lead a high-impact team responsible for driving pricing optimization across Walmart’s global retail platforms. You will develop and execute data science strategies for assortment, space design, and inventory flow, ensuring Walmart delivers the right value to customers while maximizing business performance. About the Team Applied AI focuses on the development and deployment of innovative agentic AI and Machine Learning algorithms across all aspects of Walmart’s retail, grocery and logistics businesses. The team of more than 300 AI scientists and engineers use advanced Applied AI, Agentic AI, and Mathematical Optimization to revolutionize how Walmart manages its retail, grocery and pharmaceutical operations. Our mission is to build the next generation of intelligent systems that deliver efficiency for our front-line associates and provide a great experience and low prices for our customers by combining agentic AI, machine learning and mathematical optimization to develop innovative and explainable solutions that produce real-world impact. As Director, Data Science, you will lead and develop a team that enables Walmart US in-store and e-commerce. This role is focused on people leadership and operational optimization—translating strategy into execution by aligning cross‑functional partners, optimizing fulfillment network design decisions, and driving in‑year initiatives. Imagine working in an environment where one line of code can make life easier for hundreds of millions of people. That’s what we do at Walmart Global Tech. We’re a team of software engineers, data scientists, cybersecurity expert's and service professionals within the world’s leading retailer who make an epic impact and are at the forefront of the next retail disruption. People are why we innovate, and people power our innovations. We are people-led and tech-empowered. We train our team in the skillsets of the future and bring in experts like you to help us grow. We have roles for those chasing their first opportunity as well as those looking for the opportunity that will define their career. Here, you can kickstart a great career in tech, gain new skills and experience for virtually every industry, or leverage your expertise to innovate at scale, impact millions and reimagine the future of retail. Walmart’s culture is a competitive advantage, and it’s fostered by being together. Working together in person allows us to collaborate, align quickly and innovate with greater speed. We use our campuses to create purposeful connection rooted in deepening understanding and investing in the development of our associates.

Requirements

• Option 1: Bachelors degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 6 years' experience in an analytics related field.
• Option 2: Masters degree in Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 4 years' experience in an analytics related field.
• Option 3: 8 years' experience in an analytics or related field

Nice To Haves

• Data science, machine learning, optimization models
• PhD in Machine Learning, Computer Science, Information Technology, Operations Research, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Econometrics
• Successful completion of one or more assessments in Python, Spark, Scala, or R
• Supervisory experience
• Using open source frameworks (for example, scikit learn, tensorflow, torch)
• We value candidates with a background in creating inclusive digital experiences, demonstrating knowledge in implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards, assistive technologies, and integrating digital accessibility seamlessly.
• The ideal candidate would have knowledge of accessibility best practices and join us as we continue to create accessible products and services following Walmart’s accessibility standards and guidelines for supporting an inclusive culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and grow a team of data scientists and data engineers dedicated to assortment and space optimization.
• Partner with product, engineering, merchandising, and business stakeholders to identify opportunities and align on strategic initiatives.
• Oversee the end-to-end data science lifecycle: problem scoping, literature review, model design, algorithmic optimization, engineering integration, deployment, monitoring, and impact measurement.
• Drive AI innovation in assortment, including experimentation with new models and algorithms to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Ensure robust model governance, reproducibility, and ethical AI practices.
• Communicate complex technical concepts and business impact effectively to technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leadership.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences and executive leadership.
• Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies in data science and AI.

Benefits

• Beyond our great compensation package, you can receive incentive awards for your performance.
• Other great perks include 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid maternity and parental leave, PTO, multiple health plans, and much more.
• Health benefits include medical, vision and dental coverage.
• Financial benefits include 401(k), stock purchase and company-paid life insurance.
• Paid time off benefits include PTO (including sick leave), parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting.
• Other benefits include short-term and long-term disability, company discounts, Military Leave Pay, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, and more.
• Live Better U is a Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities. Programs range from high school completion to bachelor's degrees, including English Language Learning and short-form certificates. Tuition, books, and fees are completely paid for by Walmart.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees