(USA) Director, Data Science
About The Position
As the Director, Data Science – Decision Science & Operational Modeling, you will build and own the statistical modeling engines that drive Walmart Connect’s (WMC) commercial operations and business strategy. Your mission is to bring algorithmic precision to complex retail media operations—from forecasting multi-tier ad delivery and inventory pacing to optimizing operational workflows and prescriptively modeling advertiser growth. Walmart Connect leads growth by powering the closed-loop media business within the world’s largest omnichannel retailer. The Data Science team drives innovation through advanced analytics, machine learning, and data strategy to deliver impactful business solutions. Collaborating across functions, the team translates complex data into actionable insights that support business development and automation. Members apply expertise in programming, feature engineering, and statistical modeling to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency. The team fosters continuous learning and excellence, aligning data-driven strategies with Walmart’s objectives to create measurable value and sustainable growth.
Requirements
- Extensive experience in data science, including advanced machine learning algorithms and analytical modeling techniques.
- Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, SQL, and Java for code development, testing, and deployment.
- Strong understanding of data strategy, data quality, and data governance principles to drive business value.
- Expertise in data visualization tools and techniques to communicate complex insights effectively.
- Proven ability to translate business requirements into scalable data solutions aligned with organizational objectives.
- Leadership skills to mentor teams, manage projects, and foster continuous improvement and innovation.
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.
- Masters: Business Administration
Responsibilities
- Architect Multi-Tier Hierarchical Forecasting: Build, scale, and maintain in-house hierarchical forecasting models spanning key ad delivery metrics (e.g., ad spend, impression delivery, fill rate, effective CPMs/CPCs) across accounts, placements, and product categories.
- Build Prescriptive Market-Sizing & Growth Models: Design prescriptive models that evaluate what an advertiser should or could invest based on peer category benchmarks, retail sales share, organic search volume, and category elasticity.
- Develop Advanced Behavioral Segmentation: Build and maintain machine-learning clustering models that segment brands, sellers, and agencies by operational maturity, bidding behavior, and growth potential.
- Lead & Mentor a Team: Hire, develop, and lead a high-performing team of data scientists.
Benefits
- Competitive pay
- Performance-based bonus awards
- Medical coverage
- Vision coverage
- Dental coverage
- 401(k)
- Stock purchase
- Company-paid life insurance
- PTO (including sick leave)
- Parental leave
- Family care leave
- Bereavement
- Jury duty
- Voting leave
- Short-term disability
- Long-term disability
- Company discounts
- Military Leave Pay
- Adoption expense reimbursement
- Surrogacy expense reimbursement
- PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes
- Live Better U (Walmart-paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates)
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
