Lead Data Scientist - Supply Chain Network Planning and Design (Operations Research, Optimization, Python)

Target•Minneapolis, MN

1d•$132,000 - $238,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture. Learn more about Target here. Target Global Supply Chain and Logistics is evolving at an incredible pace. We are constantly reimagining how we get the right product to the guest even better, faster and more cost effectively than before. We are becoming more intelligent, automated and algorithmic in our decision-making, so that no matter how our guest shops—in stores or on Target.com—we deliver the convenience and immediate gratification they demand and deserve. We are on a mission to win decisively over any competitor, with a seamless and superior guest service experience unlike any they can offer. Our teams work with the agility our mission requires, and we constantly come together to implement new processes in record time. So we’re looking for exceptional team members who are proactive, creative, independent, innovative, risk-savvy and comfortable working in varying degrees of ambiguity. Are you a critical thinker who seeks the root cause and can analyze both qualitatively and quantitatively? Are you a creative problem-solver who simplifies problems, quickly identifies solutions, commits to a plan and then positively influences others to execute it? If so, you will have success on one of our dynamic teams. As a Lead Data Scientist – Integrated Planning Sciences, you will play a critical role in developing the analytical foundations that inform Target’s long-range supply chain strategy. You will help design forecasting, simulation, and optimization models that influence billions of dollars in capital investments and new capabilities. Your curiosity, structured problem-solving, and hands-on approach will enable you to work across Finance, Operations, Merchandising, Properties, and Digital teams to build high-quality models that reflect the complexity of Target’s end-to-end replenishment, fulfillment, and reverse networks. The insights you generate will directly support enterprise decision-making and contribute to shaping the future of Target’s omnichannel operations. This role offers the opportunity to grow your influence, build deep supply chain domain expertise, and take on increasingly complex challenges within a highly cross-functional environment.

Requirements

PhD or MS in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Applied Math, Physics, Computer Science or related quantitative field
5+ years’ experience applying quantitative modeling to large-scale supply chain or operational problems at scale
Demonstrated proficiency in Python programming and advanced SQL for data preparation, modeling and exploratory analysis
Experience working with mathematical optimization libraries or solvers (e.g. Gurobi)
Strong systems thinking skills and ability to reason from first principles
Proven track record communicating analytical insights to senior or executive audiences
Ability to operate independently in highly ambiguous, strategic environments
Demonstrated experience influencing cross-functional stakeholders
Experience framing or informing enterprise-level supply chain or capital decisions
Experience leading the design of modeling frameworks, analytical standards, or multi-scenario planning processes

Responsibilities

Strategic Problem Framing & Executive Influence Define and structure ambiguous supply chain problems into clear frameworks for decision-making in partnership with Network Design, Flow, and Capacity Planning teams Synthesize insights into compelling narratives for executive audiences and guide decision-making at scale Influence senior stakeholders across Operations, Finance, Transportation, Strategy and Merchandising
Model Design & Scenario Analysis Design quantitative models that evaluate trade-offs between cost, service, risk, and sustainability Develop and compare scenarios, highlighting sensitivities, uncertainties, and financial implications Establish standards for model documentation, validation, and version control Own, maintain, and continuously enhance strategic planning models to ensure accuracy, scalability, and alignment with evolving business needs
Cross Functional Alignment and Partnership Partner across Network Design, Flow Planning, Capacity Planning, Operations, Finance, Strategy, and Merchandising teams to maintain a strong pulse on customer needs, priorities, and decision contexts, aligning cross-functionally on assumptions, decisions, and business requirements Drive clarity across cross-functional teams regarding constraints, assumptions, and strategic implications
Coaching, Mentorship and Capability Building Mentor and coach data scientists and analysts in structured problem solving, systems thinking, and executive communication Design and externalize models as reusable planning tools, enabling broader adoption and self-service analysis by planning teams Stay current with industry best practices and emerging methodologies, proactively upskilling to raise the technical and analytical bar for the team Elevate modeling and analytical standards within the team

Benefits

In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family.
Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves.
Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation.
Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.
Our Benefits We care about and invest in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family.
Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves.
Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation.
Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.

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