Principal Data Analyst - Transportation Strategy & Optimization

Walmart•Bentonville, AR

4d•$90,000 - $180,000

About The Position

The Principal Data Analyst will lead complex, ambiguous operational problems from investigation through implementation, using data and AI to shape strategy and influence operational decisions. The role calls for an operational mindset, sound business judgment, technical and analytical leadership, structured problem solving, and the ability to turn data-driven recommendations into measurable business outcomes. The team works across operations, analytics, technology, and transformation. Its work involves investigating operational processes, developing and testing hypotheses, evaluating alternatives and tradeoffs, and guiding partners from analysis through implementation and measurement. The analyst will also shape analytical strategy, connect work across teams, establish scalable approaches, and strengthen the analytical capabilities of other analysts. The position partners with operations, product, technology, data science, and senior leadership. It applies advanced analytics, automation, AI, and operational knowledge to develop actionable recommendations, then helps influence adoption and measurable improvement. The role also designs scalable analytical solutions and decision frameworks using SQL, Python, visualization platforms, cloud data environments, and AI. Walmart offers competitive pay, performance-based bonuses, and benefits. The annual salary range is $90,000 to $180,000, with additional annual or quarterly performance bonuses and potentially stock for certain positions. The primary location is 805 Respect, Bentonville, Arkansas.

Requirements

Demonstrated critical thinking, business and analytical judgment, strategic ownership, stakeholder leadership, technical and AI fluency, and cross-functional impact.
Ability to understand operational processes and identify improvement opportunities others may overlook.
Ability to thrive in ambiguity, challenge assumptions, and determine the right problems to solve.
Ability to connect analysis to operational, financial, customer, and organizational outcomes.
Strong analytical and technical capabilities, including responsible use of data and AI to develop and validate recommendations.
Ability to independently shape priorities and lead initiatives across organizational boundaries.
Clear communication skills and ability to influence senior leaders and drive adoption without positional authority.
One of the following: bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Arts, Finance, or a related field and 4 years of experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or a related field; master's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field and 2 years of relevant experience; or 6 years of relevant experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience in data science, data analysis, statistics, or a related field.
Master's degree in Business, Computer Science, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Information Technology, or a related field.
Related industry experience, such as retail, merchandising, healthcare, or eCommerce.
Successful completion of assessments in data analysis and business intelligence tools and scripting languages such as SQL, Python, Spark, Scala, R, Power BI, or Tableau.

Responsibilities

Lead ambiguous, cross-functional operational problems by identifying root causes, challenging assumptions, and reframing questions to drive business outcomes.
Partner with operations, product, technology, data science, and senior leadership to identify opportunities, shape priorities, and influence decisions.
Use advanced analytics, automation, AI, and operational knowledge to test hypotheses, evaluate tradeoffs, and develop actionable recommendations.
Influence stakeholders, navigate resistance, and help drive implementation and measurable operational improvements.
Design scalable analytical solutions and decision frameworks using SQL, Python, visualization platforms, cloud data environments, and AI.
Serve as a thought leader, mentor others, and strengthen analytical capabilities across teams.
Investigate operational processes, develop hypotheses, evaluate alternatives, and lead partners from analysis through implementation and measurement.
Shape analytical strategy, connect work across teams, and establish scalable approaches.

Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
401(k).
Stock purchase plan.
Company-paid life insurance.
Paid time off, including sick leave, and PTO and/or PPTO usable for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes.
Parental leave, family care leave, bereavement leave, jury duty leave, and voting leave.
Short-term and long-term disability.
Company discounts.
Military Leave Pay.
Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
Live Better U education benefit for eligible full-time and part-time associates, with tuition, books, and fees paid for covered programs.
Performance-based annual or quarterly bonuses; stock may be included for certain positions.