Director, Data Science – Machine Learning Economist, Global People Insights Full-time

Position Summary…

What you’ll do…

About Us:
At Walmart, we are embarking on an exciting journey to build a world-class people analytics function. Our vision is to create a leading-edge analytics team that will set the standard for how workforce data can drive business outcomes and shape the future of work. This team will serve as a center of excellence, providing thought leadership and innovative solutions that influence not only our company but also the broader industry. We are seeking a highly experienced Director of People Analytics to help us build and lead this effort, using advanced machine learning, econometrics, and NLP methods to uncover deep insights about our workforce and drive strategic decision-making.

Position Overview:
As the Director of People Analytics, you will be a key architect in the development of our analytics capabilities, shaping the team, tools, and methodologies that will elevate our workforce analytics to a best-in-class level. This role requires a visionary leader who combines deep technical expertise with exceptional communication and leadership skills. You will collaborate closely with senior stakeholders to identify high-impact business challenges and deliver insights that will guide our people strategy. Beyond econometrics and machine learning, you’ll apply advanced econometrics to solve complex problems and help build the foundation of a people analytics function that external organizations will look to for thought leadership in the future.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build & Lead a Cutting-Edge Team: Develop and grow a high-performing people analytics team, providing strategic direction and fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration.
• Advanced Analytics & Machine Learning: Apply machine learning techniques (including but not limited to NLP, econometrics, clustering, classification, and predictive modeling) to large datasets, deriving actionable insights that influence key business decisions.
• NLP Expertise: Leverage advanced natural language processing techniques to analyze text data from diverse sources, driving insights into employee engagement, sentiment, and organizational performance.
• Strategic Development: Collaborate with senior leaders to identify key areas where analytics can drive business value and partner with cross-functional teams (HR, Strategy, Operations) to define critical metrics and develop solutions.
• Infrastructure Building: Help design and implement scalable data systems and processes that support robust workforce analytics, ensuring data quality and the ability to execute advanced modeling.
• Data-Driven Storytelling: Communicate findings clearly and persuasively, translating complex analytical results into actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.
• Thought Leadership & External Influence: As the team grows, establish Walmart as a leader in people analytics, contributing to the broader industry by sharing best practices and innovative approaches that others will look to replicate.

Basic Qualifications:

• Advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in Data Science, Economics, Econometrics, Statistics, or a similarly quantitative discipline.
• 10+ years of experience in data analytics, with a minimum of 5 years in people analytics or related fields.
• Proven expertise in machine learning techniques and NLP methods, including experience with large-scale data processing and analysis using Python and SQL.
• Strong verbal, written communication, and presentation skills; ability to simplify complex data into actionable insights for senior leaders.
• Experience managing and developing data science teams, with a passion for mentorship and growing talent.
• Ability to balance strategic vision with day-to-day execution in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience applying econometric methods to workforce data, including causal inference techniques such as instrumental variables and propensity score matching.
• Familiarity with workforce analytics, employee engagement, or related HR data.
• Strong business acumen and ability to drive strategic impact through data analysis.
• Experience working with senior executives to influence and shape talent strategies.
• A forward-thinking, innovative mindset with a desire to establish best practices and shape the future of people analytics.

At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. 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.

You will also receive PTO and/or PPTO that can be used for vacation, sick leave, holidays, or other purposes. The amount you receive depends on your job classification and length of employment. It will meet or exceed the requirements of paid sick leave laws, where applicable.

For information about PTO, see https://one.walmart.com/notices.

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.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to a specific plan or program terms.

For information about benefits and eligibility, see One.Walmart.

The annual salary range for this position is $130,000.00-$260,000.00

Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.

Additional compensation for certain positions may also include:

– Stock

Minimum Qualifications…

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

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

Preferred Qualifications…

Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

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.

Primary Location…

508 Sw 8Th St, Bentonville, AR 72712, United States of America