Director, Data Science - Machine Learning Economist, Global People Insights

$130,000 - $260,000/Yr

Walmart - Bentonville, AR

Full-time - Senior

Bentonville, AR

General Merchandise Retailers

About the position

The Director of People Analytics at Walmart will lead the development of a world-class analytics function aimed at leveraging workforce data to drive business outcomes. This role involves building a high-performing team, applying advanced analytics techniques, and collaborating with senior stakeholders to influence people strategy through data-driven insights. The position requires a visionary leader with deep technical expertise and exceptional communication skills to establish Walmart as a thought leader in the field of people analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and grow a high-performing people analytics team, providing strategic direction and fostering a culture of continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration.
• Apply machine learning techniques to large datasets, deriving actionable insights that influence key business decisions.
• Leverage advanced natural language processing techniques to analyze text data from diverse sources, driving insights into employee engagement, sentiment, and organizational performance.
• Collaborate with senior leaders to identify key areas where analytics can drive business value and partner with cross-functional teams to define critical metrics and develop solutions.
• Help design and implement scalable data systems and processes that support robust workforce analytics, ensuring data quality and the ability to execute advanced modeling.
• Communicate findings clearly and persuasively, translating complex analytical results into actionable insights for both technical and non-technical audiences, including senior leadership.
• Establish Walmart as a leader in people analytics, contributing to the broader industry by sharing best practices and innovative approaches.

Requirements

• 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.

Nice-to-haves

• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and performance-based bonus awards.
• Health benefits including medical, vision, and dental coverage.
• Financial benefits including 401(k), stock purchase, and company-paid life insurance.
• Paid time off benefits including PTO, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement, jury duty, and voting.
• Short-term and long-term disability benefits.
• Company discounts and Military Leave Pay.
• Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
• Live Better U education benefit program covering tuition, books, and fees.