Hybrid Lead Data Scientist – Supply Chain Network Planning and Design, Operations Research, Optimization, Python

at Target

• Job title: Lead Data Scientist – Supply Chain Network Planning and Design, Operations Research, Optimization, Python
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Senior
• Salary: $132,000 - $238,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Postgraduate Degree
• Tech skills: Python, SQL
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Minneapolis, United States

About the role

• Lead Data Scientist developing analytics for Target's supply chain strategy. Designing forecasting, simulation, and optimization models for multi-billion dollar decisions.

Responsibilities

• Define and structure ambiguous supply chain problems into clear frameworks for decision-making
• Synthesize insights into compelling narratives for executive audiences
• 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
• Partner across various teams to maintain a strong pulse on customer needs
• Drive clarity across cross-functional teams regarding constraints, assumptions, and strategic implications
• Mentor and coach data scientists and analysts in structured problem solving

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

Benefits

• comprehensive health benefits and programs
• medical
• vision
• dental
• life insurance
• 401(k)
• employee discount
• short term disability
• long term disability
• paid sick leave
• paid national holidays
• paid vacation