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Lead Operations Research Scientist
Job Id: R0000424357
About Target
As a Fortune 50 company with more than 400,000 team members worldwide, Target is an iconic brand and one of America's leading retailers. Joining Target means promoting a culture of mutual care and respect and striving to make the most meaningful and positive impact. Becoming a Target team member means joining a community that values diverse voices and lifts each other up. Here, we believe your unique perspective is important, and you'll build relationships by being authentic and respectful.
About the Team Supply Chain Network Optimization (SCNO) is a global team and part of Integrated Operations Planning & Network steering within Global Supply Chain and Logistics. We are at the forefront of defining and enabling an efficient, reliable and best in class supply chain. This team uses a wide variety of engineering and advanced applied mathematical techniques (5Why’s, ML, AI, OR, MILP, DES,) techniques to study and solve niche problems in supply chain across the entire value chain (Purchasing, transportation, Multi echelon inventory, last mile and process optimization) to enable the best guest experience and profitable growth for Target.
About the Role
As a Lead Operations Research Scientist in SCNO, you will tackle complex supply chain challenges, develop a deep understanding of problem complexity, and drive cutting-edge solutions. This role requires strong experience working with large data sets, advanced programming skills, and a solid foundation in statistics, probability theory, machine learning, AI, simulations, and operations research.
You will be expected to work effectively on high-visibility problems that come with inherent risks,
roadblocks, and constraints, while collaborating closely with cross-functional stakeholders. You will also be accountable for planning and delivering team projects, ensuring alignment across teams, and driving measurable impact.
roadblocks, and constraints, while collaborating closely with cross-functional stakeholders. You will also be accountable for planning and delivering team projects, ensuring alignment across teams, and driving measurable impact.
Key responsibilities include:
Actively engaging with cross-functional stakeholders to understand and frame business
problems.
Building a deep understanding of problem complexity, addressing both breadth and depth.
Finding, gathering, analyzing, and processing large data sets efficiently by developing robust and scalable programs.
Developing and applying advanced operations research techniques, AI, and machine learning to solve business challenges.
Running complex simulations, conducting scenario analyses, and employing optimization
methods.
Planning and developing project charters with clearly defined milestones and success metrics.
Ensuring cross-functional alignment, removing blockers, and accelerating project delivery.
Communicating insights effectively through clear and concise data storytelling to influence
decision-making.
Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs
About You
8+ years of professional experience with a bachelor’s or master’s degree (5+ years for a PhD) in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science or a related field.
4+ years of experience with programming in Python, PySpark, R, SQL and open-source data science tools.
4+ years of experience applying advanced data science and operations research techniques.
Hands on experience with AI and machine learning, including working with large language models and modern ML frameworks.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address business challenges creatively.
Skilled in cleaning, transforming, and analyzing large datasets to generate insights.
Passionate about continuous learning and empirical research, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Retail and supply chain experience is a plus.
Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively across locations and time zones.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
8+ years of professional experience with a bachelor’s or master’s degree (5+ years for a PhD) in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science or a related field.
4+ years of experience with programming in Python, PySpark, R, SQL and open-source data science tools.
4+ years of experience applying advanced data science and operations research techniques.
Hands on experience with AI and machine learning, including working with large language models and modern ML frameworks.
Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to address business challenges creatively.
Skilled in cleaning, transforming, and analyzing large datasets to generate insights.
Passionate about continuous learning and empirical research, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
Retail and supply chain experience is a plus.
Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively across locations and time zones.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Why Work with Us at Target?
Work on advanced analytics and data science projects that directly impact Target’s global supply chain, including inventory and capacity planning, transportation efficiency, and purchasing
strategies.
We support your professional growth through learning and development opportunities, powering you take courses in Data Science, Supply Chain, Operations Research, and other subjects.
We value diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment that contributes to positive customer experiences.
We offer flexible work schedules and arrangements, allowing team members to succeed both at work and in their personal lives in a hybrid setting.
Work on advanced analytics and data science projects that directly impact Target’s global supply chain, including inventory and capacity planning, transportation efficiency, and purchasing
strategies.
We support your professional growth through learning and development opportunities, powering you take courses in Data Science, Supply Chain, Operations Research, and other subjects.
We value diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment that contributes to positive customer experiences.
We offer flexible work schedules and arrangements, allowing team members to succeed both at work and in their personal lives in a hybrid setting.
Useful Links to Learn More About Target and Our Benefits
Life at Target: https://india.target.com/
Benefits: https://india.target.com/life-at-target/workplace/benefits
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Target will never ask you to submit personal information via a text message for a position. Target will only ask you to apply for positions through indiajobs.target.com, corporate.target.com/careers, or Workday, our applicant tracking system.
Competitive benefits
We are proud to provide benefits that support you, your family and your future.
Health and well-being
Target in India (TII) prioritizes our people by offering healthcare support, fitness programs, teleheath benefits (i.e., screenings and consultations) and 24/7 confidential mental well-being telecounseling support.
Financial well-being
Your financial well-being is bright with TII's comprehensive flexible insurance program, National Pension System, learning assistance program, day care support and much more.
Paid time off
TII encourages work-life balance with paid time off like privilege, casual, bereavement and parental leaves that offer support in all stages of life.
Competitive pay
TII knows our people are everything and proudly provides equitable and competitive pay.
Other benefits
From digitalized cafeteria solutions to transportation services to broadband reimbursement, enjoy special everyday perks.
Creating a culture of joy
We bring out the best in each other every day.
Inclusivity
We value diverse voices and approaches. We act with authenticity and respect. We create equitable experiences for all.
Connection
We build trusted relationships. We collaborate across business functions. We recognize and celebrate progress.
Drive
We do what is right for Target, our team and guests. We deliver results that matter. We continually learn by valuing progress over perfection.
Grow with Target
We are fully invested in your personal and professional growth because our people are our power.
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