Lead Operations Research Scientist

Job Id: R0000437531

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 (Planning, 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 (such as Monte Carlo and discrete event simulation), 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.

Key responsibilities include:

• Identify large scale problem spaces aligned to enterprise priorities. Actively engage with cross-functional business stakeholders to structure the ambiguous problems.
• Work with & guide junior researchers to gather, analyze, and process large data sets to identify problems and root causes.
• Develop and apply advanced operations research techniques, applied AI, and machine learning methods to solve multi-dimensional business problems.
• Build and run complex simulations, conduct scenario analyses, and employ optimization methods.
• Plan and develop project charters with clearly defined milestones and success metrics.
• Build cross-functional alignment, remove blockers to accelerate project delivery.
• Communicate insights effectively through clear and concise 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 Operations Research, Applied AI, Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• 4+ years of experience applying advanced data science and operations research techniques.
• 4+ years of experience with programming in Python, PySpark and open-source data science tools.
• Hands on experience with AI and machine learning, including working with large language models and modern ML frameworks.
• Strong problem structuring and solving skills with the ability to address business challenges creatively.
• 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 initiatives that directly impact Target’s value chain, including planning & purchasing strategies, inventory planning, transportation efficiency, and 4-walls optimization.
• We support your professional growth through learning and development opportunities.
• 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