Walmart

Director, Data Science

Walmart$169K — $338K *
Consumer Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 12+ years in data science and machine learning, with 5+ years in leadership roles.
  • Proven track record in personalization or recommendation systems in large-scale environments.
  • Deep expertise in Generative AI techniques including LLMs and reinforcement learning.
  • Strong experience with cloud-based ML platforms, preferably GCP, and MLOps practices.
  • Hands-on proficiency in programming languages and tools such as Python, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and Spark.

Responsibilities

  • Define a multi-year personalization strategy aligned with business and customer goals.
  • Design and scale AI-driven recommendation and ranking systems.
  • Architect and evolve scalable AI platforms for global adaptability.
  • Implement experimentation frameworks to measure business impact via A/B testing.
  • Ensure adherence to Responsible AI principles including fairness and transparency.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional leaders to deliver impactful personalization solutions.
  • Mentor and develop a high-performing team focused on innovation and technical excellence.

Benefits

  • Health coverage including medical, vision, and dental plans.
  • Financial perks such as 401(k) and company-paid life insurance.
  • Generous paid time off including parental and family care leave.
  • Educational support through the Live Better U program for further learning.
  • Short-term and long-term disability coverage and company discounts.
Full Job Description
Position Summary...

What you'll do...
As a Director, Data Science - Personalization, you will lead the strategy, development, and scaling of Walmart International's next-generation AI-powered personalization systems.
This role will drive innovation across recommendation systems, relevance, and customer experience, leveraging advanced machine learning, LLMs, and agentic AI frameworks to deliver highly relevant and contextual experiences for millions of customers globally.
You will lead a high-performing team of data scientists, applied researchers, and ML engineers, translating cutting-edge AI innovation into measurable business outcomes across multiple international markets.

What You'll Do...
  • Define Personalization Strategy
    Set and execute a multi-year vision for AI-driven personalization, aligning scientific innovation with business priorities and customer experience goals.
  • Lead Advanced AI & Personalization Systems
    Design and scale recommendation engines, ranking systems, conversational personalization, and relevance models using LLMs, embeddings, RAG, and agentic AI systems.
  • Architect Scalable AI Platforms
    Build and evolve large-scale personalization platforms using modern cloud and data technologies, ensuring reliability, scalability, and global adaptability.
  • Establish Experimentation & Measurement Frameworks
    Drive A/B testing, uplift modeling, and experimentation strategies to measure impact across customer engagement, relevance, and business KPIs.
  • Champion Responsible AI & Governance
    Ensure systems adhere to principles of fairness, transparency, and compliance, with strong model governance, monitoring, and safety guardrails.
  • Lead Cross-Functional Execution
    Partner with product, engineering, design, and business leaders across global markets to deliver impactful personalization solutions.
  • Build and Develop Talent
    Mentor and grow a world-class team, fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and ownership.


What You'll Bring...
  • 12+ years of experience in data science and machine learning, with 5+ years in leadership roles.
  • Proven success building and scaling personalization, recommendation, or search systems in large-scale environments.
  • Deep expertise in Generative AI (LLMs, RAG, embeddings) and modern ML techniques such as reinforcement learning and contextual bandits.
  • Strong experience with cloud-based ML platforms (preferably GCP), distributed data systems, and MLOps practices.
  • Hands-on proficiency in Python, PyTorch/TensorFlow, and large-scale data processing (e.g., Spark, BigQuery).
  • Strong product mindset with the ability to translate complex problems into scalable AI solutions.
  • Excellent communication and leadership skills, with experience influencing senior stakeholders and driving cross-functional alignment.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with agentic AI systems, multi-agent architectures, or conversational AI.
  • Background in global or multi-market personalization platforms.
  • Experience building real-time personalization or recommendation systems at scale.


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 $169,000.00 - $338,000.00

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...

815 Eleventh Ave, Sunnyvale, CA 94089-4731, United States of America

About Walmart

WalmartLabs is accelerating their development to redefine the shopping experience to meet the changing needs of our customers wherever they are —in a store, on our website, or on their mobile device.

Walmart Careers

Joining Walmart means becoming part of a world-renowned team that leads with innovation and is committed to creating impact. As the largest retailer globally, Walmart offers unparalleled job opportunities and career growth in an environment that values diversity and leadership. Work You’ll Do At Walmart, you will be part of a dynamic team that drives our mission to help people save money so they can live better. Engage in work that matters with a company that offers both stability and the flexibility to explore different career paths. Transform the retail landscape with your skills and help shape the future of millions of customers worldwide. Walmart is at the forefront of combining retail with advanced technology, making it an exciting place for professional growth and innovation. Lead with Us Step into a role that harnesses your potential and places you at the intersection of retail and technology. Walmart is not just a company; it's a community where you can develop your leadership skills and contribute to a culture that nurtures professional growth. Work with a diverse team of experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table. Our commitment to diversity training ensures that all team members are valued and can thrive. Walmart Careers and Employment Opportunities We are continuously expanding our team to include enthusiastic professionals eager to drive change and make a significant impact. Explore a range of positions from entry-level to executive, each offering competitive benefits and the opportunity to advance. Innovate with Us Join Walmart and be part of a team that is dedicated to innovation and excellence. With over 2.3 million associates worldwide, you are joining the largest private employment group, ready to innovate, lead, and impact the global market. Internship Programs Kickstart your career with a Walmart internship. Gain invaluable experience, build your resume, and develop networking connections that will empower your career journey. Our internships provide a platform to apply your academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, preparing you for future employment. Be Part of a Great Team At Walmart, our team is our strength. We invest in our employees through robust training programs, leadership development, and opportunities for career advancement. Enjoy the benefits of working in a supportive and inclusive environment where every member’s contribution is valued. Future-Proof Your Career Your journey at Walmart can be as vast as your ambitions. With endless opportunities to grow, learn, and lead, you can take your professional experience to new heights. Benefit from our comprehensive training programs and develop the skills needed for tomorrow’s challenges. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Explore the diverse job opportunities at Walmart and find where you can make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. READ CAREERS BLOG Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at Walmart. SEARCH WALMART JOBS Join Walmart today and be part of a story of growth, innovation, and leadership.
Learn more about Walmart
Size
2,300 employees
Market Cap
$387 billion
Industry
Net Income
$13.5 billion
Founded
1962
5 Year Trend
+3.3%
Revenue
$559.1 billion
NASDAQ

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