{"id":551117,"url":"https://alion.io/job/target-lead-operations-research-scientist","title":"Lead Operations Research Scientist","company":{"id":3684,"name":"Target","domain":"target.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/target","size_band":"5000+","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workday","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":93,"open_postings":357,"ghost_share":0.02,"stale_share":0.426,"repost_share":0.036,"time_to_fill_p50_days":8,"computed_at":"2026-11-03T05:54:40Z"}},"role":"AI/ML","role_family":"AI/ML","seniority":"lead","employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Bengaluru, India"],"countries":["IN"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":null,"salary_estimate":{"min_usd":14000,"max_usd":37000,"period":"year","method":"role_seniority_country_remote_cell","sample_n":47},"experience_years_min":12,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"Machine Learning","optional":false},{"name":"pySpark","optional":false},{"name":"Python","optional":false},{"name":"Spark","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-09-08T15:21:52Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-09-08","last_verified_at":"2026-11-03T06:43:45Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":55,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":null,"flags":[],"days_open":55},"description":"Role- Lead Operations Research Scientist - Supply Chain Network Optimization\nTarget\nAs 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.\nAbout the Team\nSupply 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.\nAbout the Role\nAs 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.\nYou 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.\nKey responsibilities include:\nIdentify large scale problem spaces aligned to enterprise priorities. Actively engage with cross-functional business stakeholders to structure the ambiguous problems.\n\nWork with & guide junior researchers to gather, analyze, and process large data sets to identify problems and root causes.\n\nDevelop and apply advanced operations research techniques, applied AI, and machine learning methods to solve multi-dimensional business problems.\n\nBuild and run complex simulations, conduct scenario analyses, and employ optimization methods.\n\nPlan and develop project charters with clearly defined milestones and success metrics.\n\nBuild cross-functional alignment, remove blockers to accelerate project delivery.\n\nCommunicate insights effectively through clear and concise storytelling to influence decision-making.\n\nCore responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs.\nAbout You\nRetail or Supply Chain experience is a must have.\n\n12+ years of professional experience with a master’s degree or 8+ years for a PhD in Operations Research, Mathematics or Statistics. 1-2 yrs experience in Applied AI is an advantage.\n\n8+ years of experience applying advanced data science and operations research techniques.\n\n6+ years of experience with programming in Python, PySpark and open-source data science tools.\n\nStrong problem structuring and solving skills with the ability to address business challenges creatively.\n\nTeam-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively across locations and time zones.\n\nPassionate about continuous learning and empirical research, with excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.\n\nStrong written and verbal communication skills.\n\nExperience managing a team of 3-4 OR/Data scientists is a plus.\n\nWhy Work with Us at Target?\nWork 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.\n\nWe support your professional growth through learning and development opportunities.\n\nWe value diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment that contributes to positive customer experiences.\n\nWe offer flexible work schedules and arrangements, allowing team members to succeed both at work and in their personal lives in a hybrid setting.\n\nUseful Links to Learn More About Target and Our Benefits\nLife at Target: https://india.target.com/\n\nBenefits: 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