Director, Operations Research – Last Mile Demand Forecasting and Capacity Management

Target

Director of Operations Research overseeing demand forecasting and capacity management for Target's last mile delivery operations. Collaborating with teams to implement machine learning algorithms and optimize costs.

Posted 6/26/2026full-timeMinneapolis • Minnesota • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $168,000 - $303,000 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Distributed SystemsJavaPythonScala

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Develop optimization models and algorithms for last mile delivery operations
Oversee the creation and development of demand forecasting and capacity management
Design, develop, deploy and maintain machine learning algorithms
Collaborate with product and business partners to define product roadmaps
Create an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration communicating project information
Manage resource allocation and communicate overall vision and goals for the team
Enhance demand forecasting and capacity management
Coordinate the analysis, troubleshooting and resolution of issues in software

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD or MS in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or relevant industry experience
7 plus years of experience leading, developing and mentoring teams of applied data scientists and operations research scientists
5 plus years of experience in building optimization models and algorithms at scale
Highly proficient in Python, Scala or Java programming
Deep understanding of data structures, design principals and algorithms
Ability to test and measure algorithms and models
Significant demonstrated expertise in optimization theory (deterministic/stochastic), dynamic programming, linear algebra, probability and statistics
Experience in statistical inference, machine learning and deploying machine learning models with large-scale business impact in commercial setting
Experience working with large event-driven distributed systems and multi-threaded applications
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Constant learner mentality that stays on the leading edge of supply chain optimization, network planning, operations research, AI, ML, etc.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

optimization modelsalgorithmsdemand forecastingcapacity managementmachine learningPythonScalaJavadata structuresstatistical inference

Soft Skills

teamworkcollaborationcommunicationleadershipmentoringresource allocationproblem-solvingproject managementconstant learner mentalityvision communication

Certifications

PhDMS