Sr. Manager, Data Science & Applied AI

The Sr. Manager, Data Science & Applied AI is a strategic and technical leader responsible for leading Data Science and Applied AI capabilities across multiple business domains, including People Analytics, Inventory Optimization, Supply Chain, Operations, and Generative AI.

This leader will manage and develop high-performing Data Science teams while establishing the strategy and technical direction for Machine Learning, Applied AI, Generative AI, and advanced analytics solutions. The role partners closely with business, product, data engineering, architecture, and technology leaders to translate complex business opportunities into scalable AI-driven solutions with measurable business outcomes.

The ideal candidate combines strong AI/ML and GenAI technical depth with retail business acumen, particularly across Inventory, Supply Chain, Store Operations, Merchandising, Workforce/People Analytics, and other operational functions.

This is an on-site position located in Springfield, MO. Remote work is not an option for this role.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead multiple Data Science and Applied AI teams supporting business domains such as People Analytics, Inventory Optimization, Supply Chain, Operations, and Generative AI.
• Define and execute the enterprise strategy for Applied AI, Machine Learning, Generative AI, predictive analytics, and optimization across supported business domains.
• Identify high-value business opportunities where AI can improve inventory availability, forecasting, replenishment, supply chain efficiency, workforce effectiveness, operational productivity, customer experience, and decision-making.
• Drive the development and productionization of GenAI solutions, including enterprise copilots, intelligent assistants, RAG-based applications, agentic AI workflows, natural-language analytics, and knowledge-driven automation.
• Establish standards for LLM evaluation, grounding, guardrails, responsible AI, security, observa