Director, Data Analytics - Sensory Science & Merchandise Experience

Role Description

As the Director of Sensory Science & Merchandise Experience, you will lead the strategy, operations, and evolution of sensory science across Sam's Club. Supporting every merchandise category, you'll build the capabilities, processes, and team that ensure Member feedback drives product quality, innovation, and business decisions.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for shaping the future of sensory science. You'll lead a team of sensory scientists and analysts while expanding national testing capabilities, scaling in-club sensory experiences, and modernizing how Sam's Club evaluates products.

The Member's Mark Consumer & Sensory Insights team integrates member feedback into product decisions through sensory-led experiences such as in-home tests and immersive events. By combining quantitative and qualitative data, the team delivers clear, actionable insights that guide product development and optimization. Collaborating closely with product teams and suppliers, the group emphasizes high-quality engagement and co-creation. Their mission is to ensure Member's Mark products reflect authentic user experiences, resulting in offerings that genuinely meet customer needs and expectations.

• Lead the vision, strategy, and roadmap for Sensory Science, building scalable capabilities that improve speed, quality, and business impact.
• Develop and coach a high-performing team while establishing scientific standards, operational excellence, and a culture of innovation.
• Oversee end-to-end sensory operations, including methodologies, supplier partnerships, resource planning, and national testing programs.
• Advance the use of AI and emerging technologies to modernize research.
• Serve as the strategic sensory leader for Merchandising, Product Development, Quality, Packaging, and Consumer Insights, translating scientific findings into actionable recommendations that improve products and elevate the Member experience.

Qualifications

• Expertise in sensory science and consumer product evaluation, with experience leading cross-category sensory programs and scientific teams.
• Proven ability to build scalable capabilities, influence business decisions through insights, and manage complex research operations, supplier partnerships, and organizational change.
• Strong executive presence, operational excellence, and a passion for advancing research through innovation and AI.
• Advanced degree preferred with 8+ years of progressive leadership in sensory science, consumer research, CPG, retail, or product innovation.

Requirements

• Option 1: Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Arts, Finance or related field and 5 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field.
• Option 2: Master's degree in Business, Engineering, Statistics, Economics, Analytics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Information Technology or related field and 3 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field.
• Option 3: 7 years' experience in data analysis, data science, statistics, or related field. 2 years' supervisory experience.

Benefits

• 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, 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.
• Live Better U is a company paid education benefit program for full-time and part-time associates in Walmart and Sam's Club facilities.
• The annual salary range for this position is $110,000.00 - $220,000.00.
• Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses.
• Additional compensation for certain positions may also include Regional Pay Zone (RPZ) (based on location).