1

Director Machine Learning Jobs in Elk River, MN (NOW HIRING)

Certifications aligned to data engineering, machine learning, and cloud platforms, including AWS ... At PwC, we recognize that conviction records may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Director Machine Learning information

See Elk River, MN salary details

$38.1K

$97.3K

$149.3K

How much do director machine learning jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for director machine learning in Elk River, MN is $97,338.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,700.00 and $112,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a director machine learning?

A Director of Machine Learning leads teams in developing and deploying machine learning models to solve business challenges. They define the AI strategy, oversee research, and ensure models are scalable and ethical. This role requires expertise in machine learning, data science, and leadership, as well as collaboration with cross-functional teams. Directors also stay updated on industry advancements and drive innovation within their organizations.

What are the primary responsibilities and challenges faced by a director machine learning on a daily basis?

A Director of Machine Learning is typically responsible for overseeing the development and deployment of machine learning solutions, mentoring technical teams, setting strategic direction for AI initiatives, and ensuring the alignment of projects with organizational goals. Challenges often include balancing innovative research with business priorities, navigating evolving technology landscapes, and coordinating efforts across data science, engineering, and stakeholder teams. This role requires regular collaboration with product managers, executives, and cross-functional departments to prioritize initiatives and communicate complex technical concepts. Successful directors excel at fostering a culture of continuous learning, optimizing team productivity, and staying ahead in a fast-paced, rapidly changing field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the director machine learning position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Director Machine Learning, you need advanced expertise in machine learning, statistics, data science, and leadership, typically supported by a master's or Ph.D. in a related field and several years of relevant industry experience. Familiarity with tools such as Python, TensorFlow or PyTorch, cloud platforms, and data management systems, as well as certifications like AWS Certified Machine Learning or Google Professional Machine Learning Engineer, are commonly required. Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and team management skills distinguish top candidates in this role. These capabilities are essential for driving organizational AI initiatives, fostering high-performing teams, and delivering impactful business solutions.

Is a machine learning director a high paying job?

A machine learning director typically earns a high salary due to the specialized skills, leadership responsibilities, and experience required for the role. Compensation often includes base salary, bonuses, and stock options, reflecting the demand for expertise in AI and data science. Salaries can vary based on industry, company size, and location, but generally rank among the higher-paying technology leadership positions.

What does a director of machine learning do?

A director of machine learning oversees the development and implementation of machine learning strategies and projects within an organization. They lead teams of data scientists and engineers, set technical goals, ensure project alignment with business objectives, and often collaborate with other departments to integrate AI solutions using tools like Python, TensorFlow, or PyTorch.

What cities near Elk River, MN are hiring for Director Machine Learning jobs?

Cities near Elk River, MN with the most Director Machine Learning job openings:

Infographic showing various Director Machine Learning job openings in Elk River, MN as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 24% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,338 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Director of Data Sciences - Supply Chain Network Planning and Design

Target Brands, Inc.

Minneapolis, MN • On-site

$168K - $356K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Lead, develop, and inspire a team of data scientists and operations research practitioners.

  • Set the analytical vision and roadmap for Network Planning & Design, translating strategic business questions into quantitative decision frameworks.

  • Lead the development of optimization, simulation, forecasting, digital twin, and machine learning capabilities to support Target's long-term network strategy.


Target rating

6.6

Company rating: 6.6 out of 10

Based on 7,043 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

14th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

The pay range is $168,000.00 - $356,000.00
Pay is based on several factors which vary based on position. These include labor markets and in some instances may include education, work experience and certifications. In addition to your pay, Target cares about and invests in you as a team member, so that you can take care of yourself and your family. Target offers eligible team members and their dependents comprehensive health benefits and programs, which may include medical, vision, dental, life insurance and more, to help you and your family take care of your whole selves. Other benefits for eligible team members include 401(k), employee discount, short term disability, long term disability, paid sick leave, paid national holidays, and paid vacation. Find competitive benefits from financial and education to well-being and beyond at https://corporate.target.com/careers/benefits.
JOIN TARGET AS A DIRECTOR OF DATA SCIENCES - NETWORK PLANNING AND DESIGN
About Us:
Working at Target means helping all families discover the joy of everyday life. We bring that vision to life through our values and culture. Learn more about Target here.
Target's Supply Chain is a large-scale, highly interconnected network spanning inventory, fulfillment, transportation, stores and distribution. Designing how that network should evolve requires solving complex decisions under uncertainty-balancing guest experience, cost, capacity, speed, resilience and capital investment.
The Director of Data Sciences - Network Planning and Design leads the data science and operations research capabilities that power these decisions. In this role, you will lead a team of data scientists responsible for building the analytical models and decision-support systems that shape Target's long-term supply chain architecture and investment roadmap. Your team will develop and evolve a portfolio of optimization models, simulations, digital twins, forecasting and capacity models as well as scenario-planning tools used to evaluate billions of dollars in potential network and capability investments.
As a Director of Data Sciences - Network Planning and Design you will:
Leadership and Cross-Functional Partnerships
  • Lead, develop, and inspire a high-performing team of data scientists and operations research practitioners
  • Set the analytical vision and roadmap for Network Planning & Design, translating strategic business questions into quantitative decision frameworks
  • Serve as a thought leader in advanced analytics and supply chain network design, connecting technical work to business strategy
  • Partner across Supply Chain, Finance, Technology, Stores, and other teams to ensure analytical capabilities address Target's most important network decisions
  • Influence VP+ leaders by clearly communicating recommendations, trade-offs, uncertainty, and business impact

Advanced Modeling & Decision Science
  • Lead the development of optimization, simulation, forecasting, digital twin, and machine learning capabilities supporting Target's long-term network strategy
  • Apply operations research and advanced analytics to decisions including network footprint, capacity planning, inventory placement, product flow, automation, transportation, and reverse logistics
  • Ensure models accurately represent real-world constraints, uncertainty, and operating dynamics while remaining scalable and actionable
  • Establish strong practices for scenario analysis, sensitivity testing, model validation, and decision support
  • Build reusable analytical capabilities that enable faster and more consistent strategic decision-making

Tech, Data, AI and Innovation
  • Partner with Engineering, Product, and Technology teams to transform analytical models into scalable decision-support tools and products
  • Advance the use of modern optimization solvers, cloud computing, machine learning, and AI where they improve model performance or decision quality
  • Establish strong practices for model governance, reproducibility, testing, documentation, and auditability
  • Champion experimentation and emerging methods that advance Target's network planning capabilities

Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs.
About You:
  • PhD or MS in Operations Research, Industrial Engineering, Computer Science, Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or relevant industry experience
  • 10 plus years of experience leading and developing teams of applied data scientists and operations research scientists in optimization, simulation and advanced analytics
  • 5 plus years of experience in mathematical optimization, simulation, forecasting, machine learning, statistical modeling and network modeling/planning
  • Extensive experience in supply chain, logistics, retail, transportation, manufacturing or other large-scale network environments strongly preferred
  • Highly proficient in Python, Scala, Java, SQL or R programming
  • Significant demonstrated expertise in optimization theory (deterministic/stochastic), dynamic programming, linear algebra, probability and statistics
  • Experience in statistical inference and deploying machine learning models at scale
  • Experience translating complex analytical work into strategic recommendations and influencing senior leaders within and across global teams
  • Strong problem-framing and communication skills, with the ability to operate effectively across technical and executive audiences

This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target. Click here if you are curious to learn more about Minnesota.
Benefits Eligibility
Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_F
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
In compliance with state and federal laws, Target will make reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please reach out to candidate.accommodations@HRHelp.Target.com. Non-accommodation-related requests, such as application follow-ups or technical issues, will not be addressed through this channel.
Application deadline is : 09/24/2026

What Target employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Target logo

About Target

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

We're here to help all families discover the joy of everyday life. Target is a general merchandise retailer with stores in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. 75% of the U.S. population lives within 10 miles of a Target store. We employ 400,000+ Our tagline is "Expect More. Pay Less." We've been using it since 1994! The Target Corporation also owns Shipt and Roundel. More to love! Target is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, its hometown since the first Target store opened in 1962 under The Dayton Company.

Industry

Retail and scientific research and development services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Minneapolis, MN, US