Director, People Strategy

Director, People Strategy

Position Summary

The Director, People Strategy is accountable for enterprise program architecture and disciplined execution across Walmart U.S. People initiatives. This role does not simply manage delivery. It defines the problem, designs the program structure and requirements, shapes scalable solutions in partnership with Product and Tech, and ensures governance and execution drive measurable outcomes. Operating horizontally across People, Operations, Product, Tech, Planning, and Data, the Director ensures complex initiatives move from ambiguity to clarity, and from intent to impact.

Mission

Define and architect enterprise People programs that translate business pain points into scalable solutions. Own program design from problem framing through measurable impact, integrating AI and automation where appropriate to drive simplicity, speed, and business value at scale.

Responsibilities

• Lead structured problem framing with business and functional leaders to define clear problem statements, use cases, and measurable success criteria.
• Own end-to-end program architecture, including scope definition, operating model impacts, business and functional requirements, sequencing, and success metrics.
• Define solution guardrails and intended outcomes before build begins, ensuring downstream Product and Tech execution aligns to business need.
• Identify integration points across initiatives and enterprise roadmaps to reduce duplication and create scalable capabilities.
• Incorporate AI and automation into program design where it improves speed, decision quality, cost efficiency, or associate experience.

Operational Excellence & Delivery Management

Lead governance routines that provide clarity, visibility, and decision-making for enterprise initiatives. Partner with the Sr. Director and Portfolio Manager to connect program performance to strategic outcomes and multi-year planning. Create consistent standards for planning, documentation, and milestone tracking to drive alignment across initiatives. Identify cross-program interdependencies and integration opportunities across functions (e.g., Stores, Supply Chain, Health & Wellness, Manufacturing, etc.). Serve as the connector between delivery execution and business value - ensuring what's built aligns to what the business needs.

Executive Influence & Stakeholder Alignment

Build trusted relationships with senior leaders across People, Operations, Product, and Tech to drive alignment and remove barriers. Influence enterprise sequencing and roadmap alignment based on program architecture and business readiness. Translate complex program design into concise executive narratives grounded in data and outcomes. Provide strategic guidance and oversight to Sr. Program Managers leading major initiatives. Represent People Strategy & Operations in enterprise forums, ensuring programs are connected to other transformation efforts.

Key Skills

• Enterprise program architecture and operating model design
• Strategic problem framing and structured requirements definition
• AI-enabled workflow and automation design
• Cross-functional influence at senior levels
• Governance design and execution rigor
• Executive communication and storytelling
• Data-informed decision making

What You'll Bring

• 10+ years of experience in program or portfolio management, leading large-scale, cross-functional initiatives.
• Demonstrated experience defining business requirements and architecting programs that required product or technology build.
• Proven ability to align strategy to execution in complex enterprise environments.
• Expertise in program management methodologies, frameworks, and tools (Airtable, Smartsheet, Jira, or equivalent).
• Bachelor's degree in business, Human Resources, or related field.
• Experience within People, HR Tech, or enterprise transformation functions.
• Demonstrated experience designing AI-enabled or automation-driven enterprise solutions.
• Experience influencing product roadmaps based on business program architecture.
• Familiarity with Walmart systems and governance rhythms.
• Track record of delivering measurable outcomes across multi-year initiatives.

Benefits

At Walmart, we offer competitive pay as well as performance-based bonus awards and other great benefits for a happier mind, body, and wallet. 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 (including sick leave), 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Communications, Journalism, Business, or related field and 5 years' experience in human resources, communication, journalism, business, or related area OR 7 years' experience in human resources, communications, business, or related area.
• 1 year's supervisory experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management
• Human Resources - Professional HR (PHR) CERTIFICATION
• Certification, Project Management - Project Management Professional - Certification
• Primary Location: 806 Excellence Dr, Bentonville, AR 72716, United States of America

Walmart Culture

Walmart and its subsidiaries are committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and has a no tolerance policy regarding the use of illegal drugs and alcohol on the job. This policy applies to all employees and aims to create a safe and productive work environment.

Benefits You'll Enjoy

• Discount Card: Get 10% off Walmart associates are eligible for a 10% discount card on most regular-priced items and fresh produce in-store and on select items at Walmart.com. Eligible after 90 days of employment.
• Live Better U: Earn a degree or in-demand skills certificates with no debt- Walmart covers 100% of tuition and books. Live Better U offers 60+ programs for Associates to pursue their dreams.
• Walmart Academy: Grow your skills Ready to grow your career? Walmart Academy offers job-specific retail training and leadership courses to help Associates reach their career goals.
• Financial Perks: Enjoy 401(k) matching and stock purchase plans. Paid time off Take a break as needed for vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and more. Comprehensive health benefits Medical, dental, vision, and wellness programs for you and your family.
• Wellbeing Programs: Access mental health resources and assistance programs for life's challenges. Career growth opportunities Training, leadership programs, and clear paths to advance.

Life at Walmart

Imagine a workplace surrounded by innovation. At Walmart's new Home Office in Bentonville, Arkansas, we're redefining what it means to work at a global leader. Set on 350 acres of thoughtfully revitalized land, our new campus seamlessly integrates the charm of Northwest Arkansas with cutting edge design and technology. From biking trails and outdoor courtyards to flexible, tech-enabled workspaces, every detail reflects our commitment to sustainability, connection, and culture.

With amenities like on-site childcare at our Little Squiggles Children's Enrichment Center, the Walton Family Whole Health & Fitness Center, and a vibrant food hall featuring local and international favorites, we're creating a space where work-life balance isn't just a goal-it's a reality.

Beyond the campus, Bentonville offers a dynamic lifestyle with world-class dining, art at the Crystal Bridges Museum, and countless outdoor activities. Whether you're exploring High South cuisine, enjoying live performances at our new amphitheater, or cycling the Razorback Greenway, you'll experience the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities.

Join us at Walmart and grow your career alongside a community that feels like home. This isn't just a workplace-it's a destination for leaders eager to make a difference.