Senior Director, Business Strategy

As a Senior Director of Business Strategy at Walmart, your main responsibilities include leading the product strategy and long-term planning for the Walmart Marketplace, managing a portfolio to support complex initiatives, and collaborating with stakeholders to align product strategies with business goals. You will also be responsible for translating these strategies into actionable plans and roadmaps that drive performance and user engagement.

To qualify for the Senior Director, Business Strategy role at Walmart, candidates need a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Statistics, or a related field, along with seven years of experience in retail merchandising, operations management, or a related area. Supervisory experience of at least three years is also a prerequisite. An advanced degree, such as a Master's, is preferred but not required.

Successful candidates for the Senior Director, Business Strategy position at Walmart should possess strong analytical skills to measure product performance using tools like SQL and Tableau. Proficiency in design thinking, journey mapping, and Agile methodologies is essential to enhance product user experiences. Excellent communication and emotional intelligence are also crucial for effectively influencing and collaborating with diverse stakeholders.

Walmart places a strong emphasis on career development for its employees, particularly in strategic roles like the Senior Director, Business Strategy. The company offers a supportive environment where you can receive guidance as you grow in your career. Programs such as Live Better U provide educational benefits, including full tuition coverage for degrees, ensuring you have ample opportunities to further develop your skills.

Walmart provides a comprehensive benefits package for the Senior Director, Business Strategy position that includes competitive pay, medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k) with matching, stock purchase options, and paid time off for various needs. Additionally, Walmart offers performance-based bonuses and several other perks aimed at enhancing both your financial and personal well-being.

To develop a product strategy for Walmart Marketplace, I would begin by analyzing market trends, customer needs, and competitive landscape. I would engage stakeholders to gather insights and align objectives, followed by defining clear goals and metrics for success. Employing Agile methodologies, I would create a phased roadmap that allows for iterative development and regular feedback.

Measuring product performance and user engagement involves using analytics tools such as SQL and Tableau to track key performance indicators (KPIs) like user growth, conversion rates, and customer satisfaction scores. I also conduct regular A/B tests to refine features and enhance user experience, comparing results to inform future development decisions.

In a previous role, I faced resistance from stakeholders who had conflicting interests regarding product priorities. I organized a series of workshops where each stakeholder could express their needs and concerns. By facilitating dialogue, I aligned everyone's focus on common goals and created a prioritized action plan that addressed individual concerns while serving the broader organizational mission.

To stay informed about emerging trends in eCommerce, I regularly follow industry publications, attend relevant conferences, and participate in professional networks. I also subscribe to analytics platforms that provide insights into market behavior. Engaging with thought leaders on platforms like LinkedIn allows me to share and gain valuable perspectives on innovations in the industry.

In a recent product development project, I utilized design thinking by first empathizing with users through interviews to identify pain points in their shopping experience. We then defined the problem clearly, ideated potential solutions in collaborative sessions, and built prototypes for user testing. This iterative process allowed us to refine the final product based on direct user feedback, which greatly enhanced its success.

When creating a go-to-market plan, I begin by defining the target audience and understanding their needs. I outline the unique value proposition of the product, develop a marketing strategy and pricing model, and identify the sales channels that will be utilized. Collaboration across departments ensures that the product launch is seamless and we leverage all resources effectively.

My experience with Agile methodologies involves leading cross-functional teams in iterative product development. I’ve facilitated regular stand-up meetings to promote transparency and adapt quickly to changes. Utilizing sprints helps in prioritizing tasks effectively and ensures that we remain focused on delivering user value while being flexible to feedback.

To ensure that product roadmaps align with strategic business goals, I regularly engage with executive leadership and stakeholders to gain an understanding of overarching objectives. I conduct regular reviews to align the roadmap with emerging insights and adapt as necessary, ensuring that tactical efforts drive the strategic vision.

Effective team collaboration in cross-functional projects can be achieved by fostering open communication through consistent check-ins and utilizing collaborative tools like project management software. Encouraging inclusivity in decision-making cultivates a sense of ownership and empowers team members. Celebrating team achievements can also boost morale and cohesion.

Handling failure or setbacks in a product launch involves maintaining a solution-focused approach. I would assess data and feedback to identify contributing factors, engage with the team to brainstorm corrective actions, and develop a recovery plan. Sharing lessons learned openly with the team fosters a culture of continuous improvement and resilience.