Director, Sourcing Innovation

Position Summary...

What you'll do...

The Director, Sourcing Innovation leads a high-impact portfolio of innovation initiatives that strengthen Walmart’s global sourcing and procurement capabilities. This role is responsible for identifying, piloting, and scaling transformative sourcing solutions—ranging from novel materials and technologies to new business models—that unlock new sources of supply, reduce risk, and deliver regenerative outcomes. The Director will partner across Sourcing, Merchandising, Private Brands, Sustainability, and external innovators to embed cutting-edge capabilities into Walmart’s sourcing ecosystem. Key Responsibilities

• Innovation Strategy & Portfolio Leadership
  • Define and evolve the sourcing innovation strategy aligned with enterprise supply resilience goals.
  • Lead a portfolio of pilot projects across categories (e.g., shelf-life extension, next-gen fibers, novel ingredients) and drive them from concept to scale.
  • Prioritize solution spaces based on risk, opportunity, and alignment with Walmart’s regeneration and resilience goals.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • Partner with Sourcing, Surety of Supply, Product Development, and Merchandising teams to integrate innovation into business processes.
  • Serve as a thought leader and internal consultant to identify sourcing challenges and match them with innovative solutions across the full breadth of Walmart’s categories and markets.
• External Ecosystem Engagement
  • Build and manage relationships with startups, research institutions, and technology partners.
  • Represent Walmart in innovation forums and sourcing-related industry collaborations.
• Commercialization & Scaling
  • Structure proof-of-concept pilots and ensure legal, tech, and operational compliance.
  • Develop business cases and secure enterprise buy-in for scaling successful pilots.
• Team Leadership & Capability Building
  • Mentor and develop a team of innovation portfolio managers.
  • Foster a culture of curiosity, experimentation, and rapid learning.

You’ll sweep us off our feet if you have….

• Proven experience leading cross-functional innovation initiatives from ideation to implementation.
• Strong understanding of global sourcing dynamics, sustainability, and supply chain risk.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a bias for action and comfort with ambiguity.
• Deep curiosity and an "art of the possible" mindset. You think industries can operate in completely different and more efficient ways in the future.

Minimum Qualifications:

Outlined below are the required minimum qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no minimum qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain, Business, Engineering, or related field and 5 years’ experience in sourcing, procurement, and supply chain management or related area OR 7 years’ experience in sourcing, procurement, and supply chain management or related area
• 3 years’ supervisory experience

Preferred Qualifications... Outlined below are the optional preferred qualifications for this position. If none are listed, there are no preferred qualifications.

• Experience working with startups or in venture ecosystems.
• Background in sustainability, regenerative sourcing, or circular economy.
• MBA or advanced degree in supply chain, business, or related field.

Benefits & Perks: Beyond competitive pay, you can receive incentive awards for your performance. Other great perks include 401(k) match, stock purchase plan, paid maternity and parental leave, PTO, multiple health plans, and much more. 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. You will also receive PTO and/or