director, data science- Global Supply Chain Analytics

Starbucks Corp

Seattle, WA

JOB DETAILS
SKILLS
Algorithms, Analysis Skills, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Best Practices, Brewing, Business Model, Business impact analysis (BIA), Candidate Pipeline, Career Counseling, Change Management, Cloud Computing, Collective Bargaining, Communication Skills, Computer Science, Consumer Packaged Goods, Cross-Functional, Data Management, Data Science, Demand Forecasting/Planning, Demand Generation, Distributed Computing, Distribution Services, Ecosystems, Embedded Systems, Finance, Healthcare Reimbursement, Leadership, Logistics, Machine Learning, Management Strategy, Mathematics, Mentoring, Network Design, Operations Research, People Management, Performance Metrics, Process Improvement, Product/Service Launch, Python Programming/Scripting Language, Quality System Requirements (QSR), Retail, Return on Investment (ROI), SQL (Structured Query Language), Simulation, State Ordinances, Statistics, Student Loans, Succession Planning, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Operations, Supply Chain Optimization, Sustainability, Technical Delivery, Tuition Fees
LOCATION
Seattle, WA
POSTED
30+ days ago

Now Brewing - director of data science - Global Supply Chain Analytics! #tobeapartner

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only

celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.

The Director of Supply Chain Data Science will lead the strategy, development, and deployment of advanced analytics and machine learning solutions across Starbucks' global supply chain. This role is responsible for managing and scaling high performing teams of data scientists and data science people managers, while partnering closely with Supply Chain, Technology, Retail, and Finance leaders to deliver measurable business impact.

This leader will drive innovation across demand forecasting, network design and optimization, inventory and assortment optimization, and last mile logistics, leveraging modern algorithmic techniques and cloud native data platforms. The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth, proven people leadership, and the ability to translate complex models into clear business outcomes at scale.

As a director of data science - Global Supply Chain, you will…

People & Organizational Leadership

  • Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams of data scientists at all levels, including senior individual contributors and people managers
  • Build a strong talent pipeline through hiring, coaching, career development, and succession planning
  • Foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence
  • Set clear technical and delivery standards for experimentation, production ML, and model governance

Supply Chain Analytics & Modeling

  • Own the data science vision and roadmap for supply chain optimization
  • Lead development of demand forecasting systems (short term, mid term, and long term) incorporating promotions, seasonality, new product introductions, and external signals
  • Drive network optimization initiatives including distribution centers, and transportation flows
  • Build and deploy last mile logistics optimization models to improve service levels, cost, and sustainability
  • Develop advanced assortment and inventory optimization models balancing customer demand, store constraints, freshness, and waste reduction

Advanced Analytics & Algorithms

  • Apply modern machine learning, optimization, and statistical techniques, including (but not limited to):

  • Forecasting (hierarchical, probabilistic, deep learning-based)

  • Operations research and mathematical optimization (linear, integer, stochastic, simulation based)

  • Causal inference, experimentation, and scenario analysis

  • Ensure solutions scale across thousands of stores

Technology & MLOps

  • Guide teams in building production grade ML systems using modern, cloud native tech stacks
  • Partner with Engineering and Platform teams to ensure robust data pipelines, feature stores, model deployment, monitoring, and retraining
  • Champion best practices in MLOps, model explainability, reliability, and responsible AI

Business Partnership & Impact

  • Serve as a trusted thought partner to senior Supply Chain and Operations leadership
  • Translate ambiguous business problems into well defined analytical solutions with clear KPIs and ROI
  • Communicate insights and recommendations effectively to executive stakeholders, influencing strategic decisions
  • Drive adoption and change management to ensure models are embedded into operational workflows

We'd love to hear from people with:

  • 12+ years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, or applied machine learning, with significant focus on supply chain, logistics, or operations
  • 5+ years of experience managing managers and large, complex data science organizations
  • Deep expertise in demand forecasting, optimization, and applied machine learning at scale
  • Strong foundation in statistics, operations research, computer science, or a related quantitative field
  • Hands on experience with modern data and ML ecosystems (e.g., Python, SQL, cloud platforms, distributed computing)
  • Proven track record of delivering measurable business impact through advanced analytics
  • Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in retail, CPG, QSR, or global consumer supply chains
  • Familiarity with sustainability, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing analytics
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a quantitative discipline
  • Experience scaling ML systems across thousands of physical locations

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.

  • If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

We believe we do our best work when we"re together, which is why we"re onsite four days a week.

Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!

Starbucks Coffee Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.

Starbucks Coffee Company is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at applicantaccommodation@starbucks.com or 1(888) 611-2258.

About the Company

S

Starbucks Corp

Every day, we go to work hoping to do two things: share great coffee with our friends and help make the world a little better. It was true when the first Starbucks opened in 1971, and it’s just as true today.

Back then, the company was a single store in Seattle’s historic Pike Place Market. From just a narrow storefront, Starbucks offered some of the world’s finest fresh-roasted whole bean coffees. The name, inspired by Moby Dick, evoked the romance of the high seas and the seafaring tradition of the early coffee traders.

In 1981, Howard Schultz (Starbucks chairman and chief executive officer) had first walked into a Starbucks store. From his first cup of Sumatra, Howard was drawn into Starbucks and joined a year later.

In 1983, Howard traveled to Italy and became captivated with Italian coffee bars and the romance of the coffee experience. He had a vision to bring the Italian coffeehouse tradition back to the United States. A place for conversation and a sense of community. A third place between work and home. He left Starbucks for a short period of time to start his own Il Giornale coffeehouses and returned in August 1987 to purchase Starbucks with the help of local investors.

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection.

COMPANY SIZE
10,000 employees or more
INDUSTRY
Restaurant/Food Services
FOUNDED
1971
WEBSITE
https://www.starbucks.com/careers/