director, data science- Global Supply Chain Analytics

Starbucks Coffee Company•Seattle, WA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

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.