lead data scientist, Staffing Algorithms (Nashville, TN)
Starbucks•Nashville, TN
•Onsite
About The Position
As a Lead Data Scientist on the Staffing Algorithms team, you will lead the development of advanced forecasting models and optimization algorithms that shape staffing decisions across US and Canada company-owned stores. You will drive the evolution of the staffing system by applying rigorous analytics, partnering with cross-functional teams, and influencing strategic workforce planning. Your work will directly impact store operations, staffing efficiency, and customer experience at scale.
Requirements
- 5+ years of progressive experience in data science, with a proven track record of end-to-end data product and model deployment that delivers measurable business impact.
- Strong foundation in machine learning and statistical techniques, including regression, classification, clustering, and causal inference.
- Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, and cloud-based analytics platforms (e.g., Databricks, Azure), with experience developing production-grade data pipelines and model outputs.
- Excellent communication and data storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex methodologies into clear, actionable insights through compelling visualizations and dashboards using tools like Tableau.
- Experience building in-house production systems in complex and data-rich domains.
- Mentoring experience
Nice To Haves
- Expertise in building forecasting models for time series or operational planning
- Experience in optimization techniques such as linear programming, mixed-integer programming, or heuristic algorithms for decision support
- Background with PySpark and Databricks for distributed data processing and scalable analytics in cloud environments
Responsibilities
- Design and Architect the Future Staffing Ecosystem
- Build a scalable, data-driven staffing framework that optimizes labor allocation across stores.
- Incorporate predictive modeling, constraints into staffing algorithms.
- Drive Labor Optimization
- Identify inefficiencies such as underutilization and overstaffing through advanced analytics.
- Implement optimization strategies leveraging machine learning, simulation, and scenario planning.
- Partner with operations and finance to align staffing models with business goals.
- Mentor and Develop Talent
- Guide data scientists and senior data scientists in advanced analytics, optimization techniques, and business impact storytelling.
- Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the analytics team.
Benefits
- medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits.
- 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
- two personal days per year
- 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
- discounted company stock program (S.I.P.)
- Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock)
- incentivized emergency savings
- financial well-being tools
- 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
- access to other educational opportunities
- backup care
- DACA reimbursement
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
