decision scientist - Market Planning and Business Systems

Starbucks Coffee Company; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability

Parental leave

Paid vacation

Paid holidays

401(k) match

Bean Stock equity program

Tuition assistance

Backup care

DACA reimbursement

Job summary

Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle is seeking a decision scientist to join Market Planning and Business Systems. You will analyze complex datasets, build predictive models, and translate insights into actionable strategies for Coffeehouse locations.

Collaborate with Finance, Operations, Data Science, and Data Engineering to shape long‑term planning, capital deployment, and investment scenarios. Strong communication to non‑technical audiences is essential.

Qualifications

• BA/BS or equivalent with focus in statistics, math, CS, econ, or quantitative social science.
• 1+ year of experience performing data analysis and profiling using SQL and Python or R.
• Experience with data visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI, Shiny, D3).
• Bonus: experience with geospatial data for predictive modeling.

Responsibilities

• Analyze and model data from multiple sources to evaluate Coffeehouse Locations.
• Generate insights and communicate implications to non‑technical audiences.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with Coffeehouse Development, Finance, Operations, Data Science, and Data Engineering.
• Support model development and validation with senior practitioners.

Skills

SQL

Python

R

Data analysis

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

BA/BS in Statistics, Math, CS, Econ or related

Tools

Databricks

AWS

Azure

Tableau

Power BI

Alteryx

GIS

Job description

Now Brewing – decision scientist - Market Planning and Business Systems! #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.

As a key analytical partner in the Development Strategy and Analytics space, you will shape the future of our Coffeehouse portfolio by bringing data‑driven clarity to how identify, we invest in, evolve, and optimize our current and future Coffeehouse Portfolio. You will collaborate closely with business and technical partners to illuminate tradeoffs, uncover opportunities, build predictive models, communicate results, and recommend actions that strengthen our Coffeehouses and deliver long‑term value.

As a decision scientist, you will…

• Analyze and model data: Access, prepare, and analyze complex datasets from multiple sources (Databricks, AWS, Azure, SQL, Python, Alteryx, etc.) to evaluate data on Coffeehouse Locations. Identify anomalies, data gaps, and quality issues, and partner cross‑functionally to resolve. Visualize with clarity via Tableau and other industry tools.
• Generate insights and communicate implications: Synthesize analytical findings into clear, actionable insights that illuminate tradeoffs and opportunities. Present recommendations to non‑technical audiences in a way that is concise, approachable, and connected to business outcomes.
• Proactively surface opportunities: Identify emerging patterns, performance drivers, across the Development lifecycle. Bring forward data‑driven recommendations that influence long‑term planning and capital deployment decisions.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally: Partner with teams across Coffeehouse Development, Finance, Operations, Data Science, and Data Engineering to ensure analytical work is rigorous, relevant, and integrated into business processes and decision frameworks.
• Support model development and validation: Work closely with data science teams to refine assumptions, validate model outputs, and ensure analytical tools accurately represent Coffeehouse dynamics and investment scenarios.

We’d love to hear from people with:

• BA/BS or equivalent experience, prefer concentration in Statistics, Math, Computer Science, Engineering, Econ, or Quantitative Social Science
• Minimum of 1 year of experience performing data analysis and profiling using SQL and Python or R, with light guidance from senior practitioners on methodology
• Minimum of 1 year of experience with data visualization tools and techniques (Tableau, Power BI, Shiny, D3)
• Prefer previous experience working with geospatial data or geographic information systems (GIS) for predictive modeling
• Previous experience supporting multi‑unit retail or QSR operations preferred
• Possesses outstanding collaboration skills with colleagues at an operational level
• Effectively presents complex technical material to nontechnical audiences in an approachable way
• Uses software and packages to create data visualizations and build dashboards, independently - with intent to influence strategic and operational decision‑making
• Interprets results of data analysis or visualization and communicates implications and recommendations, with light review from senior practitioners
• Adheres to standards and best practices (e.g., version control, coding standards, documentation, storytelling with data, business
• Has sound understanding of Starbucks business, and business acumen in general, including familiarity with business drivers in functional / domain focus area
• Builds connection between work product and business application, with guidance at times
• Applies key human‑centered design principles to the work, considering relevant audiences and business processes receiving the work
• Collects and contributes to requirements definition as appropriate; with light supervision, interprets requirements to design analysis communication, data sensitivity policies, analytics best practices, engineering best practices) with light guidance from senior
• With light supervision, meets work deadlines and communicates proactively when there may be delays
• Has minimum understanding of decision sciences and how to evangelize this capability

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.

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 [e-mail] or 1(888) 611-2258.