lead data scientist, Retail Testing Analytics (Nashville, TN)

Starbucks; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Tuition Coverage

401(k) with Employer Match

Bean Stock equity program

Job summary

Starbucks seeks a Lead Data Scientist for Retail Testing Analytics in Nashville to design production-grade testing frameworks and causal measurement models supporting enterprise experimentation.

You will partner with Store Development, Retail Operations, Labor and Staffing, Product Innovation, Marketing, Equipment, and Technology to translate business questions into rigorous analytics and drive measurable impact across the enterprise. onsite four days a week.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in Data Science.
• Expertise in statistics, causal inference, experimental design, and advanced analytics.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and continuously enhance scalable, production-grade testing and measurement frameworks across business domains.
• Develop and integrate advanced statistical methodologies, causal inference, optimization, and ML models into enterprise platforms.
• Lead evaluation of strategic initiatives by partnering with cross-functional teams to quantify impact and inform decisions.
• Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor Data and Decision Scientists in analytics, methodology, experimentation design, and storytelling.
• Drive technical excellence and foster innovation and rigor across the team.

Skills

Statistics

Causal inference

Experimental design

Machine learning

Python

SQL

Databricks

PySpark

Leadership

Tools

Databricks

PySpark

SQL

Job description

Now Brewing – Lead Data Scientist, Retail Testing 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.

As a Lead Data Scientist on the Retail Testing Analytics team, you will lead the development of production-grade statistical frameworks, advanced analytics solutions, and optimization algorithms that power Starbucks' enterprise testing, experimentation and measurement capabilities. You will shape the future of causal measurement and experimentation by designing scalable methodologies, models, and decision-support tools tailored to Starbucks' unique business challenges.

In this role, you will partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders across Store Development, Retail Operations, Labor and Staffing, Product Innovation, Marketing, Equipment, and Technology to translate complex business questions into rigorous analytical solutions. Your work will directly inform strategic investments, operational decisions, and innovation initiatives across the enterprise.

• Design, build, and continuously enhance scalable, production-grade testing and measurement frameworks that can be applied across a wide range of business domains.
• Develop and integrate advanced statistical methodologies, causal inference techniques, optimization approaches, and machine learning models into enterprise testing-experimentation and measurement platforms.
• Lead the evaluation of strategic business initiatives by partnering with cross-functional teams to quantify business impact, identify opportunities, and support data-driven decision-making.
• Translate complex analytical findings into clear, actionable recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders, including senior leaders.
• Mentor and guide Data and Decision Scientists in advanced analytics, statistical methodology, experimentation design, optimization, and storytelling best practices.
• Drive technical excellence and foster a culture of innovation, continuous learning, and analytical rigor across the team.

• 5+ years of progressive experience in Data Science, including a proven track record of developing and deploying end-to-end analytical products, statistical models, or data science solutions that deliver measurable business impact.
• Deep expertise in statistics, causal inference, experimental design, and advanced analytics, with experience applying machine learning and optimization techniques to solve complex business problems.
• Strong programming and software development skills, including advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, and cloud-based analytics platforms (e.g., Databricks, Azure), with experience developing production grade analytical solutions and data pipelines.
• Experience designing and operationalizing experimentation, testing, measurement, and causal inference platforms.
• Exceptional communication and data storytelling abilities, with a demonstrated ability to translate sophisticated analytical concepts into compelling insights and recommendations through presentations, visualizations, dashboards, and written documentation.
• Experience building and operationalizing enterprise-scale analytical systems in complex, data-rich environments, balancing methodological rigor with practical business needs.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring experience, with a passion for developing talent and elevating the technical capabilities of others.
• Experience partnering with business leaders and cross-functional stakeholders to influence strategy and drive measurable outcomes through data.
• Experience with PySpark and Databricks for distributed computing, large-scale data processing, and cloud-based analytics.

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 onsite four days a week.

Starbucks Coffee Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicantswill receive considerationfor employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, orprotectedveteran 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 reasonableaccommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us atapplicantaccommodation or 1(888) 611-2258.