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

Starbucks Corp.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

Parental leave

401(k) match

Bean Stock equity

Tuition coverage

Backup care

DACA reimbursement

Job summary

Starbucks Coffee Company is seeking a Lead Data Scientist for Retail Testing Analytics. You will lead the development of scalable statistical frameworks, advanced analytics solutions, and optimization algorithms powering enterprise testing, experimentation, and measurement capabilities.

You will partner with Store Development, Retail Operations, Product Innovation, Marketing, and Technology to translate complex business questions into rigorous analytical solutions that inform enterprise

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in Data Science delivering end-to-end analytical products.
• Strong expertise in statistics, causal inference, experimentation, and analytics.
• Proficient in Python, SQL, and cloud-based analytics platforms with production-grade pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain scalable testing and measurement frameworks for enterprise analytics.
• Integrate advanced statistical methods, causal inference, optimization, and ML models into platforms.
• Lead evaluation of strategic initiatives by quantifying business impact and guiding decisions.
• Translate complex findings into clear recommendations for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Mentor Data and Decision Scientists in analytics and storytelling best practices.
• Drive technical excellence and foster a culture of innovation and rigor.

Skills

Statistics

Causal Inference

Experimental Design

Machine Learning

Python

SQL

Databricks

Azure

PySpark

Leadership

Tools

Databricks

Azure 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.

As a Lead Data Scientist, you will...

• 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.

We’d love to hear from people with...

• 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.

Benefits and Perks

• 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.
• We believe we do our best work when we're onsite four days a week.
• Join us and inspire with every cup.

Equal Opportunity

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.