lead data scientist, Staffing Algorithms (Nashville, TN)

Starbucks Corp.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision benefits

401(k) retirement plan with employer-匹

Tuition coverage for a first bachelor

Paid time off and holidays

Life insurance

Job summary

Starbucks Coffee Company is seeking a Lead Data Scientist to drive staffing forecasting and optimization across US & Canada company-owned stores. You will architect models, build scalable algorithms, and lead a team of data scientists to deliver measurable business impact.

You will collaborate with operations, finance, and analytics to align staffing with business goals and communicate insights with compelling dashboards.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of progressive experience in data science with end-to-end model deployment.
• Strong foundation in ML and statistical techniques including causal inference.
• Production-grade data pipelines and dashboards using Python, SQL, and cloud platforms.

Responsibilities

• Design and architect forecasting models and staffing optimization algorithms.
• Lead development of scalable staffing ecosystem across US & Canada stores.
• Mentor data scientists and translate analytics into business insights.

Skills

Data science

Machine learning

Python

SQL

Tableau

Databricks

Azure

Mentoring

Tools

Tableau

Databricks

PySpark

Job description

Now Brewing – Lead Data Scientist! #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 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.

As a lead data scientist, you will…

• 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.

We’d love to hear from people with:

• 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

Preferred Skills:

• 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

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.

*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.

Join us and inspire with every cup.

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.