principal data scientist, Supply Chain Forecasting & Optimization

Starbucks; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Tuition reimbursement

401(k) with company match

Stock program

Job summary

Starbucks is seeking a Principal Data Scientist to shape forecasting, planning, and decision-making across the enterprise. You will lead the scientific strategy for a unified planning capability, connecting demand, inventory, purchasing, and financial signals into an intelligent decision ecosystem.

You will mentor teams, establish standards, and collaborate with Supply Chain, Finance, Product, and Technology to deliver impact at scale. Onsite work model preferred.

Qualifications

• Deep expertise in forecasting, optimization, ML, and analytics.
• Experience leading cross-functional, enterprise-scale initiatives.
• Strong business acumen and ability to translate technical solutions into outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Define scientific vision and roadmap for forecasting and optimization across Starbucks.
• Lead unified planning capability and enterprise data truth across functions.
• Drive high-impact initiatives in demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and replenishment.
• Apply ML, optimization, causal inference, and AI to solve business problems; influence planning.
• Mentor data scientists and establish data science standards and governance.
• Communicate insights to executives and drive adoption of data-driven solutions.

Skills

Forecasting

Optimization

Machine learning

Time series

Leadership

Communication

Education

MS or PhD in quantitative field

Tools

Python

SQL

Cloud platforms

ML deployment

Job description

Now Brewing – Principal Data Scientist, Supply Chain Forecasting & Optimization!

From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who are guided by their passion, expertise, and commitment to serving others.

As a Principal Data Scientist, Supply Chain Forecasting & Optimization, you will help define the future of forecasting, planning, and decision-making across Starbucks. Working across Supply Chain, Finance, Retail Operations, Product, Technology, and Analytics, you will lead the scientific strategy for building a unified planning capability and enterprise planning source of truth.

This is not a traditional forecasting role. You will shape the future-state operating model for AI-powered planning by connecting demand, inventory, purchasing, financial, and operational planning signals into a more integrated and intelligent decision ecosystem. Through advanced analytics, machine learning, optimization, and emerging AI capabilities, your work will help improve availability, reduce waste, optimize inventory investment, and enable better business outcomes across the enterprise.

Who You Are

• A strategic thinker who can define long-term vision and influence enterprise direction
• A technical leader with deep expertise in forecasting, optimization, machine learning, and decision science
• A first-principles problem solver who thrives in ambiguity and brings clarity to complex challenges
• A trusted partner who effectively communicates with both technical teams and senior leaders
• A mentor who elevates those around them through coaching, influence, and technical leadership
• Someone who understands that forecasts are a means to better decisions, not the end goal itself

Key Responsibilities

• Define the scientific vision and technical roadmap for forecasting, planning, and optimization capabilities across Starbucks
• Lead the strategy for creating a unified planning capability and enterprise source of truth across business functions
• Drive high-impact initiatives spanning demand forecasting, inventory optimization, replenishment, purchasing, and supply chain decision-making
• Apply machine learning, optimization, causal inference, uncertainty modeling, and AI to solve complex business problemsInfluence planning strategies and investment decisions across Supply Chain, Finance, Product, and Technology organizations
• Establish technical standards and best practices across data science, production ML, experimentation, and model governance
• Mentor data scientists and raise the technical bar across the organization

What You'll Do

• Design and deploy enterprise-scale forecasting and decision intelligence systems
• Develop solutions that translate predictions into recommendations and business actions
• Identify opportunities to improve planning through AI-powered decision support and optimization
• Partner with business and technology leaders to align planning processes, reconcile competing signals, and improve decision quality
• Communicate complex analytical insights to executive audiences and drive adoption of data-driven solutions
• Lead through influence to deliver transformational outcomes in highly ambiguous environments

We'd Love To Hear From People With

• Deep expertise in forecasting, machine learning, optimization, operations research, or advanced analytics
• Experience leading complex cross-functional initiatives with enterprise-level impact
• Strong business acumen and a track record of translating technical solutions into measurable business outcomes
• Exceptional communication and storytelling skills with executive stakeholders
• Demonstrated success mentoring technical talent and influencing organizational direction
• Experience operating effectively in environments undergoing significant transformation

What We're Looking For

• 10+ years of experience applying data science, forecasting, optimization, operations research, or machine learning to solve complex business problems
• Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, modern cloud analytics platforms, and production machine learning systems
• Expertise in time series forecasting, uncertainty quantification, experimentation, causal inference, and model deployment
• Demonstrated ability to define technical strategy and drive impact beyond a single team or function
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to influence senior leadership

Preferred

• Supply chain, inventory management, demand planning, replenishment, logistics, retail, or operations optimization experience
• Experience building optimization-based decision systems and AI-powered planning capabilities
• Experience integrating multiple forecasting processes into a unified planning framework
• Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Operations Research, Economics, or a related quantitative discipline
• Experience leading large-scale planning, forecasting, or supply chain transformation initiatives

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 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.