senior manager, Beverage Category

Starbucks Corp.; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 170,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with match

Bean Stock equity program

Tuition coverage via Starbucks College

Paid parental leave

Vacation and holidays

Job summary

Starbucks Coffee Company is seeking a Senior Manager for Beverage Category to lead development, commercialization, and go‑to‑market strategies for new beverages. You will shape the innovation direction using insights, manage end‑to‑end cross‑functional projects, and deliver scale for seasonal platforms and iconic beverages.

You should bring 7+ years in product or brand management, strong collaboration, and the ability to navigate ambiguity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work experience or four years US military experience.
• MBA strongly preferred.
• Progressive experience in product or brand management: 7+ years.

Responsibilities

• Shapes innovation direction using strategy, customer insights, and data; leads test‑and‑learn work that refines concepts, uncovers opportunities, and drives category growth.
• Translates strategic direction into clear project priorities; aligns cross‑functional partners on what matters most; stays agile amid shifting demands; and supports effective decision‑making amid uncertainty.
• Leads end‑to‑end projects in direct collaboration with Product Development, Sourcing, New Product Introduction, Finance, Marketing, and Operations to imagine and commercialize food experiences that deliver on our food strategy at scale.
• Influences senior leaders and cross‑functional partners toward shared goals; adapts messaging to diverse audiences to build alignment, secure buy in, and move the organization forward. Excels at distilling ambiguous problems into concise messaging and crafting clear narratives.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven decision making

Communication

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

MBA preferred

US military experience (4 years)

Job description

Now Brewing – senior manager, Beverage Category! #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.

Be part of a world-class menu team innovating to deliver unique beverage experiences across the U.S. As a senior manager, you will play a pivotal role managing the development, commercialization, and go-to-market approach of new beverages at Starbucks. You will build and implement strategy and innovation for seasonal products and key platforms to bring the next wave of exciting Starbucks beverages to our customers.

We are seeking someone with a passion for innovation, strategic problem solving, and proven cross‑functional collaborative skills.

• Business Acumen and Problem Solving: Shapes innovation direction using strategy, customer insights, and data; leads test‑and‑learn work that refines concepts, uncovers opportunities, and drives category growth.
• Prioritization & Planning: Translates strategic direction into clear project priorities; aligns cross‑functional partners on what matters most; stays agile amid shifting demands; and supports effective decision‑making amid uncertainty.
• Collaboration: Leads end‑to‑end projects in direct collaboration with Product Development, Sourcing, New Product Introduction, Finance, Marketing, and Operations to imagine and commercialize food experiences that deliver on our food strategy at scale.
• Communication: Influences senior leaders and cross‑functional partners toward shared goals; adapts messaging to diverse audiences to build alignment, secure buy in, and move the organization forward. Excels at distilling ambiguous problems into concise messaging and crafting clear narratives.

We’d love to hear from people with:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent related work experience or four years US military experience
• MBA strongly preferred
• Progressive experience in product or brand management: 7+ years
• Functions effectively with ambiguity
• Ability to balance multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Strong problem‑solving abilities
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong analytical and technical skills; comfortable with syndicated data.
• Must be able to work in a matrix environment, able to collaborate cross functionally.

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.

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.