Now Brewing – director of data science – Global Supply Chain 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.
The Director of Supply Chain Data Science will lead the strategy, development, and deployment of advanced analytics and machine learning solutions across Starbucks’ global supply chain. This role is responsible for managing and scaling high performing teams of data scientists and data science people managers, while partnering closely with Supply Chain, Technology, Retail, and Finance leaders to deliver measurable business impact.
This leader will drive innovation across demand forecasting, network design and optimization, inventory and assortment optimization, and last mile logistics, leveraging modern algorithmic techniques and cloud native data platforms. The ideal candidate combines strong technical depth, proven people leadership, and the ability to translate complex models into clear business outcomes at scale.
As a director of data science – Global Supply Chain, you will…
People & Organizational Leadership
- Lead, mentor, and develop multidisciplinary teams of data scientists at all levels, including senior individual contributors and people managers
- Build a strong talent pipeline through hiring, coaching, career development, and succession planning
- Foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, collaboration, and operational excellence
- Set clear technical and delivery standards for experimentation, production ML, and model governance
Supply Chain Analytics & Modeling
- Own the data science vision and roadmap for supply chain optimization
- Lead development of demand forecasting systems (short term, mid term, and long term) incorporating promotions, seasonality, new product introductions, and external signals
- Drive network optimization initiatives including distribution centers, and transportation flows
- Build and deploy last mile logistics optimization models to improve service levels, cost, and sustainability
- Develop advanced assortment and inventory optimization models balancing customer demand, store constraints, freshness, and waste reduction
Advanced Analytics & Algorithms
- Apply modern machine learning, optimization, and statistical techniques, including (but not limited to):
- Forecasting (hierarchical, probabilistic, deep learning–based)
- Operations research and mathematical optimization (linear, integer, stochastic, simulation based)
- Causal inference, experimentation, and scenario analysis
- Ensure solutions scale across thousands of stores
Technology & MLOps
- Guide teams in building production grade ML systems using modern, cloud native tech stacks
- Partner with Engineering and Platform teams to ensure robust data pipelines, feature stores, model deployment, monitoring, and retraining
- Champion best practices in MLOps, model explainability, reliability, and responsible AI
Business Partnership & Impact
- Serve as a trusted thought partner to senior Supply Chain and Operations leadership
- Translate ambiguous business problems into well defined analytical solutions with clear KPIs and ROI
- Communicate insights and recommendations effectively to executive stakeholders, influencing strategic decisions
- Drive adoption and change management to ensure models are embedded into operational workflows
We’d love to hear from people with:
- 12+ years of experience in data science, advanced analytics, or applied machine learning, with significant focus on supply chain, logistics, or operations
- 5+ years of experience managing managers and large, complex data science organizations
- Deep expertise in demand forecasting, optimization, and applied machine learning at scale
- Strong foundation in statistics, operations research, computer science, or a related quantitative field
- Hands on experience with modern data and ML ecosystems (e.g., Python, SQL, cloud platforms, distributed computing)
- Proven track record of delivering measurable business impact through advanced analytics
- Excellent executive communication and stakeholder management skills
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in retail, CPG, QSR, or global consumer supply chains
- Familiarity with sustainability, waste reduction, and responsible sourcing analytics
- Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in a quantitative discipline
- Experience scaling ML systems across thousands of physical locations
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 e