director, decision science

About the role

As a Director of Decision Science supporting the Finance organization, you will shape how Starbucks manages and uses financial data as a strategic enterprise capability. You will establish the vision, strategy, governance, and modernization agenda for Finance data, creating trusted foundations that enable better decisions, measurable business value, advanced analytics, and future‑ready capabilities across the organization. Through strong partnership with Finance leaders, Starbucks Technology, Enterprise Data & Analytics teams, and other cross‑functional partners, the Director drives organizational alignment, adoption, and measurable business outcomes. This role builds and leads a high‑performing team of finance data scientists, analysts, and data practitioners while enabling advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and future‑ready decision support across Finance.

Responsibilities

• Set the vision and strategy for how Finance transforms the current framework for decision support, advanced analytics, and predictive outcomes into an enterprise capability.
• Lead data modernization and architecture efforts to deliver a durable, future‑state environment as the foundation for advanced analytics, AI utilization, automation, and future‑ready decision support.
• Establish governance and stewardship best practices to enhance data quality, accountability, ownership, and consistent use of KPIs and metrics.
• Translate strategy into results by developing clear program scope, objectives, and milestones to deliver solutions on committed timelines.
• Build enterprise partnerships and drive adoption through strategic connections with Starbucks Technology, key stakeholders, and partnerships within the Finance organization.

Requirements

• BA/BS or equivalent experience.
• Experience with cloud technologies for data and analytics solutions (Azure, AWS).
• Expertise or experience in Excel, SQL, Tableau or Power BI, and Python, R, or other advanced analytics scripting languages or experimental design platforms.
• Expertise in data methodologies and skills aligned with business applicability and insights operationalization.
• Experience managing small teams of 2‑4 individuals.
• Excellent attention to detail, strong written and verbal communication skills.
• At least 10 years of experience in the specific field of designated skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• MS in Statistics, Mathematics, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, Psychology, Quantitative Social Science, or a related field.
• 10+ years of experience managing people leaders and/or larger‑scale teams.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits.
• Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
• Paid parental leave and family expansion reimbursement.
• Paid vacation from date of hire (accrual varies by state and role level).
• Sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked).
• Eight paid holidays and two personal days per year.
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match.
• Discounted company stock program (S.I.P.) and Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock).
• Incentivized emergency savings and financial‑well‑being tools.
• 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 other educational opportunities.
• Backup care and DACA reimbursement.

Schedule

Partners are expected to work onsite four days a week.