principal data scientist, Supply Chain Forecasting & Optimization

About the role

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

• An experienced 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 problems
• Influence 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

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits
• Short-term and long-term disability
• Paid parental leave and family expansion reimbursement
• Paid vacation from date of hire (accrual varies by role and location; see details)
• 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 access to other educational opportunities
• Backup care and DACA reimbursement

Schedule

Onsite four days a week.