Principal data scientist, Supply Chain Forecasting & Optimization

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 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
• Experti…