Starbucks · 3 weeks ago
lead data scientist - Data & Analytics (Seattle, WA)
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$144K/yr - $241K/yr
5+ years expStarbucks is a company known for celebrating coffee and connection, and they are seeking a Lead Data Scientist for their Staffing Algorithms team. This role involves leading the development of advanced forecasting models and optimization algorithms to enhance staffing decisions and operational efficiency across company-owned stores.
CoffeeFood and BeverageRestaurantsTea
Responsibilities
Design and Architect the Future Staffing Ecosystem
Build a scalable, data-driven staffing framework that optimizes labor allocation across stores
Incorporate predictive modeling, constraints into staffing algorithms
Identify inefficiencies such as underutilization and overstaffing through advanced analytics
Implement optimization strategies leveraging machine learning, simulation, and scenario planning
Partner with operations and finance to align staffing models with business goals
Guide data scientists and senior data scientists in advanced analytics, optimization techniques, and business impact storytelling
Foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within the analytics team
Qualification
Required
5+ years of progressive experience in data science, with a proven track record of end-to-end data product and model deployment that delivers measurable business impact
Strong foundation in machine learning and statistical techniques, including regression, classification, clustering, and causal inference
Advanced proficiency in Python, SQL, and cloud-based analytics platforms (e.g., Databricks, Azure), with experience developing production-grade data pipelines and model outputs
Excellent communication and data storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex methodologies into clear, actionable insights through compelling visualizations and dashboards using tools like Tableau
Experience building in-house production systems in complex and data-rich domains
Mentoring experience
Preferred
Expertise in building forecasting models for time series or operational planning
Experience in optimization techniques such as linear programming, mixed-integer programming, or heuristic algorithms for decision support
Background with PySpark and Databricks for distributed data processing and scalable analytics in cloud environments
Benefits
Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance
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
Two personal days per year
Participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Discounted company stock program (S.I.P.)
Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock)
Incentivized emergency savings
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
Access to other educational opportunities
Backup care
DACA reimbursement
Company
Starbucks
Starbucks is a restaurant chain that serves handcrafted ready-to-drink beverages, including coffee, tea, juices, and snack food items.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Starbucks has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (208)
2024 (127)
2023 (130)
2022 (172)
2021 (146)
2020 (149)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$2.65BKey Investors
Elliott Management Corp.Pershing Square Capital Management
2025-05-06Post Ipo Debt· $1.75B
2024-07-19Post Ipo Equity
2018-10-10Post Ipo Equity· $900M
Leadership Team
Brian R. Niccol
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Cathy R. Smith
CFO
Recent News
2026-01-04
2026-01-03
Company data provided by crunchbase