Now Brewing - director, Distribution Operations! #tobeapartnerThis job contributes to Starbucks success by providing leadership, strategic planning, distribution expertise, coaching/developing skills, and management of strategic relationships to enable the distribution team to develop innovative, cost-effective, scalable distribution systems and processes that enable global growth and generate store/customer level value. Models and acts in accordance with Starbucks guiding principles.
This is an in-market role and may be based within the Central South, Midwest, or West Coast regions of the United States.As a
director, Distribution Operations, you will... Lead the strategy, design, and execution of Starbucks' distribution network. This role is responsible for optimizing logistics operations, driving network growth and capacity planning, managing third-party logistics partnerships, and leading cross-functional initiatives that support operational excellence and business growth.
Leadership- Lead and develop a high-performing team by creating clear goals, accountability, and a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Communicate priorities and expectations that drive operational excellence and business results.
- Champion company initiatives, policies, and best practices while fostering confidence and engagement across teams.
Strategy & Execution- Develop and execute strategic and operational plans that align distribution capabilities with business objectives.
- Monitor performance metrics and drive continuous improvement initiatives to enhance service, efficiency, and cost effectiveness.
- Lead organizational readiness and change management efforts related to new processes, systems, and operating models.
Distribution Operations & Network Strategy- Develop and manage the annual operating budget and oversee relationships with third-party logistics providers.
- Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of distribution processes and systems across the network.
- Develop distribution network strategies that support growth, capacity planning, site selection, and long-term operational scalability.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives that improve supply chain performance and enable business growth.
- Direct RFP processes, bid evaluations, and contract negotiations with logistics partners.
- Build and maintain strategic partnerships with logistics service providers to ensure service, quality, and business objectives are achieved.
People Leadership- Inspire, coach, and develop leaders and team members to achieve business and organizational goals.
- Conduct performance reviews and support career development planning.
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and operational requirements.
- Make effective talent, staffing, and succession planning decisions.
- Foster an inclusive, high-performing culture focused on safety, accountability, and results.
We'd love to hear from people with:
• 10+ years of experience in distribution operations, including facility layout, process design, and material handling equipment (MHE) implementation.
• 10+ years of experience developing and executing supply chain, logistics, or distribution strategies that drive operational performance and business growth.
• Significant experience managing third-party logistics (3PL) providers, including contract negotiations, budgeting, performance management, and service optimization.
• Experience leading warehouse management system (WMS), inventory management system, or large-scale operational technology implementations.
• Deep understanding of food service, consumer packaged goods (CPG), food manufacturing, or related distribution and transportation operations.
• Proven success leading complex distribution networks across multiple facilities, regions, or operating environments.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to apply financial, operational, and strategic principles to decision-making, project execution, and change management initiatives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and develop high-performing teams while driving accountability, engagement, and results.
• Advanced project and program management skills, including KPI development, performance reporting, financial analysis, and continuous improvement methodologies.
• Ability to travel approximately 50%.
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 every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 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. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.
*If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.
The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.
Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today! 
