Now Brewing – Program Manager, Strategy and Operations #tobeapartner
From the beginning, Starbucks set out to be a different kind of company. One that not only celebrated coffee and the rich tradition, but that also brought a feeling of connection. We are known for developing extraordinary leaders who share this passion and are guided by their service to others.
This role contributes to Starbucks success by serving as the Program Manager for Strategy and Operations within the Global Communications and Corporate Affairs (GCCA) organization, which includes Corporate, Brand, International, and Partner (Internal) Communications, Starbuck Stories, Government Affairs, Social Impact, and Sustainability.
Operating at a portfolio level, this role owns end‑to‑end planning, financial governance, sourcing and procurement strategy, and operational modernization for function. The Program Manager integrates finance, procurement, technology, and leadership decision‑making to enable disciplined execution in a constrained, dynamic, and increasingly complex agency and vendor environment.
As a Program Manager, Strategy and Operations, you will…
- Own and drive operational budgeting and procurement programs, translating strategy into multi‑workstream plans with measurable outcomes
- Establish clear goals, success metrics, and execution frameworks across GCCA
- Lead end‑to‑end annual operating planning (AOP), in‑year forecasting, and scenario modeling
- Own agency and vendor sourcing strategy, including onboarding, renewals, contract governance, and performance management
- Partner closely with Finance, Procurement, and Legal to ensure compliance, fiscal discipline, and decision rigor
- Act as the single-threaded owner for budget and procurement operations within the organization.
- Create and lead operating rhythms, planning forums, and escalation paths that support VP and GCCA LT decision‑making
- Provide concise, executive‑ready materials, recommendations, and options
- Own operations modernization efforts, including process, tooling, and data improvements
- Build and execute roadmaps in partnership with Starbucks Technology, while maintaining accountability despite limited central support
- Influence senior leaders and cross‑functional partners without direct authority
- Serve as a trusted thought partner to the VP Communications - Starbucks Stories and GCCA Leadership Team
We’d love to hear from people with:
Experience supporting or partnering with Communications, Corporate Affairs, Marketing, or Brand organizations.
Prior ownership of agency and vendor ecosystems, including RFPs, complex contract structures, and performance governance.
Experience operating in matrixed, global, or highly regulated environments.
Exposure to technology, data, or systems modernization efforts.
Familiarity with enterprise financial processes, including capital planning, operating expense management, or multi‑year roadmaps.
Experience working directly with VP‑level or Executive Leadership Teams, including preparation of decision‑ready materials
- Ability to work well independently and with others.
- Self-starter with excellent judgement and high integrity.
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.
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Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!
Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state and local ordinances.
Starbucks Coffee Company is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at [email protected] or 1(888) 611-2258.