About Starbucks Coffee Company

Starbucks Coffee Company is a global icon in the coffee industry, renowned for its commitment to premium coffee, community connection, and sustainable practices. Founded with a passion for coffee's rich traditions, Starbucks has grown into a Fortune 500 powerhouse with thousands of stores worldwide. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, the company prioritizes developing extraordinary leaders who embody its Mission and Values: to inspire and nurture the human spirit – one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time. As a leader in the retail and food sector, Starbucks invests heavily in supplier excellence, food safety, and quality to maintain its brand integrity across food, beverage, and non-food categories.

Role Overview

The Director, Supplier Food Safety & Quality role at Starbucks Coffee Company in Seattle, Washington, is a pivotal leadership position driving the company's supplier strategy. This full-time, on-site role ensures operational excellence, risk mitigation, and unwavering brand integrity. Reporting into senior supply chain leadership, you'll lead a talented team across five key pillars: Food & Non-Food Supply, Beverage Supply, Internal Manufacturing, Distribution, and Process Capability. With a focus on innovation, compliance, and sustainability, this position safeguards quality from multi-tiered suppliers to company-owned roasting plants and Starbucks Reserve Kitchens (SRK). If you have 10+ years in food and beverage quality leadership, including plant-based experience, this is your opportunity to elevate one of the world's most beloved brands.

Strategic Impact

In this role, you'll pioneer a risk-based supplier management framework aligned with Starbucks' long-term growth. Expect to drive Supply Chain Transformation through advanced process capability programs, ensuring supplier reliability amid market volatility. Your expertise in GFSI benchmarks and regulatory frameworks will champion food safety standards, while cross-functional partnerships with sourcing, manufacturing, and product development teams optimize the entire network.

Key Responsibilities

As Director, Supplier Food Safety & Quality, your impact will span strategy, leadership, and execution:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, risk-based supplier management framework that supports Starbucks' mission and growth objectives.
• Lead innovation in Supply Base Management (SBM) to anticipate trends, mitigate risks, and build supply chain resilience.
• Champion food safety and quality standards across global suppliers, roasting plants, and SRK locations.
• Implement process excellence programs to boost supplier consistency and performance.
• Direct and develop high-performing teams across five FSQ pillars, fostering engagement and capability-building.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with sourcing, distribution, transportation, manufacturing, and product teams.
• Oversee incident escalation, Trace & Hold processes, and rapid resolution to protect brand reputation.
• Build strategic supplier partnerships driving innovation, sustainability, and shared value.

Qualifications & Requirements

Starbucks seeks proven leaders with a track record in multinational food and beverage operations:

• Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Supply Chain, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field (MBA or advanced degree preferred).
• 10+ years in quality and food safety leadership for a multinational organization, including a manufacturing plant-based role in food or beverage.
• Expertise in global supplier management, regulatory compliance, risk assessment, GFSI benchmarks (with proven success exceeding requirements), and strategic negotiation.
• Strong cross-functional leadership, process optimization, and sustainability knowledge.
• Experience in Fortune 500 or global consumer brands is highly preferred.

Must model Starbucks' leadership behaviors rooted in service, performance, and team development.

Benefits & Perks

Starbucks offers industry-leading benefits to support partners and their families:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term/long-term disability, and voluntary options.
• Generous paid time off: up to 200+ hours vacation (more in select states), sick time, eight holidays, two personal days, and paid parental leave.
• Financial perks including 401(k) retirement with employer match, Bean Stock equity program, discounted stock purchase (S.I.P.), and incentivized emergency savings.
• 100% upfront tuition coverage for first-time bachelor's degrees via Arizona State University's online program, plus student loan help and educational resources.
• Lifestyle benefits: free coffee and merchandise markouts, Spotify Premium, backup care, DACA reimbursement, and family expansion support.

Career Growth at Starbucks

Starbucks is committed to partner development, offering robust training, mentorship, and advancement opportunities. As a Director, you'll guide teams while accessing leadership programs that propel your career. Many partners rise through the ranks, leveraging global exposure in supply chain, operations, and innovation. With a culture prioritizing high performance and service, this role positions you for executive impact at a brand synonymous with excellence.

Why Join Starbucks

Joining Starbucks means more than a job—it's partnering with a purpose-driven company that values sustainability, ethical sourcing, and community. In Seattle's vibrant headquarters, collaborate with top talent on transformative initiatives. Enjoy premium perks like Bean Stock, free coffee markouts, Spotify Premium, and unmatched tuition benefits, all while contributing to a resilient global supply chain. Starbucks fosters connection, growth, and impact—be part of the brew that's changing the world, one quality partnership at a time.

Role FAQs

What is the work location and type?

This is a full-time, on-site role in Seattle, Washington, emphasizing in-person collaboration for optimal performance.

What salary can I expect?

Competitive base pay based on experience, location, and equity, estimated $220,000–$280,000 USD annually, plus comprehensive benefits.

Are there relocation benefits?

Starbucks supports transitions for key roles; inquire during application.

How does Starbucks support work-life balance?

Through generous PTO, family benefits, wellness tools, and a culture valuing engagement and recharge.

What makes this role unique?

Direct influence on global supplier strategy for an iconic brand, blending food safety expertise with innovation and leadership.