group manager, Sports

Now Brewing – group manager, Sports! #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.
We're looking for a sports-obsessed, dynamic, culturally-fluent leader to join our Brand Engagement team as the Group Manager of Sports. In this role, you will strategize, build, and shape how Starbucks connects to sports —through the lens of culture, community, coffee, and connection. You'll lead strategy and execution across sports partnerships, athlete and talent engagement, and brand storytelling, ensuring our presence is authentic, relevant, and resonant. The world of sports is a brand-new territory for Starbucks, rich in insights and energy, and ripe to break through with a talented leader at the helm.
As a group manager of Sports, you will…

• Sports Strategy: Develop and lead a comprehensive sports strategy from the ground up that aligns with brand values and business goals. Ensure the timely introduction and performance of programs to meet Marketing objectives. Provide strategic direction within Marketing and across the broader org as necessary. Partner with an identified sports agency to bring it to life.

• Athlete & Talent Partnerships: Build and manage relationships with athletes and other sports talent (broadcasters, superfans, retirees, coaches, trainers, and more) and tastemakers who authentically connect with our audiences.

• Hometown – Lead a team of Hometown marketers to drive continued Seattle pride and position Starbucks brand as a leading, dynamic, supportive brand within our hometown.

• Campaign Integration: Partner with cross-functional teams to embed sports insights and athlete strategies into brand campaigns and activations.

• Trend Intelligence: Stay ahead of sports trends, emerging voices, and shifts in consumer behavior to inform brand strategy and innovation.

• Event & Partnership Leadership: Oversee sports moments IRL and sports partnerships that elevate brand and resonate with target audiences.

• Measurement & Impact: Define KPIs and measure the effectiveness of sports and athlete initiatives, optimizing for impact and engagement.

• Partner Development & Team Building: Setting goals for the team, developing organizational capability and modeling how we work together. Identify and communicate key responsibilities and practices to achieve business results. Provide feedback, coaching and development opportunities.
  

We'd Love To Hear From People With

• 8–10+ years of experience in brand marketing, sports strategy, athlete marketing, or related fields.
• Deep understanding of cultural and sports movements, social platforms, and the evolving media landscape.
• Proven track record of building meaningful partnerships with athletes, teams, leagues, talent, and sports institutions.
• Strong leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence across teams and levels.
• Excellent communication and storytelling abilities.
• Experience in lifestyle, entertainment, or consumer brands.
• Global or multicultural marketing experience is a plus.
  

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.
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.
We believe we do our best work when we're together, which is why we're onsite four days a week.
Join us and inspire with every cup. Apply today!
Starbucks Coffee Company is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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 applicantaccommodation or 1(888) 611-2258.