coffeehouse concepts design manager - Art & Storytelling

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Coffeehouse Concepts Design Manager - Art & Storytelling

Company: Starbucks Coffee Company

Location: Seattle, Washington, United States

Job Type: FULL_TIME

Category: Design & Creative Operations / Brand Experience Management

Date Posted: 2026-09-30

Experience Level: 5-10 years

Remote Status: Hybrid (4 days in office)

🚀 Role Summary

• Co-lead the global Starbucks Art Program, driving creative strategy and visual expression for coffeehouse concepts.

• Manage the end-to-end execution of brand-relevant art initiatives, from initial concept through portfolio-wide rollout and implementation.

• Partner with cross-functional teams and external artists to deliver impactful art solutions that balance brand experience, operational needs, and business objectives.

• Oversee program operations, including budget management, contract negotiation, asset management, and continuous process improvement for art programs.

• Champion creativity, sustainability, inclusion, and innovation while advancing enterprise-wide strategic initiatives through art and storytelling.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role blends creative direction with operational execution, focusing on the strategic integration of art and storytelling into the physical Starbucks environment. It requires a blend of artistic sensibility and robust project management skills to ensure successful program delivery at scale. The emphasis on "Art & Storytelling" suggests a focus on narrative development and emotional connection through visual mediums within the coffeehouse experience.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Co-lead the art strategy, development, and execution for coffeehouse uplift and reinvestment initiatives, from concept through implementation and portfolio-wide rollout.

• Create scalable, customer- and partner-focused art solutions that balance brand experience, operational needs, and business objectives.

• Partner with cross-functional teams, including Design, Construction, Store Development, Format Development, and external artists and fabricators to deliver high-impact programs.

• Develop art concepts, prototypes, and pilot programs informed by consumer insights, industry trends, and Starbucks brand standards.

• Curate and co-manage art and environmental design programs, including artist partnerships, commissioned works, installations, and occasionally, digital experiences.

• Oversee program operations, including budgets, contracts, asset management, documentation, and continuous process improvement.

• Lead complex stakeholder relationships, negotiations, and project execution to ensure quality, consistency, schedule, safety, and risk management objectives are achieved.

• Champion creativity, sustainability, inclusion, and innovation while advancing enterprise-wide strategic initiatives.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities highlight a strong focus on program management, cross-functional collaboration, and strategic execution within a large-scale retail environment. The mention of "portfolio-wide rollout" and "operational needs" indicates a need for scalable and efficient processes in art program management.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While not explicitly stated, a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts, Design, Architecture, or a related field is typically expected for a Design Manager role with these responsibilities.

Experience: 5+ years of professional-level experience in art curation and presentation, environmental (physical space) design (2D and 3D), and production/logistics is required.

Required Skills:

• 5+ years of professional-level experience in art curation and presentation (including detailed framing knowledge).

• 5+ years of professional-level experience in environmental (physical space) design, encompassing both 2D and 3D applications.

• 5+ years of experience with production and logistics: retouching, fabrication, prototyping, specifying, sourcing, contracting, invoicing, on-site installations and activations.

• 5+ years commissioning and directing artwork, illustration, and/or photography.

• Proficiency with Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, Revit, SketchUp, and other design visualization tools.

• Demonstrated experience applying strategic insights and cultural trends to drive creative work.

• Strong project management, communication, presentation, and stakeholder influence skills.

• Working knowledge of design principles, materials, space planning, accessibility standards, and construction processes. Preferred Skills:

• Experience within an in-house creative department, retail company, creative agency, museum, or similar.

• Experience with digital experiences related to art and environmental design.

• Understanding of sustainability practices in design and fabrication.

• Knowledge of global art markets and artist representation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The experience requirements are highly specific, emphasizing hands-on involvement in the entire lifecycle of art commissioning and installation, from concept to execution and logistical management. Proficiency in a range of design and project management software is critical.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• A curated portfolio demonstrating a strong understanding of art curation, environmental design, and visual storytelling within physical spaces.

• Examples of commissioned artwork, illustrations, or photography projects, showcasing the candidate's ability to direct artists and manage creative output.

• Case studies detailing experience with production and logistics, including fabrication, prototyping, specifying, sourcing, contracting, and on-site installations.

• Visualizations of 2D and 3D environmental design concepts, illustrating spatial planning and integration of art into retail or public spaces.

• Evidence of strategic application of consumer insights and cultural trends to creative work. Process Documentation:

• Showcase examples of process mapping or documentation for art program development and execution, highlighting workflow design and optimization.

• Demonstrate experience in managing project lifecycles, including concept development, prototyping, contracting, installation, and post-installation review.

• Illustrate methods for budget tracking, contract management, and asset documentation within creative programs.

• Provide examples of how feedback loops and continuous improvement are integrated into the design and execution process.

📝 Enhancement Note: The explicit requirement for a portfolio, especially with a focus on "Art & Storytelling," necessitates candidates to showcase tangible examples of their work that align with the role's responsibilities, particularly in managing creative projects from inception to completion and demonstrating operational efficiency.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The estimated base salary range for this role in Seattle, WA is $121,600 to $198,400 USD per year. This range is based on industry benchmarks for similar roles in the Seattle area, considering the experience level (5-10 years) and the specific responsibilities outlined. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as candidate qualifications, experience, geographical location, and internal equity.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance.

• Basic and Supplemental Life Insurance.

• Short-term and Long-term Disability coverage.

• Paid Parental Leave and Family Expansion Reimbursement.

• Paid Vacation (accrual rates vary by location, with specific details for CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND, RI, and other states).

• Sick Time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked).

• Eight Paid Holidays and two Personal Days per year.

• 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match.

• Discounted Company Stock Program (S.I.P.) and Starbucks Equity Program (Bean Stock).

• Incentivized Emergency Savings and Financial Well-being Tools.

• 100% Upfront Tuition Coverage for a first-time Bachelor’s degree through Arizona State University's online program (Starbucks College Achievement Plan).

• Student Loan Management Resources and other educational opportunities.

• Backup Care and DACA Reimbursement.

Working Hours: Standard full-time hours are expected, with the role requiring 4 days per week in the office. This translates to approximately 40 hours per week, with potential for additional hours as project demands require.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is an estimate based on typical compensation for a Design Manager with 5-10 years of experience in a major metropolitan area like Seattle, and the extensive benefits package offered by Starbucks, which is a significant part of the total compensation. The hybrid work model with a specific office presence requirement is also detailed.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Food & Beverage / Retail / Coffeehouse Chain. Starbucks operates within a highly competitive global market, emphasizing brand experience, customer loyalty, and community engagement. Its industry position requires continuous innovation in store design, product offerings, and customer interaction to maintain its market leadership.

Company Size: Starbucks is a large, multinational corporation with tens of thousands of employees globally. This scale implies robust internal processes, significant resources, and opportunities for cross-functional collaboration across diverse departments and geographies.

Founded: Starbucks was founded in 1971. Its long history has allowed it to build a strong brand identity and a deep understanding of its customer base, fostering a culture that values tradition alongside innovation.

Team Structure:

• The role sits within the "Coffeehouse Concepts" team, specifically focusing on "Art & Storytelling." This suggests a specialized creative function that likely collaborates closely with broader design, store development, and marketing teams.

• The team likely comprises other design managers, creative directors, artists, and project managers who contribute to the overall store experience.

• Reporting structure is not explicitly detailed but would likely be within a broader Creative or Design leadership hierarchy, reporting to a Director or VP. Methodology:

• Data Analysis & Insights: The role requires leveraging consumer insights and industry trends to inform art strategy and creative execution. This involves analyzing market data, customer feedback, and design research.

• Workflow Planning & Optimization: Managing art programs from concept to rollout necessitates structured workflow planning, with a focus on efficiency, scalability, and risk mitigation. Process improvement is explicitly mentioned as a responsibility.

• Automation & Efficiency: While not a primary focus of this creative role, efficiency in project management, budgeting, and contracting is crucial, likely supported by internal systems and potentially some degree of automation in administrative tasks.

Company Website: https://www.starbucks.com/

📝 Enhancement Note: The company context highlights Starbucks' status as a global leader that values both its heritage and forward-thinking design. The "Art & Storytelling" team's integration into "Coffeehouse Concepts" suggests a strategic approach to brand experience that is deeply embedded in the physical store environment.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This position is a "Manager" level role, indicating a significant degree of autonomy and responsibility for leading specific programs and projects. It requires not only creative expertise but also strong leadership, project management, and stakeholder influence skills. It sits within the "Coffeehouse Concepts" domain, contributing directly to the physical brand experience.

Reporting Structure: While not explicitly stated, a Design Manager typically reports to a Director or Vice President of Design, Brand Experience, or a similar senior leadership role within the Creative or Store Development departments. This manager will, in turn, likely lead projects and collaborate with external artists and internal cross-functional partners.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the customer and partner experience within Starbucks coffeehouses by shaping the visual environment and brand narrative. Successful art and storytelling initiatives can enhance brand perception, drive customer engagement, foster a sense of place, and contribute to a positive work environment for partners. This role translates strategic brand objectives into tangible, experiential elements.

Growth Opportunities:

• Specialization & Leadership: Potential to deepen expertise in art curation, environmental design, and brand storytelling, potentially leading to senior management roles within the design or brand experience departments.

• Cross-functional Exposure: Opportunities to work extensively with teams in Design, Construction, Store Development, and Marketing, broadening understanding of the retail development lifecycle.

• Global Impact: Contributing to art programs that are rolled out globally offers significant visibility and the chance to influence the Starbucks brand experience on an international scale.

• Artist Development: Opportunities to mentor and develop relationships with a diverse range of artists, contributing to the broader art community.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role represents a significant step for a creative professional looking to blend artistic direction with large-scale project management and strategic brand development within a leading global brand. The growth path likely involves increasing scope of responsibility and leadership within the creative functions of Starbucks.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The role is designated as "Hybrid," requiring 4 days per week in the office. This indicates a structured work environment that values in-person collaboration and team interaction, while also offering some flexibility.

Office Location(s): The primary office location is Seattle, Washington, at 2401 Utah Ave S, Suite 800. This location likely serves as a hub for design, development, and corporate functions, offering access to a vibrant urban environment and collaborative workspaces.

Workspace Context:

• Collaborative Environment: The 4-day in-office requirement suggests an emphasis on team collaboration, brainstorming sessions, and in-person meetings with cross-functional partners and artists.

• Tools & Technology: Access to industry-standard design software (Adobe Creative Suite, Revit, SketchUp) and potentially advanced visualization tools will be available, supporting creative development and project execution.

• Team Interaction: The role involves close interaction with internal design teams, store development, construction, and external creative partners, fostering a dynamic and collaborative work atmosphere.

Work Schedule: The role is full-time, with a standard work week of approximately 40 hours. The hybrid model requires 4 days in the office, with the specific days likely determined by team needs and manager direction. This schedule allows for focused individual work and dedicated time for collaborative activities.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hybrid work model with a specified office presence emphasizes Starbucks' commitment to fostering a collaborative team culture while acknowledging the need for focused creative work. The Seattle location places the role within a significant corporate hub.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Screening: Review of resume and portfolio to assess qualifications, experience, and creative output against role requirements.

• Portfolio Presentation: Candidates will likely be asked to present their portfolio, detailing specific projects, their role, creative process, and the impact of their work. This will include showcasing art curation, environmental design, and project management examples.

• Behavioral & Situational Interviews: Questions will assess leadership, collaboration, problem-solving, and strategic thinking, with a focus on how candidates have handled past challenges and managed complex projects and stakeholders.

• Cross-functional Interviews: Interviews with team members from design, store development, and potentially other relevant departments to evaluate cultural fit and collaboration capabilities.

• Final Interview: Discussion with senior leadership to assess overall fit, strategic vision, and alignment with Starbucks' brand and values.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• Curate Strategically: Select projects that best showcase your experience in art curation, environmental design (2D/3D), project management, production, and artist direction. Prioritize work that demonstrates strategic thinking and brand alignment.

• Detail Your Role & Process: For each project, clearly articulate your specific contributions, the creative process followed, the tools used, and the challenges overcome. Explain the "why" behind your design decisions and artistic choices.

• Quantify Impact: Where possible, provide metrics or qualitative evidence of the impact of your work, such as customer engagement, brand perception, or operational efficiency improvements.

• Storytelling is Key: Frame your portfolio as a narrative, highlighting your journey and how your skills and experience have evolved. Connect your work back to the "Art & Storytelling" aspect of the role.

• Include Production & Logistics: Be prepared to walk through examples of your experience with fabrication, sourcing, contracting, and on-site installations, demonstrating your operational capabilities.

Challenge Preparation:

• Creative Concept Development: Be ready to discuss how you would approach developing art concepts for a new coffeehouse or a store refresh, considering brand guidelines, target audience, and operational constraints.

• Problem-Solving Scenarios: Prepare for questions about how you would manage a difficult artist relationship, a budget overrun, or a complex installation challenge.

• Stakeholder Management: Practice articulating how you would influence and collaborate with diverse stakeholders (e.g., construction, marketing, legal) to achieve project goals.

📝 Enhancement Note: The application process heavily emphasizes the portfolio, requiring candidates to demonstrate not just creative talent but also the operational rigor and strategic thinking needed to manage large-scale art programs within a corporate environment.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Adobe Creative Suite: Essential for visual design, layout, and image manipulation (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).

• Revit: Critical for architectural design, modeling, and integration of design elements within building information modeling (BIM) workflows.

• SketchUp: Useful for 3D modeling, conceptualization, and visualization of spatial designs and art installations.

• Microsoft Office Suite: Standard for document creation, presentations, and project management (e.g., Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not explicitly a data analytics role, understanding how to track project budgets, timelines, and potentially the impact of art installations (e.g., through customer feedback, foot traffic data, or brand perception surveys) would be beneficial.

• Tools for project management and reporting, such as Asana, Trello, or proprietary Starbucks systems, would likely be utilized. CRM & Automation:

• CRM systems may be used for managing relationships with artists and vendors.

• Automation tools might be employed for contract management, invoicing, or project tracking to enhance operational efficiency.

📝 Enhancement Note: Proficiency in industry-standard design software, particularly Revit and SketchUp for environmental design, alongside Adobe Creative Suite, is a core technical requirement. The ability to use project management and reporting tools efficiently is also crucial for operational success.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Creativity & Innovation: A strong emphasis on pushing creative boundaries, exploring new artistic expressions, and bringing fresh ideas to the Starbucks brand experience.

• Customer & Partner Focus: Designing art and storytelling elements that resonate with customers and create an inspiring and welcoming environment for partners.

• Sustainability & Inclusion: Championing environmentally conscious design choices and ensuring that art programs are inclusive and representative of diverse perspectives.

• Excellence & Quality: A commitment to delivering high-quality creative work and flawlessly executed projects that uphold Starbucks' brand standards.

• Collaboration & Service: Working effectively with a wide range of internal and external partners, embodying the Starbucks service-oriented culture.

Collaboration Style:

• Cross-functional Integration: Expect a highly collaborative environment where close partnerships with Design, Construction, Store Development, and external artists are essential for successful project outcomes.

• Feedback & Iteration: A culture that encourages constructive feedback and iterative development processes to refine creative concepts and ensure alignment with project goals.

• Knowledge Sharing: A proactive approach to sharing insights, best practices, and learnings across teams to foster continuous improvement in art program development and execution.

📝 Enhancement Note: The team culture is likely to be a blend of creative passion and rigorous execution, reflecting Starbucks' commitment to both brand storytelling and operational excellence. Values around inclusion, sustainability, and collaboration are central to the company's ethos.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Balancing Creative Vision with Operational Constraints: Navigating the complexities of large-scale retail design, including budget limitations, construction timelines, and brand standards, while maintaining artistic integrity.

• Managing Diverse Stakeholders: Effectively aligning the vision and expectations of various internal departments (e.g., legal, marketing, operations) and external artists, fabricators, and vendors.

• Global Scalability: Developing art concepts and programs that can be successfully adapted and implemented across a diverse range of global coffeehouse locations, considering cultural nuances and local regulations.

• Staying Ahead of Trends: Continuously researching and integrating emerging art, design, and cultural trends into Starbucks' visual identity without compromising brand consistency.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Art & Design Specialization: Deepen expertise in areas like public art, environmental graphics, digital art installations, and specific artistic mediums.

• Brand Strategy & Development: Gain insights into Starbucks' broader brand strategy, store format development, and the role of physical spaces in customer experience.

• Project & Program Management: Enhance skills in managing complex, multi-faceted projects and programs on a global scale, including advanced negotiation and risk management.

• Artist Relationship Management: Develop expertise in cultivating and managing relationships with a wide array of artists, fostering long-term creative partnerships.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role presents opportunities to tackle complex challenges at the intersection of creativity and large-scale operations, with significant potential for professional growth in brand development and creative program leadership.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "How would you approach developing an art strategy for a coffeehouse refresh initiative, considering both brand storytelling and operational efficiencies?"

• "Describe a time you had to balance conflicting stakeholder demands on a creative project. How did you manage it, and what was the outcome?"

• "Imagine we are launching a new coffeehouse concept in a culturally diverse market. What steps would you take to ensure the art program is relevant and inclusive?"

• "How do you stay informed about emerging art trends and integrate them into a well-established brand like Starbucks?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What excites you about Starbucks' brand and its approach to art and storytelling?"

• "How do you see your role contributing to the overall Starbucks partner and customer experience?"

• "Describe your ideal collaborative environment and how you build strong relationships with cross-functional teams and external partners."

• "How do you approach sustainability and inclusion in your design and curation work?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Structure: Begin with an overview of your career journey and how it aligns with this role. Then, present 3-4 key projects that best exemplify your skills in art curation, environmental design, project management, and production.

• Content: For each project, clearly define the objective, your role, the creative process, key challenges, solutions, and the final outcome/impact. Use high-quality visuals and concise narratives.

• Demonstrate Process: Be prepared to discuss the specifics of your production and logistics experience, including artist commissioning, fabrication, and installation management.

• Brand Alignment: Explicitly connect your work to Starbucks' brand values and the "Art & Storytelling" focus of the role. Show how your past projects demonstrate an understanding of creating meaningful experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating a strong understanding of both creative strategy and operational execution, backed by specific examples from your portfolio that highlight your ability to manage complex art programs within a corporate retail setting.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Art & Storytelling Design Manager position:

• Submit your application through the provided link on the Starbucks Careers portal.

• Curate your portfolio to prominently feature projects demonstrating art curation, environmental design (2D/3D), and successful artist collaborations. Ensure it highlights your production, logistics, and project management capabilities.

• Tailor your resume to emphasize your 5+ years of experience in the required areas, using keywords from the job description such as "art curation," "environmental design," "project management," "fabrication," and "stakeholder influence." Quantify your achievements where possible.

• Prepare a compelling portfolio presentation that clearly articulates your role, process, and impact for each selected project, focusing on how your work aligns with Starbucks' brand and the "Art & Storytelling" mandate.

• Research Starbucks' brand values, recent store designs, and any public art initiatives to demonstrate your understanding of their aesthetic and strategic direction for in-store experiences.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.