Associate Manager, Design - Creative Studio

About the Role

Starbucks is seeking an Associate Manager, Design for its Global Creative Studio. In this role, you’ll help shape design work that supports seasonal in-store menus, lobby experiences, and a variety of brand-led projects including gift cards, coffee packaging, and digital owned-channel content. The position calls for a collaborative, team-oriented designer who can turn trends and brand insights into fresh creative outcomes.

What You’ll Do

• Create strong design concepts and solutions that stay aligned with brand standards across a wide range of projects, with special emphasis on seasonal in-store creative.
• Partner with project leads and teammates to develop polished creative presentations.
• Showcase work to internal stakeholders and explain the strategic thinking and creative direction behind it.
• Review feedback and refine work thoughtfully while staying adaptable throughout the process.

What We’re Looking For

• Good command of core design principles such as color theory, composition, layout, and typography.
• Ability to prepare basic graphics files for digital, social, media, packaging, or print use.
• Strong sense of current trends, culture, visual taste, and attention to detail.
• A portfolio that demonstrates a range of creative work and capabilities.
• Comfort and confidence in presenting creative ideas.
• Clear communication skills and a collaborative working style.
• Strong organization, time management, and multitasking abilities, with the discipline to meet deadlines.
• Advanced proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite, along with working knowledge of Mac tools, Procreate, and Figma.
• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts, Visual Design, Visual Communication, Graphic Design, or a related creative certification.
• At least 1 year of experience in a creative agency, internal creative team, or similar setting.

Benefits and Additional Information

Starbucks offers a broad benefits package for eligible partners, which may include medical, dental, and vision coverage; basic and supplemental life insurance; voluntary insurance options; short- and long-term disability; paid parental leave; family expansion reimbursement; vacation from the date of hire; sick time accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked; eight paid holidays; and two personal days each year. Eligible partners may also participate in a 401(k) plan with company match, discounted company stock through S.I.P., Bean Stock equity, emergency savings support, and financial wellness tools.

Additional support may include 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 support resources, backup care, and DACA reimbursement. Leave benefits are provided in accordance with applicable state and local laws and the company’s policies, and benefits may vary where collective bargaining applies.

Vacation accrual details: in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND, or RI, vacation accrues up to 120 hours annually for roles below director and up to 200 hours annually for director-level roles and above; in other states, vacation starts at 120 hours per year for roles below director and 200 hours per year for director-level roles and above.

This role is based onsite four days per week. Starbucks is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without discrimination. Candidates with criminal histories will be reviewed in line with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Reasonable accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities; assistance can be requested by contacting the company’s accommodation support resources.

Compensation Note

The final base pay will depend on several factors, including job-related skills, experience, location, and internal equity. Starbucks does not typically hire at the top of the range for a role, and compensation decisions are made based on the specific details of each candidate and position.