At a Glance
- Tasks: Join the Operations Innovation team to redesign workflows and improve processes in our bars.
- Company: Exciting opportunity within a dynamic and innovative company.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, collaborate with teams, and make a real impact.
- Other info: Perfect for those who thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Shape the future of our operations while working closely with baristas and managers.
- Qualifications: Curiosity, attention to detail, and a passion for improving processes.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Add a Spark to the Ordinary… We're excited to open up an internal secondment opportunity within Operations Innovation! If you're curious about how Blank Street operates behind the scenes, enjoy finding better ways of doing things, and are interested in shaping the future of how our bars run, this could be a fantastic opportunity. You'll work closely with the Operations Innovation team to test new ideas, improve processes, and help bring innovative solutions to life, making a real impact across the business. Your primary focus will be supporting the redesign of our Hot, Cold and Handoff sections and the back‑of‑house space, alongside broader workflow projects. You will also flex into ad‑hoc innovation projects as the calendar demands. This isn’t a desk job – you’ll spend real time in stores, with baristas and area managers, testing what works and iterating on what doesn’t. This is a Special Projects role where your time will be split between specials projects and stores.
What You’ll Own
- Bar & Workflow Design (Primary Project)
- Support the design and prototyping of the new Hot, Cold and Handoff sections, translating concepts into testable layouts, station setups, and workflow sequences for both the UK and US markets.
- Map current‑state workflows in detail (movements, touch points, dwell times) to identify friction and quantify the impact of proposed changes.
- Build and iterate on physical mock‑ups, floor plans, and in‑store pilots to validate designs before full rollout.
- Capture learnings from each iteration in a clear, shareable format, what worked, what didn’t, and why.
- Back of House Space Design (Primary Project)
- Redesign back‑of‑house storage, prep, and flow, optimising for ergonomics, restock cadence, and barista cognitive load.
- Audit existing BOH setups across stores to identify common pain points and standardisation opportunities.
- Develop BOH layout templates and storage standards that scale across new and existing stores.
- Liaise with Supply Chain, Equipment, and Store Design to ensure designs are practical, available and suitable for both UK and US markets.
- Process Improvement Support
- Assist in evaluating current front‑of‑house, back‑of‑house, and bar operations to surface inefficiencies.
- Help track operational metrics before, during, and after pilots, building a clear, data‑backed picture of impact.
- Contribute ideas to reduce waste, optimise resource use, and improve guest experience.
- Maintain the team’s knowledge base of innovation learnings, designs, and tested concepts.
- Project Coordination & Implementation
- Support the rollout of new processes and bar designs, building timelines, tracking actions, and keeping stakeholders aligned.
- Help create launch packs: SOPs, training materials, equipment specs, and workflow guides.
- Coordinate pilots in‑store, including scheduling, communications with field teams, and on‑site support during go‑live.
- Stress‑test rollouts before they hit stores by being the first to walk through them.
- Stakeholder Engagement & Ad‑hoc Projects
- Work cross‑functionally with Ops, Product, Supply Chain, People, and Digital to keep projects moving.
- Be a clear, reliable voice between HQ and the field, surfacing field feedback honestly and translating HQ intent simply.
- Take ownership of ad‑hoc innovation projects as they emerge, scoping them, running them, and reporting back.
Who We’re Looking For
- Curious & Hands‑On
- Detail‑Oriented: You notice the things others miss, the awkward reach, the duplicated step, the badly placed shelf.
- Systems Thinking: You can see how a change in one area ripples to another, and you’re hungry to develop this further.
- Operationally Grounded
- Data Comfortable: You’re confident in spreadsheets, can run a basic analysis, and use numbers to back up (or kill) an idea.
- Human‑Centric: You design with the barista in mind, their hands, their eyes, their cognitive load.
- Collaborative & Resilient
- Change‑Comfortable: Plans shift, pilots fail, priorities move. You stay productive when things are messy.
Special Projects Secondment | Internal in London employer: Blank Street
At Blank Street, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and innovative work culture that empowers employees to make a tangible impact. This Special Projects Secondment role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate closely with our Operations Innovation team, allowing you to engage directly with baristas and area managers while driving meaningful change in our stores. With a focus on employee growth and hands-on experience, you'll be part of a forward-thinking environment that values creativity and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Special Projects Secondment | Internal in London
✨Get in on Innovation Events
Keep an eye out for innovation conferences or R&D events happening in your area. Places like Hackathons, Maker Faires, or local innovation hubs are perfect opportunities to meet industry leaders and demonstrate your passion for innovation. We can tap into these events to showcase our skills, network, and even land that placement!
✨Join Innovation and R&D Communities
Get yourself into the online communities dedicated to innovation and R&D management, like those on LinkedIn or industry-specific forums. Engage in conversations, share insights, and maybe even contribute to discussions about the latest trends. When employers see you involved in these spaces, you’ll stand out for all the right reasons!
✨Leverage University Career Services
As a placement seeker, don't forget about your university’s career services. They often have connections with companies looking for fresh talent, especially in innovation and R&D. Book a meeting with a career advisor to discuss your goals and seek out any opportunities they might have in their network.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
We know that applying through our website is a smart move! Many companies prefer candidates who show initiative by applying directly instead of just going through third-party sites. So, check out the careers page of companies like Blank Street. Not only does it show your enthusiasm, but you’ll also get to learn more about their innovation focus and projects!
We think you need these skills to ace Special Projects Secondment | Internal in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Creative Projects:In innovation and R&D, showcasing your creative flair is essential. Mention any projects or initiatives you've been involved in that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and innovative thinking. This could be a university project or any personal initiative related to innovation.
Tailor Your CV to R&D Skills:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills relevant to R&D management. Include any experience with research methodologies, project management tools, or technical skills that give this role a boost. Don't forget to mention any coursework or training in innovation management that could set you apart.
Show Your Passion for Innovation:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for innovation shine through. Talk about why you're interested in working in this space and how you plan to contribute to Blank Street during your placement. Discuss your eagerness to learn and how you want to grow your skills in R&D management.
Provide Relevant Work Samples:If you've got examples of your work, like reports, presentations, or prototypes, definitely include these in your application. For an R&D management placement, seeing your ability to articulate ideas and solutions can make a real difference. It showcases your ability to take concepts from thought to execution!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blank Street
✨Show Off Your Creativity
In innovation R&D management, showcasing your creative thinking is key. Prepare examples of past projects where you've brainstormed unique solutions or developed innovative strategies. This will demonstrate your ability to think outside the box, which is exactly what companies like Blank Street are looking for in a placement candidate.
✨Know Your Tools
Familiarise yourself with the latest tools and methodologies commonly used in the innovation sector, such as Agile and Design Thinking. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these in academic projects or work experience. This shows you're not just book-smart, but also savvy with practical applications relevant to Blank Street.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Learning
As a placement student, you're not expected to know everything! Instead, focus on your eagerness to learn and adapt. Share instances where you've quickly picked up new skills or tackled challenging projects during your studies. This will resonate well with Blank Street, as they’ll value your long-term growth potential.
✨Bring Your Portfolio
If you’ve worked on innovation-related projects, prepare a digital portfolio to showcase your work. Whether it’s prototypes, research, or presentations, having visual evidence of your contributions can really help to sell your ideas during the interview. Make sure it's well-organised and reflects your skills as you present it to the team at Blank Street.
