At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform People Services for thousands of team members at Costa Coffee.
- Company: Join Costa Coffee, a global brand reimagining coffee experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive perks like share ownership, bonuses, and discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with exciting career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of people services while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in People Operations with a focus on innovation.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
At Costa Coffee, we are what we craft. We’re reimagining coffee experiences in over 50 countries and counting, as a key part of the Coca-Cola System. Join us to shape the future of and lead our People Services function, transforming the experience for thousands of team members through exceptional service, digital innovation and operational excellence.
Overseeing Payroll, People Systems, People Operations and Employee Relations, you'll create a seamless, modern and scalable people experience that supports our ambitious growth plans. Our teams make a difference. Whether that’s working on new tech for the perfect pour, helping our teams grow, creating award-winning campaigns, crunching the numbers, or developing the latest exciting menu item; together, we stir up success.
We may be a global brand, but we haven’t forgotten our roots. That’s where the Costa Foundation and our fantastic community agenda come in. Whatever your role, you can help us change lives in coffee growing communities and help your local community too. We also want to help you grow in your career through amazing experiences, our apprenticeship scheme, and development programmes. At Costa, you can go beyond the day-to-day.
We didn’t become a global coffee brand by sitting back. When you work here, you join a community that values passion, progression and integrity, with some pretty brilliant perks to sweeten the deal:
- Own a piece of Costa’s success by becoming a share owner in Coca-Cola with our Share Investment Plan (SIP)
- An annual discretionary bonus scheme, based on business results and individual contribution.
- A smart pension that saves you money on tax and national insurance, and matches your contributions up to 10%
- The Costa Financial Support Fund, supporting team members who find themselves in unexpected financial pressure
- 50% discount in all Costa-owned stores, and 25% off in other participating stores
- Private medical cover thanks to our Private Healthcare scheme
We’re passionate about being a great place to work, where you can bring your unique self into our mix. We firmly support diversity, equity and inclusion, and continue to work with our teams to shape the future of our culture and values: Disciplined to Deliver, Passion for Progress, Win with Warmth, Courage to Challenge and Trusted Team Players.
What you’ll do: In this role, you'll lead a function that helps our business perform at its best. Working across markets and teams, you'll drive consistency, efficiency and great people experiences. This means you'll:
- Shape and deliver Costa’s long-term People Services strategy, supporting both business performance and team member experience.
- Lead Payroll, People Systems, People Operations and Employee Relations to deliver a best-in-class, consumer-grade service.
- Harness data, technology and AI to improve decision-making, streamline processes and unlock greater operational efficiency.
- Foster a culture of innovation, continuous improvement and external best practice to modernise People Operations.
- Ensure outstanding service delivery, governance and compliance, creating trusted, scalable and future-ready people services.
Who you are: We're looking for someone who combines strategic thinking, strong leadership and a passion for delivering great people experiences. You'll bring:
- Significant leadership experience in People Operations, Shared Services or a comparable operational environment, with experience delivering transformation and continuous improvement.
- Strong customer and team member focus, using data, insight and technology to create exceptional service experiences and drive operational excellence.
- A commercial mindset, skilled at influencing senior stakeholders, embracing innovation and leading teams through complex transformation.
Where you’ll work: Right now, our Support Centre teams work flexibly, blending home working with in-person time whenever it matters most – whether that’s a team moment, a creative session, or simply coming together to share ideas. We’re excited to be moving into a new home for our brand in St Albans in January 2027 – an inspiring space from which our Support Centre teams will work three days a week to connect and collaborate in-person to bring our bold ambition to life.
Director of People Services employer: Costa Coffee
At Costa Coffee, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where team leaders can thrive. With competitive pay, flexible shifts, and a commitment to employee growth through training and support, we ensure that our Barista Maestros not only lead with confidence but also enjoy a fulfilling career. Join us in crafting great coffee while making a positive impact in our communities through the Costa Foundation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of People Services
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Costa Coffee!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Costa Coffee.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of People Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Costa Coffee. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Costa Coffee and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Costa Coffee. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Costa Coffee's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Coffee
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Costa Coffee.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Costa Coffee will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Costa Coffee and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
