Strategic Programme Manager in England
Strategic Programme Manager

Strategic Programme Manager in England

England Full-Time 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Costa Coffee

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead strategic projects that shape Costa's future and drive real business impact.
  • Company: Join Costa Coffee, a global leader in coffee experiences, part of the Coca-Cola family.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, share ownership, bonuses, and a 50% discount at Costa stores.
  • Other info: Hybrid role based in London with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Make a difference in a dynamic environment while collaborating with passionate teams.
  • Qualifications: Degree-level education or equivalent experience in managing complex projects.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 ÂŁ per year.

At Costa Coffee, we’re on a mission to reimagine coffee experiences across the globe. From bustling cities to local communities, we’re creating meaningful coffee moments, powered by innovation and driven by purpose. Our teams truly make a difference. Whether it’s pioneering new tech for the perfect pour, launching award‑winning campaigns, developing exciting new menu items, or supporting our people to grow — together, we stir up success.

What you’ll do

  • Shape Costa’s Strategic Future: Turn big‑picture goals into clear, actionable project/programme roadmaps that deliver real business impact.
  • Own High‑Impact Programmes: Lead end‑to‑end delivery of multiple strategic projects, keeping them on track, on budget, and achieving their objectives.
  • Stay Ahead of Risks: Anticipate and manage programme‑level risks, issues, and dependencies to ensure smooth, confident delivery.
  • Drive Governance with Clarity: Lead reporting, SteerCo meetings, and decision‑making with transparency and insight, keeping everyone aligned.
  • Collaborate and Inspire Change: Partner with stakeholders, teams, and suppliers to champion adoption, embed new ways of working, and maximise benefits across the business.

Who you are

  • Proven Programme Delivery Expertise: Degree‑level education or equivalent project management qualification, with strong experience managing complex projects and programmes, including risk mitigation.
  • Strategic and Commercial Awareness: Experience in strategy development, understanding commercial impacts, and using insights from multiple data sources to inform decision‑making.
  • Strong Analytical and Planning Skills: Advanced Excel, excellent project planning, and analytical rigour to collate, interpret, and act on detailed information.
  • Exceptional Communication Abilities: Skilled in report writing, presentations, and organisational communications, able to engage and influence senior stakeholders with credibility.
  • Interpersonal and Collaborative Mindset: Proven ability to build trusted relationships across all levels, while constructively challenging stakeholders to ensure prioritisation, commercial rigor, and the successful delivery of projects.

So, why Costa?

  • 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.

Location – Hybrid – London – required to attend our London office 3 times a week. We believe in living life with heart — and that starts with our people. By showing up as our authentic selves, we create a culture where everyone belongs. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to building an equitable and inclusive environment—one that embraces the unique blend of experiences, identities, and perspectives each person brings. This rich diversity strengthens our teams and reflects the spirit of our global brand. Grounded in our core values—Passion for Progress, Win with Warmth, Courage to Challenge, and Trusted Team Players—we strive to make a meaningful impact in everything we do. From empowering communities through the Costa Foundation to supporting local initiatives, we’re committed to changing lives in coffee‑growing regions and right here at home.

Seniority level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Strategy/Planning and Project Management

Strategic Programme Manager in England employer: Costa Coffee

At Costa Coffee, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of innovation and inclusivity. Our hybrid London location offers employees the chance to collaborate in a vibrant environment while enjoying benefits such as a share investment plan, generous discounts, and private medical cover. We are committed to supporting your growth through meaningful work and a strong focus on community impact, making every moment at Costa a rewarding experience.
Costa Coffee

Contact Detail:

Costa Coffee Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Programme Manager in England

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Costa Coffee on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just lead to a referral, which can double your chances of landing that interview.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching Costa's recent projects and initiatives. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about the company’s mission to reimagine coffee experiences. Bring that enthusiasm to the table!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your STAR technique for answering behavioural questions. We want to hear about your past experiences in managing complex projects and how you tackled challenges. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills!

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email reiterating your excitement about the role can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Costa family.

We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Programme Manager in England

Programme Delivery Expertise
Project Management
Risk Mitigation
Strategic Development
Commercial Awareness
Data Analysis
Advanced Excel
Project Planning
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Report Writing
Presentation Skills
Interpersonal Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Collaboration

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Strategic Programme Manager role. Highlight your project management expertise and any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-impact programmes.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about coffee and how your strategic mindset can shape Costa’s future. Be sure to mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your analytical and planning skills.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since exceptional communication is key for this role, ensure your application materials are clear and engaging. Use concise language and structure your documents well to make it easy for us to see your strengths.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure your application gets to the right people and you can easily keep track of your application status. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Coffee

✨Know Your Strategic Impact

Before the interview, dive deep into Costa Coffee's mission and values. Understand how your experience aligns with their goal of reimagining coffee experiences. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've turned strategic goals into actionable plans in your previous roles.

✨Showcase Your Programme Management Skills

Prepare to talk about your experience managing complex projects. Highlight your ability to keep projects on track and within budget. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, focusing on how you’ve successfully navigated risks and ensured smooth delivery.

✨Communicate with Clarity

Exceptional communication is key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare a few examples of reports or presentations you've created that influenced decision-making, and be ready to discuss how you engage and influence stakeholders at all levels.

✨Emphasise Collaboration and Relationship Building

Costa values interpersonal skills and collaboration. Think of instances where you've built trusted relationships with stakeholders or led teams through change. Be prepared to discuss how you challenge ideas constructively while ensuring everyone is aligned towards common goals.

Strategic Programme Manager in England
Costa Coffee
Location: England

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