At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative packaging and merchandising projects that make a real impact.
- Company: Join Costa Coffee, a brand committed to sustainability and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, share ownership, discounts, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a vibrant new office space coming in 2027.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team shaping the future of packaging in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in packaging development and strong knowledge of food safety standards.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
What you'll do
Being a Technical Packaging and Merchandise Manager is about so much more than bringing our coffee to the world. It's your chance to stir up real success - which means you'll be:
- Lead the delivery of packaging, merchandise and gifting projects (NPD & EPD), ensuring products are compliant, food safe, sustainable and aligned to brand standards.
- Develop and embed global packaging processes, technical standards and testing protocols to ensure consistency, quality and operational performance.
- Own specification management and regulatory compliance across all regions, maintaining approvals and staying ahead of emerging packaging legislation.
- Manage supplier assurance, including auditing, risk management and ensuring consistent delivery against agreed specifications throughout the product lifecycle.
- Partner cross-functionally (e.g. Sustainability, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain) to design innovative, fit-for-purpose packaging that enhances customer experience and drives growth.
Who you are
- Strong knowledge of global packaging regulations, food safety standards and sustainability requirements, with experience across materials such as plastics and paper-based packaging.
- Proven experience in end-to-end packaging development within FMCG, from concept through to launch, including project delivery and process improvement.
- Ability to develop and embed technical standards, processes and quality systems (e.g. BRC, ISO, HACCP) within a global organisation.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work cross-functionally and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Self-starter with a structured, agile approach - able to manage complexity, adapt to changing priorities and drive results in a fast-paced environment.
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.
Benefits
- 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 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.
Global Packaging & Merchandising Manager — NPD/EPD employer: Costa Coffee
As a Global Packaging & Merchandising Manager at Costa, you'll be part of a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration, working in a flexible environment that blends home and office life. With exciting growth opportunities, competitive benefits including share ownership in Coca-Cola, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Costa is dedicated to fostering a supportive culture where your contributions truly matter. Join us in our new St Albans Support Centre in 2027, where creativity and teamwork will drive our bold ambitions forward.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Packaging & Merchandising Manager — NPD/EPD
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their packaging processes and sustainability goals. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in areas like compliance and project delivery. A confident and clear presentation of your skills can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Global Packaging & Merchandising Manager — NPD/EPD
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Global Packaging & Merchandising Manager role. Highlight your experience with packaging regulations and project delivery, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; give us examples of how you've used them in past roles. Whether it’s managing supplier assurance or developing technical standards, we want to see how you’ve made an impact in your previous positions.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it's relevant. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure your application reaches us quickly and efficiently, and you can easily track its progress!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Coffee
✨Know Your Packaging Regulations
Make sure you brush up on global packaging regulations and food safety standards before the interview. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you understand the complexities of the role and are ready to tackle compliance issues head-on.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of your experience in end-to-end packaging development within FMCG. Highlight specific projects where you led the delivery from concept to launch, focusing on how you managed timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of instances where you've partnered with different teams, like Sustainability or Marketing, to create innovative packaging solutions. Be ready to discuss how you influenced stakeholders and navigated challenges to achieve a common goal.
✨Emphasise Your Adaptability
In a fast-paced environment, being a self-starter is crucial. Prepare to share examples of how you've adapted to changing priorities and managed complexity in previous roles. This will illustrate your agility and readiness to drive results under pressure.
