At a Glance
- Tasks: Create and manage global design standards for Costa Coffee's brand experience.
- Company: Join Costa Coffee, a leader in reimagining coffee experiences worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, bonuses, pension matching, and generous discounts.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of coffee design while influencing markets globally.
- Qualifications: Expertise in F&B or retail design with strong problem-solving skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
At Costa Coffee, we’re on a mission to reimagine coffee experiences worldwide and you will help shape how our brand comes to life across all markets. In this role you will own and embed the global design standards, frameworks and toolkits that ensure every new format and proposition is inspiring, executable at scale and aligned with our commercial strategy.
What you’ll do
- Develop global design standards: Own the creation and governance of Costa’s global design standards, playbooks and store toolkits, ensuring clear, consistent and scalable guidance across all markets.
- Translate design into delivery: Turn creative concepts into practical, buildable solutions by partnering with design, property and construction teams, reviewing technical outputs and signing off prototypes that support quality delivery.
- Balance global consistency with local relevance: Collaborate with regional teams and partners to adapt standards for local regulations, cultural nuances and market needs while maintaining strong brand guardrails.
- Drive design governance: Establish design review processes, approval frameworks and compliance checks to support efficient, high‑quality delivery.
- Support cost efficiency and value engineering: Work with procurement, construction and delivery teams to optimise materials, specifications and costs, ensuring durable, commercially viable designs aligned to brand standards.
- Sign off specifications and standards: Collaborate with procurement and regional teams to sign off prototypes and specifications in line with local regulations and market needs.
Who you are
- Deep technical and commercial expertise: Strong knowledge of F&B, hospitality or retail store design, including technical drawings, construction details, material specifications, and cost structures with a solid understanding of CAPEX, FF&E and value engineering principles.
- Strategic thinker with strong delivery focus: Able to translate design vision and propositions into clear, practical standards and toolkits that are commercially viable and operationally effective.
- Global mindset and stakeholder influence: Proven ability to work across multiple markets, influencing and aligning diverse cross‑functional teams and external partners.
- Strong governance and problem‑solving skills: Experienced in establishing design governance, navigating global and regional guidelines and compliance while balancing brand, cost, operations and customer expectations.
- Proven track record in design standards and rollout: Demonstrated success in creating and managing global design standards or playbooks, ideally within multi‑site equity or franchise environments, with exposure to end‑to‑end delivery and cost optimisation.
- Specification specialist: Strong knowledge of build materials and their performance across regions, with exceptional attention to detail when reviewing prototypes, samples and specifications based on global standards.
Benefits
- Hybrid working – 3 days per week at Loudwater Innovation Centre.
- Annual discretionary bonus scheme based on business results and individual contribution.
- Smart pension with up to 10% employer match.
- Costa Financial Support Fund for unexpected financial pressure.
- Discounts: 50% off in all Costa‑owned stores, 25% off in participating stores.
- Private medical cover through our Private Healthcare scheme.
Location
Hybrid – based at Loudwater Innovation Centre, with the option to work remotely at other times.
Proposition and Design Standardisation Manager in High Wycombe employer: Costa Coffee
At Costa Coffee, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration. Our Loudwater Innovation Centre provides a hybrid working environment, allowing you to balance your professional and personal life while enjoying generous benefits such as a smart pension scheme, private medical cover, and substantial discounts at our stores. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we empower our team members to shape the future of coffee experiences globally, making this an exciting and rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Proposition and Design Standardisation Manager in High Wycombe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Costa Coffee or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your design standards and projects you've worked on. When you apply through our website, make sure to include this so we can see your expertise in action.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by understanding Costa's brand and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission to reimagine coffee experiences. We love candidates who are passionate and knowledgeable!
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps keep you on our radar as we make decisions.
We think you need these skills to ace Proposition and Design Standardisation Manager in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Design:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for design shine through! We want to see how much you care about creating inspiring coffee experiences and how you can bring that passion to our global standards.
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in F&B, hospitality, or retail store design. We love details, so share examples of how you've developed design standards or managed projects that align with commercial strategies.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Proposition and Design Standardisation Manager role. Show us how your skills match what we're looking for!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining the Costa Coffee team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Coffee
✨Know Your Design Standards
Before the interview, dive deep into Costa Coffee's design standards and frameworks. Familiarise yourself with their global approach and think about how you can contribute to maintaining consistency while adapting to local markets.
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
Be ready to discuss your knowledge of F&B, hospitality, or retail store design. Prepare examples of past projects where you've successfully translated design concepts into practical solutions, highlighting your understanding of technical drawings and material specifications.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can align design vision with commercial viability. During the interview, share specific instances where you've developed toolkits or standards that have driven efficiency and effectiveness in previous roles.
✨Highlight Your Collaborative Skills
Since this role involves working with diverse teams, be prepared to discuss how you've influenced cross-functional teams in the past. Share examples of how you've navigated different stakeholder needs while ensuring brand integrity and compliance.
