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- Tasks: Shape Costa's future by defining and delivering a strategic location plan for growth.
- Company: Join Costa, a leading coffee brand with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, share ownership, bonuses, and discounts at Costa stores.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Costa's estate and drive commercial success.
- Qualifications: Experience in retail strategy and strong data analysis skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
This is a pivotal moment for Costa's UK&I estate. We’re accelerating growth and this hire will sit at the very heart of those decisions, shaping where we invest. The role sits within a fantastic Property team, responsible for delivering a compelling location strategy that fuels commercial growth and ensures we have the right stores in the right places at the right time. If you’re motivated by turning insight into impact and influencing the future of our estate, this is your opportunity to make a real difference.
What you’ll do:
- Defining and delivering the 3+ year UK&I Network Strategy.
- Creating a clear, prioritised plan for new stores, relocations, refreshes and closures, ensuring the right investment decisions by region.
- Leading data‑led site and location planning.
- Owning the evaluation of new stores and relocations, building robust business cases and clear forecasts to support senior decision‑making.
- Building and prioritising the growth pipeline.
- Identifying target locations across equity, franchise and partnerships, aligned to long‑range sales and PBIT goals.
- Optimising portfolio performance.
- Monitoring market potential, cannibalisation and competitor activity, ensuring capital is deployed into the right formats and locations.
- Enabling delivery through strong internal and external stakeholder leadership.
- Partnering with regional teams, franchisees and global markets to turn strategy into action and measurable results.
- Managing our external Location Planning team.
- Growing the team to include a location planning analyst which will report into this role.
Who you are:
- Extensive experience in retail network strategy and location planning within large, multi‑site businesses, with strong knowledge of estate and property acquisition processes.
- Commercially sharp and insight‑led, translating complex data into clear actions with a track record of optimising portfolios to drive performance and growth.
- Thrives in fast‑paced environments, comfortable navigating complexity and delivering results through partnership and accountability.
- Influential and collaborative, with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills, able to operate confidently within a matrix and influence at senior level.
- Strategic, curious and market‑aware, bringing drive, tenacity and a deep understanding of market dynamics and competitor landscapes.
- People leadership experience would be advantageous.
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 - Where you’ll work:
Hybrid, 3 days per week in our Loudwater Innovation Centre. 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 returning to the Loudwater office in January 2027.
Location Planning and Strategy Manager employer: Costa Coffee
Contact Detail:
Costa Coffee Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Location Planning and Strategy Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Costa. A friendly chat can open doors you didn’t even know existed!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by knowing your stuff! Research Costa’s recent projects and their location strategy. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who’s genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or use online resources to refine your answers. Focus on articulating how your skills in data-led planning and stakeholder management can contribute to Costa’s growth strategy.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team. Let’s get you that Location Planning and Strategy Manager role!
We think you need these skills to ace Location Planning and Strategy Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Location Planning and Strategy Manager role. Highlight your experience in retail network strategy and location planning, and show us how your skills align with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Data Skills: Since this role involves a lot of data-led decision making, don’t forget to include examples of how you've used data to drive results in previous roles. We want to see how you can turn insights into impactful actions!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your achievements and experiences, so we can easily see how you fit into our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Costa!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Coffee
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Location Planning and Strategy Manager, you'll need to be data-savvy. Brush up on key metrics related to retail network strategy, such as market potential and competitor analysis. Be ready to discuss how you've used data to make impactful decisions in your previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
Prepare to articulate your vision for a 3+ year network strategy. Think about how you would prioritise new store locations and what factors you would consider. This is your chance to demonstrate your strategic thinking and how it aligns with Costa's growth ambitions.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires strong collaboration with various teams. Come prepared with examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional projects or influenced senior stakeholders. Highlight your negotiation skills and how you've navigated complex environments in the past.
✨Be Curious About the Market
Show your enthusiasm for the retail landscape by discussing current trends and competitor activities. Prepare insightful questions about Costa's market position and future plans. This will not only show your interest but also your understanding of the dynamics at play in the industry.