At a Glance
- Tasks: Run daily lab operations and conduct coffee testing to ensure quality.
- Company: Join Costa Coffee, a global brand reimagining coffee experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 50% store discount, private medical cover, and a share investment plan.
- Other info: Dynamic workplace with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team making a real impact in coffee innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong coffee knowledge and experience in a lab or production environment.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € 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. Whether you get your coffee in a store, from a machine, at home, or on the go – we’ve got you covered.
The Coffee Laboratory Technician is accountable for the day-to-day running of the operations and research activities at our Basildon laboratory, ensuring that all coffee testing and product development aligns with Costa's quality standards and innovation goals. The role ensures laboratory processes, tasting activity and data capture are carried out accurately, safely and on time, supporting product quality, innovation and consistency across Costa production sites.
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. And as a Coffee Laboratory Technician, there’s never been a better time to join.
So, why Costa? 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: Being a Coffee Laboratory Technician 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:
- Run daily laboratory operations, including sample handling, equipment setup, cleaning and calibration to maintain a safe and efficient environment.
- Conduct coffee testing across green, roasted, and finished products using defined methods to ensure consistent quality standards.
- Lead and support sensory (cupping) sessions, accurately capturing tasting data to inform product decisions.
- Maintain accurate records and data systems, ensuring full traceability of samples, testing and results.
- Support product development and continuous improvement by preparing samples, identifying insights and following quality, safety and food standards.
Who you are: It’s your unique ingredients we’re interested in:
- Strong knowledge of coffee (green, roasted and ground), including roasting, production processes and sensory principles.
- Proven experience working in a coffee laboratory, production or similar environment, including hands-on testing and sample handling.
- Excellent sensory (cupping) ability, with confidence in evaluating coffee quality and interpreting test results.
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail, able to accurately manage data, records and laboratory processes.
- Strong communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to work collaboratively in a technical environment and follow safety and quality standards.
Where you’ll work: This role is based full-time at our fantastic Basildon Roastery, where you’ll be at the heart of our coffee craft five days a week, working closely with our expert teams in a fast-paced, hands-on environment. For any reasonable adjustments and general queries, please get in touch with the recruitment team.
Coffee Laboratory Technician in St Albans employer: Costa Coffee
At Costa Coffee, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters passion, progression, and integrity. As a Coffee Laboratory Technician in our Basildon Roastery, you'll enjoy a range of benefits including a share investment plan, annual bonuses, and private medical cover, all while contributing to meaningful community initiatives. With ample opportunities for personal and professional growth, you’ll be part of a team that values diversity and innovation, making every day at Costa a rewarding experience.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Coffee Laboratory Technician in St Albans
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Costa Coffee inside out! Familiarise yourself with their products, values, and community initiatives. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate – you’re a passionate coffee lover who aligns with their mission.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for landing the Coffee Laboratory Technician role. A little insider info can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for hands-on assessments! Since this role involves practical testing and sensory evaluations, practice your cupping skills and be ready to demonstrate your knowledge of coffee. Show them you can handle the heat in the lab!
✨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 the Costa family. Let’s brew some success together!
We think you need these skills to ace Coffee Laboratory Technician in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Coffee:When writing your application, let your love for coffee shine through! Share any relevant experiences or knowledge you have about coffee, whether it's brewing techniques or tasting skills. We want to see that you're as passionate about coffee as we are!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your hands-on experience in a coffee laboratory or similar environment. Detail the specific tasks you've done, like sample handling or conducting sensory sessions. This helps us understand how your background aligns with what we're looking for.
Keep It Organised and Clear:A well-structured application is key! Use clear headings and bullet points to make it easy for us to read. Remember, attention to detail is crucial in this role, so show us you can present your information neatly and accurately.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our amazing perks there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Coffee
✨Know Your Coffee Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your coffee knowledge before the interview. Understand the differences between green, roasted, and ground coffee, and be ready to discuss roasting processes and sensory principles. This will show your passion for coffee and your commitment to quality.
✨Demonstrate Your Lab Skills
Be prepared to talk about your hands-on experience in a coffee laboratory or similar environment. Highlight specific examples of how you've conducted testing, handled samples, and maintained equipment. This will help the interviewers see that you can hit the ground running.
✨Show Off Your Team Spirit
Costa values teamwork, so be ready to share examples of how you've collaborated with others in a technical setting. Discuss how you communicate effectively and support your colleagues, especially during sensory (cupping) sessions or product development.
✨Attention to Detail is Key
Since accuracy is crucial in lab work, prepare to discuss how you manage data and maintain records. Share any systems or methods you use to ensure full traceability of samples and results. This will demonstrate your organisational skills and commitment to quality standards.
