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, bonuses, and discounts at Costa stores.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with exciting career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving growth and enhancing customer experiences.
- 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 in St Albans employer: Costa Coffee
At Costa, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee growth, including opportunities for share ownership and comprehensive benefits, our St Albans Support Centre is designed to inspire and empower our teams to achieve their best. Join us in a vibrant environment where your contributions are valued, and together, we can drive meaningful change in the world of packaging and merchandising.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Global Packaging & Merchandising Manager — NPD/EPD in St Albans
✨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 initiatives. 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 the role of Global Packaging & Merchandising Manager. Highlight your knowledge of global packaging regulations and your ability to manage supplier assurance effectively.
✨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 in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Global Packaging & Merchandising Manager. Highlight your experience with packaging regulations, sustainability, and project management. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about packaging and merchandising. Share specific examples of your past successes in FMCG and how they relate to our mission at Costa.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills:Since this role involves working cross-functionally, make sure to highlight your teamwork experiences. Tell us about times you’ve partnered with different departments to achieve a common goal. We love seeing strong communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
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 specific examples of how you've navigated these in past roles will show your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with end-to-end packaging development. Highlight specific projects where you led the process from concept to launch, focusing on any challenges you overcame and how you improved processes along the way.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Think of examples where you've partnered with different teams, like Sustainability or Marketing, to create innovative packaging solutions. Be ready to explain how you influenced stakeholders and drove results through collaboration.
✨Be Agile and Adaptable
In a fast-paced environment, adaptability is key. Prepare to discuss times when you had to manage changing priorities or complex situations. Show that you're a self-starter who can thrive under pressure while still delivering quality results.
