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 competitive perks like discounts, bonuses, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values passion and progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on coffee quality and innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong coffee knowledge and experience in a lab or production setting.
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. 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.
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.
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:
- Running daily laboratory operations, including sample handling, equipment setup, cleaning and calibration to maintain a safe and efficient environment.
- Conducting coffee testing across green, roasted, and finished products using defined methods to ensure consistent quality standards.
- Leading and supporting sensory (cupping) sessions, accurately capturing tasting data to inform product decisions.
- Maintaining accurate records and data systems, ensuring full traceability of samples, testing and results.
- Supporting product development and continuous improvement by preparing samples, identifying insights and following quality, safety and food standards.
Who you are: 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.
Coffee Laboratory Technician employer: Costa Limited
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 unique benefits such as a share ownership plan, generous discounts, and comprehensive health coverage, all while contributing to meaningful community initiatives. With ample opportunities for personal and professional growth through development programmes and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, joining Costa means becoming part of a team that truly makes a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Coffee Laboratory Technician
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, dive into Costa Coffee's values and mission. This way, you can show how your passion for coffee aligns with their goals, making you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions related to coffee testing and laboratory processes. The more comfortable you are discussing your experience, the more confident you'll feel during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your sensory skills! If you have the chance, bring up specific examples of your cupping experiences or any innovative ideas you've had in previous roles. This will demonstrate your expertise and enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you note to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Coffee Laboratory Technician
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Coffee:When you're writing your application, let your love for coffee shine through! Share any experiences you've had with coffee, whether it's brewing, tasting, or working in a related field. We want to see that you’re as excited about coffee as we are!
Be Specific About Your Skills:Make sure to highlight your relevant skills and experiences clearly. If you've worked in a coffee laboratory or have hands-on testing experience, mention it! We’re looking for those details that show you can handle the day-to-day operations at our Basildon lab.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send out a generic application. Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to Costa Coffee. Mention how your values align with ours, especially around quality and innovation. We love seeing candidates who understand our mission!
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 right there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Limited
✨Know Your Coffee Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your coffee knowledge, especially about green, roasted, and ground coffee. Be prepared to discuss roasting processes and sensory principles, as this will show your passion and expertise in the field.
✨Showcase Your Lab Skills
Highlight any hands-on experience you've had in a coffee laboratory or similar environment. Be ready to talk about specific testing methods you've used and how you've maintained safety and quality standards in your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Sensory Evaluation
Since sensory (cupping) sessions are a big part of the role, practice your tasting skills beforehand. Be prepared to explain how you evaluate coffee quality and interpret test results, as this will demonstrate your confidence and expertise.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Communication
Costa values collaboration, so be ready to share examples of how you've worked effectively in a team. Discuss how you communicate in a technical environment and follow safety protocols, as this will show you're a trusted team player.
