At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply planning for Costa's consumables and food across the EMENA region.
- Company: Join Costa, a global coffee brand with a community-focused culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, share ownership, bonuses, and discounts at Costa stores.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on supply chain resilience and operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in supply chain planning and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
As EMENA Supply Planner – Consumables & Food, you'll play a pivotal role in ensuring Costa's consumable and food products are available across the region when and where they're needed. Working closely with suppliers, procurement teams, logistics partners and cross-functional stakeholders, you'll translate demand forecasts into effective short‑ and long‑term supply plans that balance availability, inventory, waste and working capital targets. You'll help drive supply chain resilience, manage supplier performance, identify and mitigate risks, and support continuous improvement in planning processes and systems to deliver outstanding service and operational excellence across the EMENA region.
What you’ll do:
- Lead supply planning for consumables and food across the EMENA region, translating demand forecasts into robust short-, medium- and long‑term supply plans that deliver excellent availability whilst optimising inventory and reducing waste.
- Manage supplier and stakeholder relationships, working closely with procurement teams, suppliers and logistics partners to balance capacity, lead times, stock levels and service performance.
- Drive S&OP and planning excellence, providing accurate planning data, supporting supply reviews and helping to embed best‑in‑class planning processes and systems across the region.
- Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, responding to demand fluctuations, supply constraints and obsolescence risks to ensure business continuity and minimise write‑offs.
- Support continuous improvement and product lifecycle activities, including new product launches, supplier transitions, product delistings and initiatives that improve supply chain efficiency and performance.
Who you are:
- Proven experience in supply chain planning, operations or a similar environment, with a strong understanding of inventory management, forecasting and supply planning principles.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data, identify risks and opportunities, and make informed decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with the confidence to build effective relationships across suppliers, procurement teams and cross‑functional business partners.
- A proactive, customer‑focused mindset with the ability to prioritise competing demands, solve problems and deliver results under pressure while maintaining attention to detail.
- Strong Excel and systems skills, alongside a continuous improvement mindset and a passion for driving operational excellence across the supply chain.
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.
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.
EMENA Supply Planner - Consumables & Food (12 month Maternity Cover) employer: Costa Limited
At Costa Limited, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where teamwork and adaptability are celebrated. As a Barista at our Fortress Blvd Omega location in Burtonwood, you'll enjoy flexible shifts, a generous 50% discount on food and drinks, and opportunities for personal growth within a supportive environment dedicated to delivering exceptional customer experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land EMENA Supply Planner - Consumables & Food (12 month Maternity Cover)
✨Tap into Temp Agency Networks
If you're eyeing a temporary role in supply chain operations, temp agencies can be your best pals. They often have exclusive contracts with companies like Costa Limited that might not be posted publicly. Get registered with a few reputable agencies and stay in touch—they might just have the perfect gig for you!
✨Make Your Skills Shine
In the world of supply chain operations, showcasing your relevant skills can set you apart in a heartbeat. Try to highlight your experience with logistics software or inventory management techniques when chatting with potential employers. Offer specific examples of how you’ve streamlined operations in the past; it’s all about making that connection!
✨Join Supply Chain Meetups
Getting out there in the community isn’t just for full-time roles! Attend local supply chain meetups and networking events, as they can lead to temporary job opportunities. Plus, you never know—someone in the room could know about an immediate opening at Costa Limited or have tips on where to look.
✨Be Agile and Available
For temporary positions, having flexibility can make you much more desirable to employers. Keep your schedule open and be ready to jump into assignments at short notice. If you can show that you’re adaptable, companies like Costa Limited will notice and might keep you in mind for future temporary opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace EMENA Supply Planner - Consumables & Food (12 month Maternity Cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Supply Chain Knowledge:Make sure you showcase any relevant coursework or experience in supply chain management in your CV. If you've worked with inventory management systems, logistics planning, or demand forecasting, include specific examples to demonstrate your skills—this is key in supply chain operations!
Certifications Can Make a Difference:If you've got any certifications related to supply chain operations, like APICS or Six Sigma, splash them in your CV! They can really help you stand out. Temporary roles often look for candidates who can hit the ground running, so proving you’ve got that extra knowledge is a big plus.
Emphasise Flexibility in Your Application:Since this is a temporary role, it's super important to highlight your flexibility and readiness to adapt to new environments. In your cover letter, mention your ability to learn quickly and your willingness to take on diverse tasks—this shows that you're the right fit for a dynamic supply chain environment.
Make Your CV Concise and Relevant:Keep your CV tight and relevant, focusing on the most important past experiences that relate directly to supply chain operations. Avoid filler and concentrate on the skills and experiences that will impress Costa Limited and relate to the temporary nature of the role. Let's get you that interview!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Limited
✨Know Your Supply Chain Tools
Brush up on the specific tools and software commonly used in supply chain operations, like SAP or Oracle. Make sure to highlight your familiarity with these during the interview at Costa Limited, as it shows you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Skills
In a temporary role, they’ll want to see how quickly you can adapt and solve problems. Prepare for scenario-based questions that may ask how you’d handle disruptions like delays or inventory shortages. Think of real examples from your past experiences to share!
✨Flexibility is Key
As this is a temporary position, emphasise your willingness to be flexible. Talk about how you’ve quickly adapted to changes in previous roles or how you’re able to step in and learn new processes swiftly, especially those unique to Costa Limited.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Temporary roles often require quick integration into teams. Be ready to discuss your communication style and how you work collaboratively. You might face questions about working with cross-functional teams, so think about how you can highlight your teamwork skills.
