At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative packaging and merchandise projects that excite customers and drive growth.
- Company: Join Costa Coffee, a global brand reimagining coffee experiences in over 50 countries.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, discounts, private healthcare, and a smart pension plan.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and quality in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in packaging development and strong knowledge of food safety and sustainability standards.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 35750 £ per year.
At Costa Coffee, we are reimagining coffee experiences in over 50 countries and counting, as a key part of the Coca-Cola System. The Technical Packaging & Merchandise Manager is responsible for delivering EPD & NPD projects ensuring Costa packaging, merchandise and gifting is functional, food safe and compliant with global regulatory requirements.
Managing suppliers' performance through continuous improvement of processes, procedures and technical standards will be a critical part of the role to ensure global consistency of packaging, merchandise and gifting, brand standards and sustainability requirements. You will leverage your understanding of packaging materials and technologies to ensure Costa packaging has consistent quality, operational performance, excites our consumers, customers and drives growth for Costa.
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.
What you’ll do:
- 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.
Technical Packaging & Merchandise Manager in St Albans 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 Technical Packaging & Merchandise Manager in St Albans
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Costa Limited, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Packaging & Merchandise Manager in St Albans
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Costa Limited specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Limited
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Costa Limited, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Costa Limited value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
