At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative beverage projects and drive impactful campaigns at Costa Coffee.
- Company: Join Costa Coffee, a global leader in coffee experiences and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive pay, bonuses, and discounts on your favourite coffee.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values authenticity and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for beverage innovation.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Strategic Project Manager – Beverage Innovation, 13 month FTC to cover maternity.
At Costa Coffee, we’re on a mission to reimagine coffee experiences across the globe. From bustling cities to local communities, we’re creating meaningful coffee moments, powered by innovation and driven by purpose.
The Strategic Project Manager – Beverage Innovation (Maternity Cover) drives our global beverage gating process and leads key strategic projects across our Beverage portfolio. You’ll partner with Beverage Innovation, Supply Chain Commercialisation, Commercial Planning and Ops Execution teams to deliver seamless, best‑in‑class campaign launches. Sitting within Strategy, this role acts as a critical connector and project lead across the full beverage innovation ecosystem.
We value curiosity, inclusivity, and a problem‑solving mindset. If you thrive in a fast‑paced, global environment and are excited to make a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.
What you’ll do:
- Lead end‑to‑end campaigns. Own Costa’s highest‑priority Beverage Innovation projects from Gate 0 to post‑launch resolution.
- Run stage‑gate governance. Drive the monthly gating forum and produce the consolidated view for the Innovation Steer Committee.
- Be the cross‑functional link. Connect Beverage Innovation, Costa X, Supply Chain Commercialisation, Commercial Planning and Ops Execution to keep decisions moving.
- Strengthen processes. Help evolve Product Change Management and build towards a stronger PMO capability.
- Drive clarity and momentum. Keep stakeholders aligned on timings, risks and decisions, bringing a can‑do, solutions‑focused approach.
Who you are:
- Thrives in complex, cross‑functional environments and brings proven expertise in leading large‑scale product change or commercialisation initiatives.
- Ability to work autonomously with discipline, clarity and attention to detail, staying effective and calm in ambiguity.
- Exceptional at influencing, challenging and negotiating with senior stakeholders, supported by strong analytical and financial credibility.
- Commercial + continuous‑improvement mindset. Deep understanding of what it takes to launch and grow brands, with a mindset geared toward improving processes and governance.
- Technically grounded project leader. Degree‑educated (or related experience) with expert knowledge of Stage & Gate and project management tools (Excel, PowerPoint, MS Project), plus bonus exposure to Retail, International or Coffee.
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 brilliant perks to sweeten the deal. We work in a hybrid environment, giving us the flexibility to balance life while still spending meaningful time together and building strong connections:
- 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.
Location - 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 believe in living life with heart – and that starts with our people. By showing up as our authentic selves, we create a culture where everyone belongs. We celebrate diversity in all its forms and are committed to building an equitable and inclusive environment—one that embraces the unique blend of experiences, identities, and perspectives each person brings. This rich diversity strengthens our teams and reflects the spirit of our global brand.
Grounded in our core values—Passion for Progress, Win with Warmth, Courage to Challenge, and Trusted Team Players—we strive to make a meaningful impact in everything we do. From empowering communities through the Costa Foundation to supporting local initiatives, we’re committed to changing lives in coffee‑growing regions and right here at home.
Strategic Project Manager - Beverage Innovation (FTC) employer: Costa Limited
At Costa Coffee, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of passion, progression, and inclusivity. Our hybrid work environment allows for flexibility while still encouraging collaboration and connection among teams, especially as we prepare to move into a new inspiring space in St Albans. With a strong focus on employee growth through development programmes and unique benefits like share ownership and private medical cover, we empower our people to make a meaningful impact in the world of coffee innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Project Manager - Beverage Innovation (FTC)
✨Dive into Local Events
Get involved with local marketing and communications events! These are great places to meet people from the industry, learn about temporary roles, and even uncover hidden job leads. Check out local networking events or marketing conferences that might be happening in your area.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a standout digital portfolio showcasing your previous campaigns, writing samples, or projects. Share this on social media and professional groups relevant to marketing-communications. This public visibility can often attract interest from potential employers, especially for those temporary gigs!
✨Utilise Online Job Boards
Focus on job boards specific to marketing and communications. Sites like MarketingJobs.com or even LinkedIn can have temp roles that aren’t always advertised on the usual job sites. Keep your eyes peeled and apply through our website—temp roles can come up unexpectedly, and you want to be first in line!
✨Tap into Your Uni's Resources
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We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Project Manager - Beverage Innovation (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience with Campaigns:In marketing-communications, it’s all about showcasing your ability to create impactful campaigns. Make sure to include any relevant projects you’ve worked on in your CV, detailing your role, the strategies used, and the results achieved. We're looking for candidates who can demonstrate their creativity and analytical skills!
Tailor Your Writing Samples:For a temporary role, we want to see your versatility and adaptability in communication. Include a couple of writing samples that align with our brand voice or reflect your ability to engage various audiences. This gives us a taste of what you can bring to the team at Costa Limited from day one!
Show Off Your Digital Savvy:Digital marketing is a big part of marketing-communications, so make sure your application reflects your understanding of social media, SEO, and content marketing. Feel free to throw in any certificates you've earned in these areas—it shows your initiative and dedication to learning the latest trends!
Express Your Enthusiasm for the Short-Term Role:In your cover letter, focus on why you’re interested in this temporary position at Costa Limited specifically. Share what you hope to learn during your time with us and how you can contribute to our ongoing projects. We're all about passion and potential, so let that shine through!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costa Limited
✨Showcase Your Creative Portfolio
As a candidate for a temporary marketing-communications role at Costa Limited, your portfolio will speak volumes. Bring along samples of your best work—think campaigns you've managed, social media content, and any visuals. Be ready to talk through your creative process and the impact your work had on previous projects.
✨Understand the Latest Trends
We know the marketing-communications field moves at lightning speed. Make sure you brush up on the latest trends—such as digital storytelling or the effectiveness of influencer partnerships. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show Costa Limited you're not just up-to-date but also eager to innovate.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly and work on short timelines. Share examples from your past where you had to pivot a strategy or campaign swiftly to meet changing demands. This will reassure Costa Limited that you’re ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ready Your Communication Strategy
Be prepared for questions that assess your communication skills. You might get asked to pitch a marketing idea on the spot or create a quick content plan. This is your chance to shine and show how your unique perspective can solve problems for Costa Limited, so think on your feet and don't hesitate to showcase your creativity!
