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.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, bonuses, discounts, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and a vibrant team culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in packaging development and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29250 - 35750 £ per year.
At Costa Coffee, we are reimagining coffee experiences in over 50 countries. 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.
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:
Our Support Centre teams work flexibly, blending home working with in-person time whenever it matters most. We’re excited to be moving into a new home for our brand in St Albans in January 2027.
We’ve been changing the coffee game since day one. Founded by two pioneering brothers back in 1971, that innovative spirit lives on in our cups, communities and Costaristas all over the world.
Technical Packaging & Merchandise Manager employer: Costa
At Costa Coffee, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture where every Barista can thrive. With flexible shifts, a generous 50% discount on food and drink, and a commitment to diversity and community support through the Costa Foundation, we ensure our team members feel valued and empowered. Join us in East Kilbride, where your passion for coffee and customer service will be celebrated and nurtured.
