At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development and strategic planning for Starbucks' food and beverage categories.
- Company: Join the iconic Starbucks team, where your ideas matter and creativity thrives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible benefits, bonuses, and discounts on food and drinks.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of inclusivity and continuous learning with comprehensive training opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic environment that values your input and fosters growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in category management and a passion for consumer-led innovation.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
We’re looking for an R&D manager to join our team here at Starbucks UK on a fixed term contract. A place where you’re valued, challenged, and inspired. Where your voice is brewed into everything we do. At Starbucks, we’re all about you.
As part of this role, you’ll be responsible for growing the sales and margins of the food and beverage categories in the UK retail business through the development and implementation of effective strategic and operational plans for Starbucks products, including the development of brand consistent, consumer-led, innovative product ranges and display.
We’ll look to you to bring your category management experience, with a key understanding of how to access category growth levers. You’ll have experience in leading category strategies, operational business plans and trend understanding and interpretation. We’re looking for someone with a track record in delivering positive top and bottom-line growth within categories, ideally within a similar retail or hospitality environment. You’ll be commercially minded with the ability to develop food or beverage offerings which meets our consumer needs and brand values.
The best part about this role is that no two days are ever the same! Working as our R&D manager, you’ll get involved in:
- Setting the strategic direction for product development in the UK, including long term strategy and annual business planning activity to achieve vision.
- Creating the annual operating plan (AOP) for the product category including products, pricing, packaging and distribution.
- Managing products through their lifecycle and bringing recommendations for the direction of category to stakeholders across the business.
- Managing the in-year plan, continuously assessing and monitoring the performance of categories, making this visible to the wider business, highlighting and acting upon emerging themes or insights to address or accelerate performance.
- Setting, reviewing and adjusting product forecasts.
- Continuously monitoring market and consumer trends and insight, creating action plans with suppliers to create products that place Starbucks in a place to exploit the emerging trends.
- Leading suppliers in the development of innovative new products, packaging or concepts from concept through implementation to ensure they meet the needs of the UK market and consumer, ensuring they are based on financial viability and brand fit & regional guidelines.
- Working with suppliers to ensure Starbucks has the right equipment in store to allow the delivery of high-quality food products in line with speed of service requirements and understanding how Starbucks can continue to evolve as its store portfolio does.
- Defining and executing detailed implementation plans for product and new initiative roll-outs.
- Creating content and tools for communication to stores for day to day management of product categories.
- Ensuring the wider marketing function is briefed on required support for food categories in campaigns.
- Working alongside procurement team to ensure that supplier base is reviewed for both cost and quality on a regular basis.
In return, we’ll offer you a competitive salary and benefits that include:
- 25 days holiday a year (plus Bank Holidays)
- Flexible benefits – in addition to the benefits listed here we’ll also provide you with an additional 4% to allow you to select the benefits that suit you
- Up to 10% bonus
- Life assurance and private medical insurance for yourself
- Comprehensive training (including coffee knowledge!) and access to Starbucks Global Academy (our online learning platform to help continuously develop yourself)
- Free bag of coffee each week and a 30% partner discounts on food, beverages, and merchandise
- Discounts with local and national retailers (cell phones, gym memberships, entertainment tickets, hotels, etc.) through Perks at Work platform
- Subscription to Headspace
- Home Sweet Loan (Interest-free loans that can be paid back over 12 months to help pay your rental deposit)
- Bean stock options for all partners (own part of Starbucks!)
- A free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme available to you and your family
So, if you’re looking for a new opportunity, with us you’ll be welcomed, you’ll be challenged, you’ll be inspired. Here you’ll be heard. Because here, you’re a part of it all. Here you belong.
Starbucks is committed to building an inclusive and diverse workforce. All applicants and partners will be treated fairly, without regard to race, religion, sex, nationality, age, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity and expression.
R&D manager (maternity cover) employer: Starbucks Coffee Company
At Starbucks in Kings Lynn, we pride ourselves on being more than just a coffee shop; we are a community hub where every partner's voice is valued. With comprehensive training, competitive benefits including free drinks and food during shifts, and opportunities for career growth, we foster a supportive and inclusive work culture that encourages authenticity and connection. Join us to create memorable experiences for our customers while enjoying unique perks like bean stock options and discounts with local retailers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land R&D manager (maternity cover)
✨Tap into Consulting Networks
Get active in local management consulting networks and organisations. Attend meetups, workshops, or webinars specific to consulting where you can connect with professionals who may know of temporary roles opening up at places like Starbucks Coffee Company. Don’t underestimate word-of-mouth – it’s massive in our field!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Real-Time
As a temporary hire, you need to demonstrate your value quickly. Consider creating a mini-case study or analysis relevant to the industry and share it on platforms like LinkedIn or even during networking events. This can be an impressive way to showcase your analytical skills and problem-solving prowess – just what consulting firms are looking for!
✨Check for Temporary Roles on Niche Job Boards
Look for temporary roles on specialised job boards for consulting gigs rather than just generic platforms. Websites like Consultancy.uk or even the Careers pages of major firms could have short-term projects or roles that are perfect for you to jump in at Starbucks Coffee Company.
✨Leverage University and Alumni Resources
If you’re fresh out of uni or connected with a local institution, take advantage of their career services and alumni networks. Many universities have exclusive connections to consulting firms seeking temporary help. Plus, it’s a great way to meet other aspiring consultants who might share leads about opportunities at Starbucks Coffee Company.
We think you need these skills to ace R&D manager (maternity cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:In management consulting, employers love to see your problem-solving abilities right from the get-go. Be sure to highlight any relevant analytical projects you've worked on, particularly those that show how you tackled complex problems. If you’ve done any case studies or analysis during your studies, throw those in your CV!
Tailor Your Experience for the Role:Since this is a temporary position, your application should reflect your adaptability and relevant experience quite clearly. Focus on showcasing experiences that demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running, like previous projects, internships, or freelance gigs in consulting or project management.
Craft a Targeted Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to sparkle! Use it to explain why you're interested in this temporary role at Starbucks Coffee Company and how your skills suit the specific project needs. Remember to mention how you can provide immediate value based on your past experiences.
Include Certifications or Relevant Training:If you've got any certifications like PMP, Six Sigma, or even coursework that’s super relevant, make sure to list those in your application. Management consulting can be competitive, and these extra qualifications can help you stand out in the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Starbucks Coffee Company
✨Prepare for Case Studies
In management consulting, case study interviews are a big deal. Expect to tackle real-world business problems on the spot. We should practise structuring our thoughts, developing hypotheses, and presenting our solutions clearly, as this is what firms like Starbucks Coffee Company will want to see.
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
You’ll need to demonstrate strong analytical skills and logical reasoning. Brush up on frameworks like SWOT or Porter's Five Forces, as these can come in handy. Think of instances from your experience where you tackled a complex issue—this could set you apart when speaking to Starbucks Coffee Company.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since this is a temporary role, it's crucial we showcase our ability to hit the ground running. Have examples ready that illustrate how we've adapted quickly in past positions or projects. This shows that we can contribute effectively from day one at Starbucks Coffee Company.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Cultural Fit
Temporary roles often come with a focus on team dynamics. Prepare to discuss how we align with the values and culture at Starbucks Coffee Company. We want to highlight our teamwork experiences and how we can mesh with their consulting teams, making it clear that we're not just looking to fill a spot but to add value.
