Product Development Manager, Permanent
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.
As a proud part of the Coca-Cola system and working hand in hand with our pioneering partners, we're in over 50 countries and counting. Whether it's served in-store, from a machine, at home, or on the go, every cup is thoughtfully crafted by our passionate teams who put heart into every moment.
Our teams truly make a difference. Whether it's pioneering new tech for the perfect pour, launching award-winning campaigns, developing exciting new menu items, or supporting our people to grow – together, we stir up success.
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Product Developer to craft and elevate our beverage portfolio, creating products that delight customers and enhance the overall brand experience. Blending deep product development expertise with strong commercial awareness, this role transforms consumer insights into inspiring, high-quality beverage solutions from concept through to launch. Working collaboratively across teams and partners, you will shape innovative and renovated products that drive growth, strengthen margin, and keep our beverage category at the forefront of customer expectations.
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.
With inspiring experiences, development programmes, and our apprenticeship scheme, your career can grow far beyond the day-to-day.
What you'll do
Being a
Product Development Manager
is about so much more than bringing our coffee to the world. It's your chance to stir up real success - which means you'll be:
* Shape the future of our Beverage portfolio by building and delivering a +3 year innovation pipeline, spotting opportunities for growth across products, packaging, and experiences, and turning insights into compelling business cases that drive profitable growth.
* Turn consumer insight into inspiring product experiences by leading innovation projects from concept to launch, running taste panels, consumer research, and presenting your ideas to stakeholders to bring new beverages to life.
* Drive end-to-end product delivery with impact by coordinating internal teams (Marketing, Finance, Sales, Supply Chain, and Ops) and external partners to ensure launches happen on time, on brief, and exceed expectations.
* Collaborate with suppliers to bring innovations to market by guiding development plans, ensuring quality and performance, and keeping products aligned with timelines and campaign goals.
* Ensure every product delights the consumer and operates seamlessly by supporting quality benchmarking, reformulation initiatives, and creating clear operational processes that embed new beverages successfully into the business.
Who you are
It's your unique ingredients we're interested in:
* Experienced and skilled Product Developer with proven track record in food or beverage innovation, a strong understanding of the end-to-end product development process, and familiarity with Stage-Gate methodologies.
* Hands-on development expertise with direct experience working in a product development kitchen, testing and refining products, and translating consumer or market insights into successful product outcomes.
* Strong collaborator with experience managing complex projects across geographies, guiding teams and suppliers, and confidently engaging stakeholders to deliver impactful products.
* Analytical and detail-oriented with a refined palate, able to assess sensory nuances in aroma, flavor, taste, and texture, and use these observations to inform product decisions.
* Resilient, driven, and commercially aware with excellent communication skills, the ability to work both independently and within cross-functional teams, and a proven track record of delivering products that meet business and consumer goals
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
* And that's not all. Explore even more of our perks here:
Location
– Hybrid – Loudwater
– required to attend our Loudwater office a minimum of 3 times a week.
For any reasonable adjustments and general queries, please get in touch with
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 – Disciplined to Deliver, 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.