Global Coffee R&D & Innovation Leader

Costa; Basildon; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading coffee brand is seeking an R&D Manager for Coffee Development in Basildon. This role is crucial in driving global coffee product innovation, ensuring quality across suppliers, and transforming market insights into successful products. The ideal candidate will possess extensive coffee knowledge and demonstrate strong leadership and collaboration skills within a dynamic, hybrid work environment. The position offers competitive benefits and the chance to impact the coffee industry significantly.

Benefits

Annual discretionary bonus

50% discount in Costa-owned stores

Private medical cover

Pension matching contributions up to 10%

Financial Support Fund

Qualifications

• Strong knowledge of green and roasted coffee, sensory evaluation, and cupping.
• Proven ability to translate market needs into innovative products.
• Solid understanding of global coffee market trends and consumer preferences.
• Demonstrated leadership in driving innovation with strong project management skills.
• Extensive industry experience with international exposure.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic supplier management and develop global coffee suppliers.
• Drive coffee range innovation and renovation through deep consumer insights.
• Own cost optimisation across the coffee value chain.
• Establish robust auditing frameworks for quality assurance.
• Provide strategic leadership and mentor teams in coffee expertise.

Skills

Deep Coffee & Technical Expertise

Product Innovation & Development

Market & Trend Insight

Leadership & Collaboration

Global & Commercial Acumen

Job description

A leading coffee brand is seeking an R&D Manager for Coffee Development in Basildon. This role is crucial in driving global coffee product innovation, ensuring quality across suppliers, and transforming market insights into successful products. The ideal candidate will possess extensive coffee knowledge and demonstrate strong leadership and collaboration skills within a dynamic, hybrid work environment. The position offers competitive benefits and the chance to impact the coffee industry significantly.