R&D Innovation Manager: Shape Next-Gen Beverage Tech

Costa Coffee; High Wycombe; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Share Investment Plan (SIP)

Annual discretionary bonus

Pension plan with 10% match

Costa Financial Support Fund

50% discount in Costa stores

Private medical cover

Job summary

Costa Coffee in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced R&D Innovation Manager to shape the next generation of products and technology. You will translate trends and ideas into roadmaps, partnerships and programmes that drive long-term growth across ingredients, equipment and processes.

You’ll lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Commercial, Procurement and Supply Chain, build external partnerships with universities and startups, and develop strategic plans that connect opportunities to

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in R&D, innovation, or technology development in FMCG or fast-paced consumer environments.
• Technical or scientific background with understanding of ingredients, technologies, processes and equipment.
• Proven track record leading complex innovation programs from exploration to commercialisation.
• Excellent collaboration and influencing skills across cross-functional teams and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver Costa’s future innovation pipeline and identify growth opportunities.
• Scout and evaluate new ingredients, equipment, processes, and technologies for tangible opportunities.
• Build external partnerships with suppliers, universities, startups, and the Coca-Cola system.
• Develop roadmaps connecting opportunities with Costa’s 3–5 year ambitions.
• Collaborate across R&D, Commercial, Procurement and Supply Chain to implement scalable solutions.

Skills

R&D experience

Innovation management

Technology development

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic partnerships

Job description

Costa Coffee in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced R&D Innovation Manager to shape the next generation of products and technology. You will translate trends and ideas into roadmaps, partnerships and programmes that drive long-term growth across ingredients, equipment and processes.

You’ll lead cross-functional teams across R&D, Commercial, Procurement and Supply Chain, build external partnerships with universities and startups, and develop strategic plans that connect opportunities to