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- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative beverage products from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a global food and drink manufacturer passionate about health and wellness.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive team culture, personal development, and long-term growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make your mark in a fast-paced environment with exciting NPD projects and a collaborative team.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in beverage development and a degree in Food Science or related field required.
- Other info: This is a brand-new role with potential for leadership and cross-functional projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: Market competitive salary + bonus
Location: Aylesford, Kent
Working setup: Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm, fully on-site
Pod Talent is thrilled to be partnering with a global and innovative food and drink manufacturer. With a passion for health, performance, and wellness, this company supports a wide variety of brands – from flavoured waters and energy drinks to alternative dairy and wellbeing beverages. It’s a fantastic time to join them as they scale their innovation team and work on some of the most exciting NPD projects in the market right now.
This is a brand-new role that sits at the heart of the R&D and commercial strategy. You’ll report directly to the Head of Innovation and work closely with cross-functional teams to develop products from concept to launch, while helping define the future of the innovation function.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to step up in a more senior role – the team values energy, curiosity, and collaboration just as much as deep technical knowledge.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead the end-to-end development of new beverage products, from concept creation to first production runs, in both internal facilities and with co-manufacturers.
- Work directly with clients to scope, cost, and design innovative beverage formulations across RTD and functional drinks.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, ingredient functionality, shelf-life validation, and all technical aspects are handled from the start.
- Run and attend development trials, taste panels, and scale-up sessions, ensuring every launch meets the brand’s promise.
- Act as a bridge between R&D, commercial, and quality teams, helping translate innovation into real-world success stories.
What we’re looking for:
- 3+ years of experience in beverage development, ideally within functional drinks, RTD, or wellbeing beverages.
- A BSc or MSc in Food Science, Food Chemistry, or a related field.
- Confidently developing full product recipes and overseeing manufacturing, shelf life, and sensory analysis.
- A hands-on and collaborative approach – you love rolling up your sleeves and working cross-functionally.
- An open, adaptable mindset – someone who can balance structure with creativity, and thrives in a fast-evolving environment.
- Passionate about health, nutrition, and innovation with a commercial mindset and cost-awareness.
- The chance to build your own role and have a genuine voice in how innovation is run.
- A fast-paced, supportive and open team culture – people are friendly, flexible, and want to grow together.
- Exposure to major consumer brands and dynamic beverage start-ups.
- Long-term growth opportunities, with the potential to move into leadership or cross-functional projects.
- A real focus on personal development and learning-by-doing.
If you're passionate about drinks, ready to lead development end-to-end, and want to make your mark in a high-growth space, this is a great opportunity for you. Apply now or reach out to Serge at Pod Talent for more information.
Product Development Manager - Drinks employer: Pod Talent
Contact Detail:
Pod Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager - Drinks
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the beverage industry, especially in RTD and functional drinks. This knowledge will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your passion for innovation and health-focused products.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the food and drink sector, particularly those involved in product development. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the company culture at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your previous work in beverage development. Highlight your hands-on experience with product recipes, manufacturing processes, and any successful launches you've been part of to showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your collaborative skills by preparing to discuss how you've worked cross-functionally in past roles. Emphasise your ability to bridge gaps between R&D, commercial, and quality teams, as this is crucial for the role at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager - Drinks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in beverage development, particularly in functional drinks or RTD. Use specific examples to demonstrate your hands-on approach and collaborative skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for health and innovation in the beverage industry. Mention how your background aligns with the company's goals and the specific role of Product Development Manager.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your technical knowledge in product recipes, regulatory compliance, and sensory analysis. Make it clear how these skills will contribute to the success of the innovation team.
Showcase Your Adaptability: In your application, provide examples of how you've thrived in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to balance structure with creativity, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pod Talent
✨Show Your Passion for Beverages
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the drinks industry during the interview. Share specific examples of your favourite beverages and how they inspire your work in product development.
✨Demonstrate Technical Knowledge
Be prepared to discuss your experience with beverage formulation, regulatory compliance, and sensory analysis. Highlight any relevant projects where you successfully developed products from concept to launch.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with cross-functional teams, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in past roles. Showcase your ability to bridge gaps between R&D, commercial, and quality teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that ask how you would handle specific challenges in product development. Think about scenarios related to taste panels, scale-up sessions, or ingredient functionality, and prepare thoughtful responses.
