Food & Beverage Product Development Manager
Food & Beverage Product Development Manager

Food & Beverage Product Development Manager

Slough Full-Time 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovative food and beverage product development with top global brands.
  • Company: Join a dynamic team shaping consumer products in the exciting F&B sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy creative freedom, collaboration opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
  • Why this job: Be part of a team that values creativity and storytelling in product development.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in F&B product development, strong communication, and project management skills required.
  • Other info: Experience in the EMEA region and proficiency in Adobe tools are essential.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 ÂŁ per year.

We are seeking an experienced professional with a strong background in food and beverage product development—ideally within a licensing environment—and a keen understanding of brand partnerships. This role is an exciting opportunity to shape innovative F&B products in collaboration with some of the world’s most recognizable brands.

Key Responsibilities

  • Serve as a key member of the EMEA Product Development & Creative (PDC) team, driving all aspects of food and beverage product development across local markets within the Consumer Products (CP) business.
  • Collaborate closely with the Brand Partnerships team on cross-functional F&B initiatives.
  • Oversee freelancers and external agencies in the creation of visual tools such as mood boards, product mock-ups, and concept presentations to support product storytelling and creative direction across all age ranges—from Infant to Adult.
  • Partner with licensees to foster innovation and provide feedback throughout the product lifecycle, ensuring alignment with brand vision, design standards, and product quality.
  • Manage product approvals efficiently through the internal approval system to ensure timely delivery and compliance.
  • Build strong cross-functional relationships with Licensing, Market Strategy & Development (MSD), and Retail Marketing teams to support the broader brand objectives.
  • Coordinate with key stakeholders—including Content, Brand Partnerships, Business & Legal Affairs (BLA), Creative Marketing, and Regional Marketing—to amplify the impact of strategic initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

  • 8+ years of experience in creative direction for food and beverage product development, ideally within entertainment licensing, brand partnerships, or retail.
  • Demonstrated creativity and innovation in product development, with a passion for storytelling and delivering joyful consumer experiences.
  • In-depth knowledge of F&B trends and new product development (NPD), with the ability to translate insights into commercially viable and brand-aligned products.
  • Solid understanding of the European retail landscape and competitive brand positioning.
  • Strong communication skills to effectively manage agency relationships and creative project workflows.
  • Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
  • Multilingual skills are a plus.
  • Prior experience in the EMEA region required.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is essential.

Food & Beverage Product Development Manager employer: Aquent

As a leading player in the food and beverage industry, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that encourages creativity and innovation. Our employees benefit from extensive growth opportunities, collaborative projects with renowned brands, and a supportive environment that values diverse perspectives. Located in the vibrant EMEA region, we offer a unique chance to shape products that delight consumers while working alongside passionate professionals dedicated to excellence.
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Contact Detail:

Aquent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Food & Beverage Product Development Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network with professionals in the food and beverage industry, especially those involved in product development and brand partnerships. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends.

✨Tip Number 2

Familiarise yourself with the brands that StudySmarter collaborates with. Understanding their values and product lines will help you demonstrate how your experience aligns with their vision during interviews.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your creativity by preparing a portfolio of past projects that highlight your innovative approach to product development. Include examples that reflect your ability to tell a story through food and beverage products.

✨Tip Number 4

Brush up on your project management skills, as this role requires excellent organisational abilities. Consider using project management tools to demonstrate your efficiency in managing timelines and stakeholder communications.

We think you need these skills to ace Food & Beverage Product Development Manager

Food and Beverage Product Development
Creative Direction
Brand Partnerships
Storytelling
Consumer Experience Design
Market Research and Trend Analysis
Project Management
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Visual Communication
Adobe Illustrator
Adobe Photoshop
Organisational Skills
Agency Relationship Management
Knowledge of European Retail Landscape
Multilingual Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in food and beverage product development, especially within licensing environments. Emphasise your creative direction skills and any specific projects that showcase your ability to innovate.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for storytelling and how it relates to product development. Mention specific brands or projects you've worked on that align with the company's vision and demonstrate your understanding of brand partnerships.

Showcase Your Skills: Include examples of your proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop in your application. If possible, provide links to portfolios or projects that illustrate your creative process and project management abilities.

Highlight Multilingual Abilities: If you speak multiple languages, make sure to mention this in your application. Highlighting your multilingual skills can set you apart, especially given the role's focus on the EMEA region.

How to prepare for a job interview at Aquent

✨Showcase Your Creativity

As a Food & Beverage Product Development Manager, creativity is key. Prepare to discuss specific examples of innovative products you've developed in the past, and how you approached storytelling through those products.

✨Understand Brand Partnerships

Familiarise yourself with the brands the company collaborates with. Be ready to discuss how you can align product development with their brand vision and values, showcasing your understanding of successful brand partnerships.

✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills

Highlight your project management experience, especially in managing timelines and approvals. Be prepared to share how you've successfully coordinated with multiple stakeholders to deliver projects on time.

✨Stay Updated on F&B Trends

Research current food and beverage trends and be ready to discuss how these insights can inform product development. Showing that you're knowledgeable about the market will demonstrate your passion and expertise in the field.

Food & Beverage Product Development Manager
Aquent
Location: Slough
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  • Food & Beverage Product Development Manager

    Slough
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.)
  • A

    Aquent

    100-200
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