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

Food & Beverage Product Development Manager

London 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 iconic products in the consumer goods industry.
  • Benefits: Enjoy creative freedom, collaboration opportunities, and a vibrant work culture.
  • Why this job: Be at the forefront of product innovation and storytelling in a fun, fast-paced environment.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in F&B product development, creativity, and strong 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 employer in the food and beverage sector, we offer an inspiring work culture that fosters creativity and innovation, particularly for our Food & Beverage Product Development Manager role. Located in the vibrant EMEA region, our company provides exceptional employee growth opportunities through collaboration with renowned brands, while also supporting a healthy work-life balance and a commitment to professional development. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values your contributions and encourages you to shape the future of consumer experiences.
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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

Showcase your creativity by developing a portfolio that highlights your previous work in product development. Include examples of successful projects, particularly those that demonstrate your ability to collaborate with brands and manage creative processes.

✨Tip Number 3

Familiarise yourself with the specific brands and products that StudySmarter collaborates with. Understanding their brand vision and market positioning will help you tailor your approach and demonstrate your alignment with their goals during interviews.

✨Tip Number 4

Brush up on your project management skills, as this role requires excellent organisational abilities. Consider using project management tools or methodologies to showcase your efficiency in managing multiple projects simultaneously.

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

Food and Beverage Product Development
Creative Direction
Brand Partnerships
Project Management
Communication Skills
Collaboration Skills
Market Strategy Understanding
Consumer Insights Analysis
Visual Communication
Adobe Illustrator Proficiency
Adobe Photoshop Proficiency
Trend Analysis
Organisational Skills
Multilingual Skills
Knowledge of EMEA Retail Landscape

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 consumer experiences. Mention your understanding of brand partnerships and how you can contribute to the company's goals in F&B product development.

Showcase Your Skills: Include specific examples of your proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. If you have experience managing agency relationships or leading cross-functional teams, be sure to highlight these skills as they are crucial for this role.

Research the Company: Familiarise yourself with the company’s brand partnerships and recent product launches. This knowledge will help you tailor your application and demonstrate your understanding of their market position and objectives.

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 your creative direction has led to successful outcomes.

✨Understand Brand Partnerships

Familiarise yourself with the brands you might be working with. Be ready to explain how you can align product development with their brand vision and values, showcasing your understanding of brand partnerships.

✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills

Highlight your project management experience, especially in coordinating with multiple stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you've managed timelines and approvals in previous roles to ensure timely delivery.

✨Know Your Trends

Stay updated on current food and beverage trends, particularly within the EMEA region. Be ready to discuss how these trends can influence product development and how you can leverage them to create commercially viable products.

Food & Beverage Product Development Manager
Aquent
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  • Food & Beverage Product Development Manager

    London
    Full-Time
    43200 - 72000 ÂŁ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-06-05

  • A

    Aquent

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