At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative food and beverage product development with top global brands.
- Company: Join Aquent, a leader in creative talent solutions within the entertainment industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time role with opportunities for creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape exciting products that bring joy to consumers while working in a dynamic team environment.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in food and beverage product development; creativity and project management skills required.
- Other info: Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop is essential; multilingual skills are a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 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
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 your alignment with their vision during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your creativity by preparing a portfolio of past projects that highlight your experience in product development. Include examples that demonstrate your ability to innovate and tell a compelling story through products.
✨Tip Number 4
Brush up on your project management skills, as this role requires excellent organisational abilities. Consider using tools like Trello or Asana to manage your own projects effectively, which can be a talking point in your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Food & Beverage Product Development Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in food and beverage product development, especially within licensing environments. Use specific examples that demonstrate your creativity and innovation in product development.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for storytelling and consumer experiences. Mention your understanding of F&B trends and how you can contribute to the company's brand partnerships.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, as well as your project management abilities. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed creative projects and agency relationships in the past.
Highlight Multilingual Abilities: If you speak multiple languages, make sure to mention this in your application. It can be a significant advantage, especially in a role that requires collaboration across 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 your past projects where you demonstrated innovative thinking and how you translated ideas into successful products. Bring examples of your work, such as mood boards or product mock-ups, to visually support your storytelling.
✨Understand Brand Partnerships
Since this role involves collaboration with brand partnerships, make sure you research the brands the company works with. Be ready to discuss how you can align product development with their brand vision and values, showcasing your understanding of the licensing environment.
✨Demonstrate Project Management Skills
Highlight your project management experience, especially in managing timelines and approvals. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated complex workflows and ensured timely delivery of products while maintaining quality standards.
✨Know the Market Trends
Stay updated on current food and beverage trends, particularly within the European market. During the interview, discuss how these trends can influence product development and how you can leverage insights to create commercially viable products that resonate with consumers.