Drinks Technologist – Health, Wellness & Nutrition
Location: South East England (Hybrid – 1 day WFH)
Hours: 35 hours per week, flexible working
The Company
We are working with a fast-growing health, wellness and nutrition business specialising in the development and manufacturing of innovative nutritional supplements and functional products for a diverse portfolio of customers.
With continued investment in product innovation and a growing demand for liquid formulations, the business is looking to appoint a Drinks Technologist to take ownership of liquid product development within its NPD team.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a business investing in its technical capabilities, with a new dedicated liquids laboratory opening in 2027.
The Role
As Drinks Technologist, you will be responsible for leading the formulation and development of liquid products, including functional drinks, shots, gels, sprays and liquid supplements.
You will act as the technical specialist for liquid development, supporting projects from initial customer brief through formulation, sampling, stability testing and manufacturing scale-up.
Working closely with the wider NPD team, Operations, Procurement and external manufacturing partners, you will play a key role in expanding the company's liquid product offering.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the formulation and development of liquid products, ensuring they meet customer briefs, quality standards and commercial targets.
- Develop innovative formulations across drinks, shots, gels, sprays and nutritional supplements.
- Manage product development projects from initial concept through laboratory trials to full-scale manufacturing.
- Conduct stability testing, shelf-life assessments and formulation optimisation.
- Provide technical expertise on solubility, preservation, flavour masking and ingredient compatibility.
- Source and evaluate new ingredients, considering functionality, quality, availability and cost.
- Support product costing, including ingredients, packaging and manufacturing requirements.
- Work closely with external manufacturers to ensure successful production scale-up.
- Develop and maintain product specifications, manufacturing instructions and technical documentation.
- Build a portfolio of liquid formulations and concepts to support future customer opportunities.
- Support the development and organisation of a new dedicated liquids laboratory.
- Collaborate with Quality, Technical and Operations teams to ensure products meet regulatory and food safety requirements.
About You
We are looking for a technically strong and commercially aware NPD professional with hands-on experience developing liquid products.
- Minimum 2 years' experience within New Product Development, with hands-on liquid formulation experience.
- Experience developing products such as functional beverages, liquid supplements, shots, gels or similar formats.
- Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Nutrition or a related discipline.
- Strong understanding of liquid formulation challenges, including stability, solubility, preservation and shelf life.
- Experience conducting laboratory trials, product testing and formulation improvements.
- Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a methodical approach to product development.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Previous experience within the health, wellness or nutritional supplements industry.
- Experience supporting manufacturing scale-up from laboratory to factory production.
- Knowledge of ingredient sourcing, product costing and formulation optimisation.
- Experience managing or supporting the operation of an NPD laboratory.
- Strong project management skills and an interest in product innovation.
Salary & Benefits
- Bonus and profit share schemes
- Hybrid working – 1 day working from home
- 35-hour working week with flexible start and finish times
- Enhanced holiday entitlement
- Private healthcare, including dental, optical and physiotherapy
- Enhanced maternity and paternity benefits
- On-site parking
- Breakfast and lunch options provided
- Company social events and long-service rewards
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Drinks Technologist employer: Futures
Join a leading manufacturing organisation in South Wales that prioritises innovation and employee development. With a strong focus on operational excellence and a culture of continuous improvement, this company offers a dynamic work environment where your leadership can drive meaningful change. Enjoy competitive benefits and the opportunity to shape the future of manufacturing while working alongside a talented team committed to growth and success.
