At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative liquid products like functional drinks and supplements.
- Company: Fast-growing health and wellness business with a focus on nutrition.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, flexible hours, private healthcare, and bonus schemes.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to work in a new dedicated liquids laboratory opening in 2027.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in product innovation.
- Qualifications: 2+ years in NPD with hands-on liquid formulation experience required.
The predicted salary is between 38056 - 46512 £ per year.
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
Drinks Technologist in England 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Drinks Technologist in England
✨Join Food Science Communities
Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Futures.
✨Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops
Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Futures!
✨Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech
Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Futures, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Futures, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Drinks Technologist in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Futures, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!
Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Futures.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Futures. Make it personal and compelling!
Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Futures. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Futures
✨Know Your Lab Tech!
Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.
✨Show Off Your Project Experience
Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.
✨Emphasise Your Soft Skills
Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Futures’s mission.
