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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development of innovative functional drinks from concept to production.
- Company: Join a fast-growing business revolutionising health and wellness products.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and creative freedom in your role.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of drink innovation and shape future trends in the industry.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field with 5+ years NPD experience required.
- Other info: Based in Manchester, full-time role with hands-on lab work.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Head of Innovation
Are you a hands-on innovator in the drinks space with a passion for trend-led product development?
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and commercially-minded Head of Innovation to lead the creation of a next-generation functional drinks portfolio. This is a confidential appointment on behalf of a fast-growing business at the forefront of product innovation within the health and wellness category.
The Opportunity
This role is ideal for a forward-thinking food scientist or NPD leader who blends technical expertise with entrepreneurial drive. You’ll lead the end-to-end development of functional beverages, from energy drinks and RTDs to vitamin waters and clean-label innovations, bringing new products to life ahead of the market curve. With in-house pilot capabilities and creative freedom, you’ll play a critical role in shaping what’s next in the drinks category.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading NPD across multiple categories and formats, from concept to pilot production
- Translating health, flavour, ingredient, and packaging trends into commercially viable products
- Creating a ready-to-go library of functional drink formulations
- Working hands-on in the lab, formulating, testing, and refining prototypes
- Partnering with flavour houses, packaging suppliers, and internal stakeholders
- Supporting costing, feasibility analysis, and go-to-market planning
- Influencing packaging, process, and machinery decisions based on innovation needs
What We’re Looking For
- A degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or similar
- 5+ years of drinks NPD experience (functional food/drink, health and wellness, or FMCG)
- Hands-on formulation experience with strong lab capability
- Commercial acumen and understanding of cost structures, margins, and scalability
- Passionate about emerging trends in consumer health, ingredients, and packaging
- Entrepreneurial, proactive, and excited by the pace of growth and innovation
- Bonus: experience working in start-up, scale-up, or agile environments
Package: Competitive Salary (Depending on experience) + Benefits
Location : Manchester (37.5hrs per week)
Contract : Full-time, Permanent
Sector: FMCG / Food & Beverage
Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK
Head of Innovation employer: Halecroft Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Halecroft Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Innovation
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the drinks and NPD sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or workshops to connect with like-minded individuals and potential collaborators. This can help you gain insights into current trends and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in health and wellness beverages. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and social media channels to understand what’s hot in the market. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also demonstrate your passion for the industry.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of the company. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations for the Head of Innovation role. This information can help you tailor your approach during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your hands-on experience in product development. Be ready to share specific examples of successful projects you've led, particularly those that align with functional drinks. Highlighting your practical skills will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in drinks NPD and showcases your hands-on formulation skills. Emphasise any entrepreneurial projects or roles that demonstrate your innovative mindset.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for trend-led product development in the drinks space. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully led NPD projects and your understanding of health and wellness trends.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Detail your educational background in Food Science, Chemistry, or Nutrition, and provide examples of your lab work. Highlight any experience with functional beverages and your ability to translate trends into viable products.
Demonstrate Commercial Acumen: Include information about your understanding of cost structures, margins, and scalability in your application. This will show that you not only have the technical skills but also the business sense needed for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Halecroft Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Passion for Innovation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for trend-led product development in the drinks space. Share specific examples of how you've successfully brought innovative products to market, highlighting your hands-on experience and creativity.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Prepare to discuss your background in Food Science or related fields. Be ready to explain your formulation processes and how you translate health and flavour trends into viable products, showcasing your technical knowledge and lab capabilities.
✨Highlight Commercial Acumen
Discuss your understanding of cost structures, margins, and scalability. Provide examples of how you've supported feasibility analysis and go-to-market planning in previous roles, demonstrating your ability to balance innovation with commercial viability.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves partnering with various stakeholders, be prepared to talk about your experience working with flavour houses, packaging suppliers, and internal teams. Highlight instances where your collaborative approach led to successful product launches.
