At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of innovative functional drinks from concept to production.
- Company: Join a fast-growing business at the forefront of health and wellness product innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits, and creative freedom in your role.
- Other info: Based in Manchester, full-time, with a focus on entrepreneurial growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of drinks with hands-on lab work and trend-led product development.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; 5+ years NPD experience required.
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
#J-18808-LjbffrHead of Innovation (Drinks) in Stretford employer: Halecroft Recruitment
Join a fast-growing business in Manchester that champions innovation in the health and wellness drinks sector. With a vibrant work culture that encourages creativity and hands-on experimentation, you'll have the opportunity to lead the development of next-generation functional beverages while benefiting from competitive salaries and comprehensive employee support. This role not only offers a chance to shape market trends but also provides ample opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic and entrepreneurial environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Innovation (Drinks) in Stretford
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the drinks and food science industries. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with like-minded individuals who can provide insights and potentially refer you to opportunities at companies like us.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on the latest trends in functional beverages and health-focused products. Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and social media channels to gather knowledge that you can discuss during interviews, showcasing your passion and expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Consider creating a portfolio of your previous NPD projects, highlighting your hands-on formulation experience and successful product launches. This will demonstrate your capabilities and give you an edge when discussing your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research our company and its current product offerings thoroughly. Understanding our brand values and innovation goals will allow you to tailor your conversations and show how your vision aligns with ours during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Innovation (Drinks) in Stretford
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 and formulation experience. Highlight any partnerships with flavour houses or packaging suppliers you've managed.
Demonstrate Commercial Acumen:Include examples of how you've influenced cost structures, margins, and scalability in previous roles. This will show your understanding of the commercial side of product development, which is crucial for this position.
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 technical background in food science or a related field. Be ready to explain your formulation processes and how you translate health and flavour trends into viable products, as this role requires a strong understanding of both science and market needs.
✨Highlight Collaborative Skills
This position involves working with various stakeholders, including flavour houses and packaging suppliers. Be prepared to share examples of successful collaborations and how you’ve influenced decisions in previous roles to drive innovation.
✨Understand the Business Side
Since commercial acumen is crucial for this role, brush up on your knowledge of cost structures, margins, and scalability. Be ready to discuss how you've approached feasibility analysis and go-to-market planning in your past projects.
