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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 at the forefront of health and wellness product innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, creative freedom, and hands-on lab experience.
- Why this job: Shape the future of drinks with your passion for trends and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Qualifications: Degree in Food Science or related field; 5+ years in drinks NPD required.
- Other info: Based in Sunderland, full-time role with a focus on growth and innovation.
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: Sunderland (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-Ljbffr
Head of Innovation (Drinks) employer: Halecroft Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Halecroft Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Innovation (Drinks)
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the drinks and NPD sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups 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 consumers are looking for. 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 (Drinks)
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 innovations you've led.
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 translated market trends into successful products.
Showcase Your Technical Expertise: Detail your educational background in Food Science, Chemistry, or Nutrition, and highlight any specific projects or roles that demonstrate your lab capabilities and understanding of cost structures.
Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen: Discuss your experience with feasibility analysis and go-to-market planning. Provide examples of how you've influenced packaging and process decisions based on innovation needs.
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 in formulation and testing.
✨Demonstrate Technical Expertise
Prepare to discuss your technical background in Food Science or related fields. Be ready to explain how your knowledge has contributed to successful NPD projects, especially in functional beverages, and how you can apply this expertise to their needs.
✨Understand Market Trends
Research current trends in health and wellness, particularly in the drinks category. Be prepared to discuss how these trends can influence product development and how you can leverage them to create commercially viable products.
✨Highlight Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves partnering with various stakeholders, emphasise your ability to work collaboratively. Share examples of how you've effectively partnered with flavour houses, packaging suppliers, and internal teams to drive innovation and achieve project goals.
