At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation and commercialisation of innovative beverage products from concept to production.
- Company: Fast-growing FoodTech start-up with record revenues and exciting growth potential.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, unlimited PTO, and fast career progression.
- Other info: Join a culture of scientific excellence and continuous improvement with a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of beverage innovation and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in beverage product development and strong food science background.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London | Hybrid, Flexible Working
We're looking for a Head of Product Development & Laboratory to lead the creation and commercialisation of the next generation of beverage products. This is a rare opportunity to own product development end-to-end — from first concept, through lab-scale trials, to full commercial production. We develop innovative liquid products across multiple consumer brands and hospitality concepts, partnering with household names on innovative concepts. This is an opportunity to join a fast-growing venture backed start-up which has seen record revenues month on month, and be central to its next stage of growth.
Own Product Development- Lead the entire product development lifecycle, from concept to commercialisation
- Direct beverage development across all our brands
- Turn creative ideas into commercially viable formulations, balancing flavour, function, cost, shelf life and manufacturability
- Build and manage an innovation pipeline spanning multiple brands and categories
- Establish best-in-class development processes to support long-term growth
- Ensure lab-developed products can be reliably replicated in commercial production
- Maintain quality, taste and stability throughout manufacturing and shelf life
- Set rigorous scientific testing, validation and quality standards
- Guide products from bench-scale development to full commercial production
- Maintain consistent quality across multiple production partners
- Lead, develop and grow the R&D and laboratory function
- Build best-in-class product development capabilities and lab processes
- Prioritise innovation projects across brands
- Foster a culture of scientific rigour, technical excellence and continuous improvement
- Partner with commercial, operations, procurement and marketing throughout the development lifecycle
- Build supplier relationships that deliver quality, scalability and commercial value
- Significant experience leading beverage product development within FMCG, food manufacturing or ingredient businesses
- A strong background in food science, beverage technology, chemistry or a related discipline
- A track record of taking products from concept through pilot trials into full-scale commercial production
- Strong understanding of manufacturing processes, quality systems and scale-up
- Experience building and leading high-performing R&D and product development teams
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to run multiple innovation programmes at once
Competitive salary
Hybrid, flexible working — a setup that works around your life
Unlimited PTO — take the time you need to rest and recharge
Fast career progression opportunities
Head of Product Development & Laboratory - FoodTech in London employer: Kinora Group
Join a dynamic and innovative FoodTech start-up in London, where you'll have the unique opportunity to lead product development from concept to commercialisation. With a strong focus on flexibility, unlimited PTO, and fast career progression, we foster a collaborative work culture that values creativity and scientific excellence, making it an ideal environment for professionals eager to make a meaningful impact in the beverage industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Product Development & Laboratory - FoodTech in London
✨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 Kinora Group.
✨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 Kinora Group!
✨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 Kinora Group, 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 Kinora Group, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Product Development & Laboratory - FoodTech in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Kinora Group, 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 Kinora Group.
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 Kinora Group. 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 Kinora Group. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kinora Group
✨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 Kinora Group’s mission.
