At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of exciting new beverages from concept to market.
- Company: Major cider-led beverage manufacturer expanding into innovative drink categories.
- Benefits: Competitive salary and opportunities for creativity in beverage development.
- Other info: Commutable from various locations with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of drinks with your ideas.
- Qualifications: Experience in beverage development and a passion for innovation.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
Beverage Development Lead / Beverage NPD Lead
Salary: Competitive
My client is a major cider-led beverage manufacturer with sites across the UK.
The business is continuing to expand beyond traditional cider into new and emerging beverage categories and is now looking to strengthen its Development team by recruiting a Beverage Development Innovation Lead.
The Role
Reporting to the Group Beverage Development Controller, you will lead the development of high-quality, great-value beverages from initial concept through to recipe bank, with a particular focus on developing new alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and emerging categories.
You will work closely with Commercial, Marketing, NPD, Technical, Procurement and Manufacturing teams, as well as customers, to identify opportunities and turn innovative beverage concepts into commercially viable products.
Key Responsibilities
- Research and present alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage market trends, including attending trade shows.
- Develop new beverages across emerging innovation categories.
- Build and maintain a pipeline of “Blue Sky” alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverage concepts.
- Lead customer-facing innovation days and present new concepts across the wider business.
- Prepare and develop laboratory samples for internal and external customers.
- Work with Manufacturing to establish effective production methods for new-category beverages.
- Support the NPD process, owning the beverage development aspects of assigned projects.
- Work closely with Commercial, Marketing and NPD teams to identify proactive development opportunities.
- Liaise with Procurement to identify quality, cost-effective ingredients.
- Ensure recipes meet customer, supplier and regulatory requirements.
- Work with Technical and Compliance teams on food safety risk assessments.
- Participate in sensory panels with Quality teams and customers.
- Ensure innovation samples and development work are delivered to agreed timescales.
- Experience Required
We are looking for someone with experience in beverage development, ideally with knowledge of soft drinks and/or non-cider beverages and their manufacturing processes.
The role would suit someone who has
- Experience developing alcoholic and/or non-alcoholic beverages.
- A good understanding of beverage manufacturing and scale-up.
- Experience working in a customer-facing development role, ideally with retailer exposure.
- Strong commercial awareness and an ability to identify emerging beverage trends.
- The creativity to develop new concepts alongside the technical understanding to turn them into viable products.
Commutable Locations
The Stourport-on-Severn site is commutable from Kidderminster, Bewdley, Worcester, Droitwich, Bromsgrove, Stourbridge, Cleobury Mortimer, Kingswinford, Brierley Hill, Halesowen and surrounding areas.
Alternative Job Titles
Beverage Innovation Lead
Beverage Development Lead
Beverage NPD Lead
Beverage NPD Manager
New Product Development Manager – Beverages
Beverage Product Development Manager
Product Development Manager – Beverages
Beverage Innovation Manager
Innovation Manager – Beverages
NPD Manager – Drinks
Drinks Development Manager
Beverage Technologist
Senior Beverage Technologist
Beverage Development Lead / Beverage NPD Lead in Stourport-on-Severn employer: Manucomm
At Wincanton, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement. As a Site Technical Manager, you will enjoy a competitive salary and benefits while leading a dedicated team in a dynamic manufacturing environment. Our commitment to employee growth and development, coupled with a strong focus on food safety and quality, makes Wincanton a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Beverage Development Lead / Beverage NPD Lead in Stourport-on-Severn
✨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 Manucomm.
✨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 Manucomm!
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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 Manucomm, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.
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We think you need these skills to ace Beverage Development Lead / Beverage NPD Lead in Stourport-on-Severn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Manucomm, 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 Manucomm.
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 Manucomm. 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 Manucomm. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Manucomm
✨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 Manucomm’s mission.
