Product Development Manager in London
Product Development Manager

Product Development Manager in London

London Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead product development from concept to launch, focusing on innovative non-alcoholic drinks.
  • Company: Join Mother Root, a rapidly growing non-alcoholic aperitif brand redefining drinking culture.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, share options, and personal development support.
  • Why this job: Be part of a bold team making a real impact in the non-alcoholic beverage industry.
  • Qualifications: 5-10 years in product development with a passion for flavour and quality.
  • Other info: Experience a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and creativity.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Who We Are

Mother Root is the Ginger non‑alcoholic aperitif. We harness the power of apple cider vinegar to serve up a dose of good feelings. Our mission is to redefine what it means to drink well and feel good – with drinks that are complex, delicious and rooted in nature. Fresh from securing three offers on BBC Dragons’ Den, we’re on an exciting growth journey — scaling from a £7m brand today towards £50m+ in the years ahead, with 250% year‑on‑year growth already underway. With our small but mighty team, we’re building one of the UK’s fastest‑growing non‑alcoholic brands, both online and in retail. We’re bold, inclusive and ambitious. We value creativity, curiosity and collaboration — and we believe work should be joyful, purposeful and full of flavour.

The Role

We’re hiring a Product Development Manager to lead the delivery of our product pipeline in NPD and EPD – from early‑stage ideas through to launch and ongoing improvement. Reporting into the Head of Operations, you’ll be the central point of coordination across product development, working closely with Technical & Quality, Supply Chain, Packaging Development and partnering closely with the CEO, who drives much of the product vision and strategy. This is a hands‑on role for someone who loves drinks, flavour and process – and who brings clarity, pace and discipline to complex projects.

What You’ll Do

  • Product Development
    • Lead end‑to‑end NPD and EPD across liquids, formats, gifting, serveware and ritual‑led experiences.
    • Drive continual improvement of existing products – taste, consistency, quality, yield and scalability.
    • Translate customer insight and feedback into clear product development briefs.
  • Project Leadership & Delivery
    • Own and run a disciplined stage‑gate process from concept through to launch.
    • Act as a central point of contact between Technical & Quality, Supply Chain, Packaging Development, Brand and leadership, keeping workstreams aligned and moving, managing critical paths and ensuring launches land on time, on spec and on brand.
    • Manage external development partners and specialist suppliers where required.
  • Brand, Ritual & Customer Experience
    • Work with the Founder, Brand and Growth teams to develop ritual‑led products and experiences.
    • Partner with Brand, Marketing and Content to unearth ingredient, formulation and process stories that strengthen brand equity and product storytelling.
  • Supply Chain, Technical & Risk
    • Lead hands‑on formulation and recipe development, scaling from bench to factory in close collaboration with our suppliers.
    • Anticipate ingredient, packaging and manufacturing dependencies, working closely with the Technical & Supply Chain Manager to mitigate risk.
    • Build optionality into formulations and specifications, developing alternative supply routes well ahead of need.
    • Partner with the Technical & Quality Manager to embed food safety, regulatory compliance and manufacturing readiness into development.

What You’ll Bring

  • Circa 5‑10 years’ experience in product development within drinks or adjacent CPG categories.
  • Deep expertise in flavour development, formulation and sensory balance.
  • Proven experience taking products from concept through to commercial production.
  • Strong experience working with manufacturers and ingredient suppliers.
  • Excellent project management skills, with the ability to run multiple workstreams in parallel.
  • Strong commercial judgement – margin, complexity and feasibility are always considered.

Nice to have:

  • Experience in craft drink making, whether non‑alcoholic, alcoholic, or a mix of both.
  • Hands‑on experience developing liquids where balance, mouthfeel and complexity really matter.

You’ll Thrive Here If You

  • Are flavour‑obsessed and hold a very high‑quality bar.
  • Enjoy owning complex problems end‑to‑end.
  • Bring structure, clarity and calm to fast‑moving environments.
  • Can work autonomously and make sound judgement calls.
  • Balance creative ambition with practical delivery.

Benefits & Perks

  • Share Options Programme: Equivalent to 15% of salary
  • Annual Leave: 25 days per year
  • Summer Hours: Early finish Fridays (June–August)
  • Work From Anywhere: Up to 2 weeks per year
  • Pension: 5% matched contribution
  • Cycle Scheme: Bike or Lime/Forest Pass
  • Personal Development: £300 annual allowance for approved training
  • Wellbeing Support: Access to Spill app & Heka allowance (£40/month) + birthday/work anniversary boosts
  • Annual Team Trip: Gastronomical & wellbeing‑focused team away trip
  • Free access to Fora gym & classes
  • Parental Leave: Competitive maternity/paternity package
  • Lots of free Mother Root

Product Development Manager in London employer: MOTHER ROOT ✸

At Mother Root, we pride ourselves on being an innovative and inclusive employer, dedicated to redefining the non-alcoholic beverage landscape. Our vibrant work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, while our commitment to employee growth is evident through generous benefits like a personal development allowance and flexible working options. Join us in our exciting journey as we scale one of the UK's fastest-growing brands, where your passion for flavour and quality will be celebrated and rewarded.
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Contact Detail:

MOTHER ROOT ✸ Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Product Development Manager in London

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your passion for flavour and innovation during interviews. Share examples of how you've tackled complex product development challenges in the past. This will demonstrate that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Mother Root.

We think you need these skills to ace Product Development Manager in London

Product Development
NPD (New Product Development)
EPD (Existing Product Development)
Flavour Development
Formulation
Sensory Balance
Project Management
Stakeholder Management
Supply Chain Coordination
Food Safety Compliance
Regulatory Compliance
Commercial Judgement
Problem-Solving Skills
Collaboration
Creativity

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Flavour: When you're writing your application, let your love for drinks and flavour shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission to create complex and delicious non-alcoholic beverages.

Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Highlight your relevant experience in product development and project management without fluff. We appreciate clarity as much as creativity!

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Product Development Manager role. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to our goals at Mother Root, showing us why you’re the perfect fit.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at MOTHER ROOT ✸

Know Your Flavours

As a Product Development Manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your passion for flavour. Research Mother Root's current products and be ready to discuss how you would enhance their taste profiles or introduce new flavours. Show that you understand the balance of ingredients and can articulate your ideas clearly.

Master the Stage-Gate Process

Familiarise yourself with the stage-gate process in product development. Be prepared to explain how you would manage projects from concept to launch, ensuring timelines are met and quality is maintained. Highlight any past experiences where you've successfully navigated similar processes.

Collaborate Like a Pro

Collaboration is key in this role. Think of examples where you've worked closely with cross-functional teams, such as Technical, Quality, and Supply Chain. Be ready to discuss how you kept everyone aligned and motivated, especially in fast-paced environments.

Bring Your Commercial Insight

Showcase your understanding of commercial judgement by discussing how you consider margin, complexity, and feasibility in product development. Prepare to share specific examples of how you've balanced creative ambition with practical delivery in previous roles.

Product Development Manager in London
MOTHER ROOT ✸
Location: London

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