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- Tasks: Lead innovative NPD projects for exciting RTD beverages from concept to launch.
- Company: Join a dynamic company with global reach and a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy autonomy, visibility, and the chance to shape your career in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by working directly with customers and driving product development.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in Food Science or similar, plus beverage NPD experience required.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values your ideas and invests in your growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Tired of the same-old product briefs, slow decision-making, and red tape? Here’s a rare opportunity to lead end-to-end NPD projects in the fast-moving world of RTD (Ready-to-Drink) beverages, where your ideas don’t sit in a queue, they hit the shelves. This is a hands-on, commercially-focused NPD Manager role for someone who wants more autonomy, more visibility, and more impact. You’ll be joining a business with serious manufacturing capability, global reach, and a senior leadership team that actually listens to their technical experts.
Why This Job? Why Now?
- Own the development process from idea to launch. No handoffs, no silos, no chasing approvals from five different departments.
- Work directly with customers, not just internal stakeholders, to shape projects and pitch ideas that actually get made.
- Be part of a business that invests in innovation. Not one that talks about it on the website and forgets it at budget time.
- Enjoy stability with the freedom to shape things. No more being a number. You’ll be visible, valued, and part of the company’s growth story.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Leading the full NPD process from brief to commercialisation.
- Developing innovative formulations in the sports, RTD, and dairy-alternative space.
- Managing development trials and first production runs (in-house and with third parties).
- Working closely with procurement, production, QA, and sales to bring products to life.
- Conducting sensory assessments and ensuring products meet quality and organoleptic standards.
- Advising on shelf life, packaging compatibility, and regulatory compliance.
- Mentoring junior team members and running internal beverage development training.
- Continuously improving development processes and identifying new raw material suppliers.
What You’ll Need
- BSc/MSc in Food Science, Food Chemistry, or similar.
- Experience in end-to-end beverage NPD experience.
- Experience working with manufacturing teams to take products from lab to line.
- Solid project management skills (a PM qualification is a bonus).
- A passion for innovation, sustainability, and commercially viable science.
NPD Manager - Drinks employer: NTER TALENT
Contact Detail:
NTER TALENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NPD Manager - Drinks
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the beverage industry, especially those involved in NPD. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about current trends and challenges in the RTD market.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion for innovation by discussing recent trends in beverage development during interviews. Be prepared to share your ideas on how you would approach new product development in the RTD space.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with the company's existing product lines and their market positioning. This knowledge will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your project management skills in detail. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully led NPD projects from concept to launch, focusing on your ability to collaborate across departments.
We think you need these skills to ace NPD Manager - Drinks
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in New Product Development (NPD) within the beverage industry. Emphasise your project management skills and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead NPD projects from concept to launch.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for innovation and sustainability in the food and beverage sector. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed NPD processes and collaborated with cross-functional teams to bring products to market.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Ensure you mention your BSc/MSc in Food Science or related fields prominently. If you have any project management qualifications, include those as well, as they can set you apart from other candidates.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, highlight soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and mentoring. These are crucial for the role, especially since you'll be working closely with various departments and guiding junior team members.
How to prepare for a job interview at NTER TALENT
✨Showcase Your NPD Experience
Make sure to highlight your end-to-end experience in beverage NPD during the interview. Discuss specific projects you've led, focusing on how you managed the development process from concept to launch.
✨Demonstrate Your Innovation Mindset
Prepare examples of innovative formulations or processes you've developed in the past. This role values creativity, so be ready to discuss how your ideas can contribute to the company's growth in the RTD market.
✨Understand the Market Trends
Research current trends in the drinks industry, especially in RTD beverages. Being knowledgeable about consumer preferences and emerging flavours will show your passion for the sector and your readiness to lead impactful projects.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Share examples of how you've successfully worked with procurement, production, and sales to bring products to life.
