At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative liquid development and shape the future of iconic spirits.
- Company: Join Pernod Ricard, a global leader in premium spirits and champagne.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, private medical insurance, and generous holidays.
- Other info: Inclusive culture promoting diversity and personal growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of innovation with international exposure and impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Master’s or PhD in relevant fields and proven leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Pernod Ricard is a worldwide leader in the spirits and champagne industry, blending traditional craftsmanship, state-of-the-art brand development, and global distribution technologies. Our prestigious portfolio of premium to luxury brands includes Absolut vodka, Ricard pastis, Ballantine’s, Chivas Regal, Royal Salute, and The Glenlivet Scotch whiskies, Jameson Irish whiskey, Martell cognac, Havana Club rum, Beefeater gin, Malibu liqueur, and Mumm and Perrier-Jouët champagnes.
Our mission is to ensure the long-term growth of our brands with full respect for people and the environment, while empowering our employees around the world to be ambassadors of our purposeful, inclusive, and responsible culture of authentic conviviality.
Pernod Ricard’s Gold Brand Unit is the Group’s Aged Spirits & Champagne division, bringing together the prestigious portfolios of Irish Distillers, Chivas Brothers, Martell Mumm Perrier-Jouët and North American Distillers. With a global team operating across 40 sites and brands spanning Irish, Scotch and American Whisk(e)y, Cognac, Champagne and wine, the division unites exceptional craftsmanship and deep expertise across iconic terroirs in Ireland, Scotland, France and North America.
Its portfolio, rooted in heritage and provenance, embodies Pernod Ricard’s commitment to excellence from Premium to Ultra-Prestige, delivering some of the world’s most celebrated and enduring spirits and champagnes.
About the role
Shape the future of liquid innovation! We are looking for a Head of Liquid Innovation to lead, structure and elevate our liquid development capability at global level. This is a key leadership role at the crossroads of science, innovation, industrialisation and brand strategy, with a strong long‑term and systems‑level perspective. You will provide scientific and technical leadership for liquid formulations, ensuring robust, scalable and distinctive products throughout their full life cycle. This role will be responsible for leading this agenda for the UK & Ireland region, as part of the Aged Spirits & Champagne Business Unit.
Why join us in this role?
- An influential leadership role close to innovation and strategy
- Strong scientific and technical influence on iconic products
- International exposure and meaningful opportunities to solve complex problems.
- The opportunity to build long‑term formulation capabilities and standards.
What you will do
- Lead and develop multidisciplinary technical teams, fostering engagement, accountability and scientific excellence.
- Guide and support the long-term quality, consistency and performance of liquid products through collaboration across teams.
- Translate innovation intent into industrially viable formulation architectures.
- Build and sustain formulation excellence, capabilities and standards.
- Enable a strong and differentiated global liquid innovation pipeline.
- Partner closely with Master Blenders and Cellar Masters, integrating craft expertise, cellar practices and the critical importance of Geographical Indication (GI / IG) processes into innovation choices.
- Create and animate a global Liquid Innovation community and contribute to the broader Liquid Innovation vision across global business units.
Your skills and background
- Master’s or PhD in chemistry, physico-chemistry, formulation science, chemical or food engineering (or equivalent)
- Proven experience leading expert technical teams with strategic vision combined with hands‑on execution.
- Sound judgement and the ability to navigate complex situations while balancing multiple perspectives.
- Deep knowledge in liquid formulation and industrialisation, with solid understanding of long‑term stability and sensory impact.
- Proven ability to build and foster collaborative technical communities and networks, connecting global priorities with broader Liquid Innovation ambitions and the ability to collaborate cross functionally, gaining a clear understanding of roles, expertise and decision-making processes.
- Good understanding of Geographical Indication (GI / IG) requirements and the ability to balance scientific excellence, industrial constraints, cost and time‑to‑market.
Why join us?
- Collective Spirit: You will be part of a connected, international community shaped by iconic brands, a performance mindset, and a proud legacy, where collaboration, fun and ambition coexist.
- Craft your Path: We empower you to own your career, innovate boldly and grow alongside our business, surrounded by leaders who value curiosity, energy, and impact.
- Cultivate the Future: You’ll help shape a business with a soul — one that cherishes the land, respects communities, and brings good times from a good place, responsibly and sustainably.
People are at the heart of everything we do at Pernod Ricard and are the foundation of our collective spirit as ‘Créateurs de Convivialité’. We promote inclusion throughout our business and supply chain. In our teams, we proactively foster a diverse work force and an inclusive culture, an environment where we can truly be ourselves.
We will assess your application for this role based on your skills, experiences, and achievements, not your gender, age, ethnic or educational background or any other such factors. Our recruiting team are more than happy to provide reasonable adjustments during our application and interview process, in order for you to participate fully in our recruitment experience.
Our mix of benefits
- Competitive salary, along with performance related bonus
- Defined Contribution Pension
- Private medical insurance, including income protection.
- Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Generous annual holiday plus public holidays
- Pernod Ricard share incentive plan and share ownership plan.
- Life Assurance
- An allowance each year to spend on our brands.
- Employee discounts from a range of high street retailers.
Learn more about working with Pernod Ricard here. Learn more about Chivas Brothers here.
Closing Date for Applications: 30th July 2026
Job Posting End Date: 2026-08-01
Target Hire Date: 2026-10-26
Head of Liquid Innovation, UK & Ireland in Dumbarton employer: Pernod Ricard
Pernod Ricard UK is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company provides numerous opportunities for professional development while ensuring a supportive environment where every team member can thrive. Located in London, employees benefit from a dynamic city atmosphere, alongside competitive benefits and a commitment to health and safety in all operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Liquid Innovation, UK & Ireland in Dumbarton
✨Join Food Science Communities
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We think you need these skills to ace Head of Liquid Innovation, UK & Ireland in Dumbarton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Pernod Ricard, 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 Pernod Ricard.
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 Pernod Ricard. 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 Pernod Ricard. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pernod Ricard
✨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 Pernod Ricard’s mission.
