Beverage Development Manager

Our client is a global leading supplier of ingredients and premix manufacturing solutions for the food, beverage and nutrition industries. They are seeking an experienced Beverage Development Manager for their office in Kent. This role is responsible for scoping, developing and delivering NPD and Innovation solutions that meet customer needs to the agreed quality, cost and sustainability targets that are legally and regulatory compliant with the launch countries. From concept ideas through to supporting implementation either in own production facilities or via external co-manufacturers. Additionally responsible for identifying and mitigating risks that may occur during the development and implementation stages and ensuring that these risks are effectively mitigated and managed throughout the project life cycle. This also includes driving continuous improvement in the process of end-to-end product development and implementation. The main day to day responsibilities:

• Ensure thorough understanding of customer requirements during scoping, enabling accurate cost estimation and informed project approvals.
• Set clear product approval criteria with the customer in the scoping phase.
• Design product solutions that meet customer needs, covering quality, regulatory, stability, and cost considerations.
• Develop product formulations based on customer ideas (Sports Nutrition, RTD Beverages, Diary alternatives) and oversee implementation at manufacturing sites.
• Conduct sensory assessments to ensure the product meets the agreed organoleptic standards.
• Assess the impact of final packaging on product shelf life, using industry expertise.
• Provide informed shelf-life estimates based on ingredients, manufacturing methods, and packaging, and advise on validation methods.
• Offer training and preparation for sales teams and customers.
• Identify and onboard new raw material suppliers in line with customer needs and process, ensure timely approvals.
• Lead beverage development training for the broader team.
• Scope and lead trials at internal and third party manufacturing sites to support product development.
• Attend first production runs to ensure smooth operations and resolve any product-related issues efficiently.

The successful candidate must have - BSC/MSc in Food Science, Food Chemistry or related field and a minimum of 3 years experience in RTD and beverage concentrate manufacturer. Must also have a minimum of 3 years experience in the end to end recipe development of beverage product development from idea to implementation. You will have a strong understanding of ingredient functionality covering additives, flavours, colours, sweeteners, acidulants and functional ingredients including vitamins and minerals in the development and manufacture of RTD beverages and beverage concentrates. Must be passionate about sustainability and food innovation with proven continuous improvement experience in process design and manufacturing.