Head of Innovation (Drinks)

Posted 8 days 2 hours ago by Halecroft Recruitment

Permanent
Full Time
Other
Lancashire, Stretford, United Kingdom, M32 8
Job Description
Head of Innovation

Are you a hands-on innovator in the drinks space with a passion for trend-led product development?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and commercially-minded Head of Innovation to lead the creation of a next-generation functional drinks portfolio. This is a confidential appointment on behalf of a fast-growing business at the forefront of product innovation within the health and wellness category.

The Opportunity

This role is ideal for a forward-thinking food scientist or NPD leader who blends technical expertise with entrepreneurial drive. You'll lead the end-to-end development of functional beverages, from energy drinks and RTDs to vitamin waters and clean-label innovations, bringing new products to life ahead of the market curve. With in-house pilot capabilities and creative freedom, you'll play a critical role in shaping what's next in the drinks category.

What You'll Be Doing

  • Leading NPD across multiple categories and formats, from concept to pilot production

  • Translating health, flavour, ingredient, and packaging trends into commercially viable products

  • Creating a ready-to-go library of functional drink formulations

  • Working hands-on in the lab, formulating, testing, and refining prototypes

  • Partnering with flavour houses, packaging suppliers, and internal stakeholders

  • Supporting costing, feasibility analysis, and go-to-market planning

  • Influencing packaging, process, and machinery decisions based on innovation needs

What We're Looking For

  • A degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or similar

  • 5+ years of drinks NPD experience (functional food/drink, health and wellness, or FMCG)

  • Hands-on formulation experience with strong lab capability

  • Commercial acumen and understanding of cost structures, margins, and scalability

  • Passionate about emerging trends in consumer health, ingredients, and packaging

  • Entrepreneurial, proactive, and excited by the pace of growth and innovation

  • Bonus: experience working in start-up, scale-up, or agile environments

Package:Competitive Salary (Depending on experience) + Benefits

Location: Manchester (37.5hrs per week)
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Sector: FMCG / Food & Beverage

Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK