Formulation Manager

Imperial Brands PLC; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading international FMCG company is seeking a Manager Product Development to lead a team in Liverpool. In this hybrid role, you will drive the development of next-generation product technologies by combining technical expertise and leadership skills. Responsibilities include mentoring a team of scientists to deliver innovative solutions and managing projects from concept through technical evaluation. The ideal candidate should possess strong formulation knowledge and proven leadership experience within a FMCG environment.

Benefits

Comprehensive compensation package

Bonus scheme

Opportunity for growth and learning

Qualifications

• Experience in developing innovative product formulations.
• Ability to lead and mentor a diverse team of scientists and technologists.
• Strong communication and influencing skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team to develop prototypes and solutions for new products.
• Manage projects from concept to reality ensuring consumer appeal.
• Provide technical updates and recommendations within R&D.

Skills

Strong technical expertise in formulation and product development

Proven leadership experience managing teams

Excellent communication skills

Collaborative mindset

Consumer-centric approach

Experience in FMCG

Job description

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity for a Manager Product Development to lead and develop a talented team within our R&D Innovation function. Reporting to the Head of Formulation & Processing you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping next-generation formulations and product technologies that support our ambitious innovation programme and growth plans.

This is a hybrid role based in Liverpool, with occasional travel. You’ll combine technical expertise with leadership skills to deliver consumer-centric, commercially viable innovations across multiple categories.

Principle Accountabilities

• Manage and mentor a team of scientists, technologists, and technicians to develop prototypes and technical solutions for new product innovation projects.
• Contribute ideas and steer projects from concept to reality, ensuring technical robustness, cost efficiency, and consumer appeal.
• Lead communication of technical updates and recommendations within R&D and with business partners.
• Define and apply testing and analytical methods to evaluate performance and drive development decisions.
• Provide ongoing support for current e-liquids, Heated Tobacco, and Oral Nicotine products.
• Ensure safe working practices (COSHH, risk assessments) and maintain operational effectiveness of the team.

Skills and Experience Required

• Strong technical expertise in formulation and product development.
• Proven leadership experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills across technical and business stakeholders.
• Collaborative mindset with the ability to build strong internal and external partnerships.
• Consumer-centric approach with curiosity and passion for innovation.
• Previous experience in FMCG or a similar fast-paced, consumer-focused industry.

What We Offer

In return for playing your part in building our future, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package with salary, bonus scheme and further benefits as well inspiring places to work and collaborate with purpose. Here at Imperial we will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, innovate at pace and be a part of our purpose to forge a path to a healthier future for moments of relaxation and pleasure for our consumers.

Everyone Belongs

About Us

We're a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 120 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by 25,000 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo where people can bring their best selves to work. Our agility and collaboration are driving our ambitions, innovation and success all supported by our award-winning development programmes that creates exciting and rewarding career opportunities for all. Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.

Recruitment Policy

As a matter of policy, Imperial Tobacco or its subsidiaries never requests or requires payment as part of any recruitment process.