Head of Innovation (Drinks)

Halecroft Recruitment; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the FMCG sector is seeking a proactive Head of Innovation to spearhead product development in functional beverages. This role combines technical expertise and entrepreneurial drive, allowing you to lead innovative projects from concept to pilot production, creating a diverse array of health-focused drinks.

Benefits

Competitive Salary

Benefits package

Qualifications

• 5+ years of drinks NPD experience in functional food/drink or FMCG.
• Experience in start-up or agile environments is a bonus.

Responsibilities

• Leading NPD across multiple categories and formats from concept to pilot production.
• Translating health and packaging trends into commercially viable products.
• Working hands-on in the lab to formulate and refine prototypes.

Skills

Hands-on formulation experience

Commercial acumen

Understanding of cost structures

Knowledge of emerging trends

Education

Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or similar

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