Head of Innovation (Drinks)

Halecroft Recruitment; Stretford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the health and wellness sector is looking for a Head of Innovation to lead the development of a next-generation functional drinks portfolio. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Food Science and over five years of drinks NPD experience, combining technical expertise with a hands-on approach. You will be involved in crafting innovative beverages that respond to market trends, overseeing the entire development process.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Leading NPD across multiple categories from concept to pilot production.
• Translating trends into commercially viable products.
• Formulating, testing, and refining prototypes.

Skills

Hands-on formulation experience

Commercial acumen

Understanding of cost structures

Passion for consumer health trends

Entrepreneurial mindset

Education

Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or Nutrition

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