Product development placement student

Britvic; Hemel Hempstead; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage company is offering a Product Development Placement for students in Hemel Hempstead. This 12-month FTC role includes hands-on experience in product formulation, market research, and collaboration with cross-functional teams. Ideal candidates will have a strong interest in food science or chemistry and excellent communication skills. The position provides a competitive salary and extensive benefits, and students will work on-site five days a week.

Benefits

Monthly product allowance

Private medical options

Life assurance

Company bonus scheme

Access to 24/7 GP services

Enhanced pension contribution

Generous holiday

High street discounts

Qualifications

• Currently in the second year of university with a sandwich placement option.
• Full driving license required for travel.
• Strong interest in scientific thinking and creativity.

Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on liquid development in the lab.
• Research innovative ingredients for soft drinks.
• Support product scale-up in factories.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams.

Skills

Interest in product formulation

Excellent communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Relationship-building skills

Creative thinking

Education

Food Science, Chemistry, or related discipline

Job description

Job Title: Product development placement student

Location: Hemel Hempstead - Breakspear Park

Job Length: 12 Months FTC

Working Hours: 37.5

Competitive Salary with extensive benefits:

• Monthly product allowance – alcoholic & non-alcoholic options available
• Private Medical options
• Life Assurance
• Company bonus scheme
• Access to 24/7 GP services
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Generous holiday (inc bank holidays)
• Access to a range of high street discounts

Carlsberg Britvic is the largest multi-beverage supplier in the UK and is home to some of the most iconic and popular soft drinks and beers, including J2O, Robinsons, Tango and London Essence along with the license rights to the Pepsi portfolio in the UK including Pepsi MAX, 7UP, Lipton Iced Tea and Rockstar Energy.

With a strong national footprint, the Carlsberg Britvic business includes 6 production facilities and 16 logistics depots servicing customers up and down the UK. As these two historical businesses have come together, the one common goal remains, and that is ensuring our people succeed.

About the role

In this role, you will join the GB IDD Product Development Team (Innovation, Design & Development), collaborating with other Product Developers throughout the project lifecycle — from lab development to factory implementation. Your contributions will directly influence the creation of future products, while you gain hands-on experience in the FMCG industry. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your skills in formulation, scale-up processes, and project management, all within a fast-paced, innovative environment.

You’ll work on a variety of projects, from new product development (NPD) to researching new ingredients and reviewing market trends, supported by a strong work package and excellent benefits.

Role Responsibilities

• Conduct hands-on liquid development in our lab based in Hemel Hempstead.
• Research and evaluate innovative end to end ingredients for use in beverages, within soft drinks, with potential to include alcoholic beverages.
• Support product scale-up in GB factories, including pilot plant trials.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with insights, analytical, procurement, and other teams.
• Organize product testing programs and ensure timely administration and reporting.
• Submit samples for laboratory analysis and clearly communicate results to stakeholders.
• Supporting projects from concept through to launch, ensuring alignment with key stakeholders.
• Contribute to continuous improvement, creativity, and innovation across product pipelines.

Experience and Key Attributes

• A Student currently in the second year of university with a sandwich placement option in the third year.
• Working toward a degree in Food Science, Chemistry, or a closely related discipline.
• Strong interest in product formulation and passion for product development.
• Strong interest in a role combining scientific thinking and creativity
• Interest in process scale-up from laboratory to factory.
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and strong administrative skills.
• Full driving license required to travel to suppliers and other offices, students will work 5 days per week on-site in Hemel Hempstead.

Key Dates

• Please apply no later than Sunday the 2nd of November 2025
• In-Person Assessment center to be held on Tuesday 25th of November 2025 in Carlsberg Britvac Hemel Hempstead office
• Start date: July 2026

This is an exciting time to join our newly formed business – with their incredible individual history’s, innovation of products and some of the UK’s most iconic brands, Carlsberg Britvic strives to deliver the best service to our customers and consumers. We aim to make a difference, bringing together two diverse companies, our global reach enables opportunity, growth and a chance to work with some fantastic people.