R&D Technical Project Lead

Suntory Holdings Limited; London, Uxbridge; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global beverage company is seeking an R&D Technical Project Lead in London. The role involves leading innovation projects, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring product development aligns with business goals. Candidates should have a relevant degree, strong project management skills, and experience in product or packaging development, preferably in the beverage industry. This position offers opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic and creative environment.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant scientific or engineering field.
• Experience in product or packaging development, ideally in the beverage sector.
• Strong project management capabilities and technical knowledge of products.

Responsibilities

• Lead the technical delivery of innovation projects from concept to production.
• Manage timelines, budgets and trials while facilitating stakeholder collaboration.
• Support the implementation of new R&D tools and processes.

Skills

Project Management

Stakeholder Engagement

Communication

Education

Degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biology or Nutrition

Tools

Optiva

SAP

Horizon

Job description

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R&D Technical Project Lead

Requisition ID: 10260

Who We Are

AtSuntory Beverage & Food GB&I, we are passionate about creating drinks that inspire and delight. Based in Uxbridge, we are part of the wider Suntory Beverage & Food Europe (SBFE) group—a global leader in the beverage industry known for its commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability.

We operate in a fast-paced, consumer-driven environment where creativity and collaboration fuel our success. Our teams work across a complex value chain, from ingredients and concentrate plants to bottling and distribution, ensuring that every product we launch meets the highest standards of excellence.

Innovation is at the heart of everything we do. Guided by our strategic innovation program and R&D Mid Term Plan, we continuously explore new ways to meet evolving consumer needs while contributing to a better, more sustainable future. We believe in empowering our people, embracing new ideas, and working together to make a meaningful impact.

About your role

You are a technically skilled and strategically minded professional with a background in food science, engineering, or a related field. You bring at least 2–3 years of experience in product or packaging development, ideally within the beverage industry. You thrive in cross-functional environments, have strong project management capabilities, and are comfortable navigating complex stakeholder landscapes. Your proactive, consumer-centric mindset and ability to lead through influence make you a key driver of innovation and delivery.

What You'll Do

You will lead the technical delivery of innovation projects across various categories including Core Brand Innovation, Evolution, Licence to Operate, Category Expansion, and Design to Value. Your responsibilities will span from initial concept development through to first production, including writing and coordinating project briefs, managing timelines and budgets, and overseeing trials and documentation. You will facilitate collaboration across internal and external stakeholders, ensure accurate setup of SKUs, and contribute to continuous improvement efforts post-launch. Your role will also involve supporting the implementation of new R&D tools and processes, and ensuring that all technical aspects are aligned with business goals.

What's in it for you

This position offers the opportunity to lead high-impact innovation projects in a dynamic and consumer-focused environment. You will work alongside diverse teams across functions and geographies, gaining exposure to cutting-edge tools and systems such as Optiva, SAP, and Horizon. The role supports career development within a globally recognized brand and provides a collaborative culture that values creativity, autonomy, and continuous learning.

What You need to be successful

To succeed in this role, you will need a scientific or engineering degree in a relevant field such as Food Science, Chemistry, Biology, or Nutrition. You should have demonstrated experience in product or packaging development and industrialization, preferably within the beverage sector. Strong project management capabilities, stakeholder engagement skills, and technical knowledge of product, pack, and process are essential. You must be proactive, flexible, and possess excellent communication and time management skills. Fluency in English and the language of the business unit is required, along with a valid driving license.

Our DEI Commitment

At Suntory, we recognize that diverse knowledge, perspectives, and backgrounds contribute to our collective success. We are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where all individuals can bring their whole selves to work every day, regardless of race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, or any other protected characteristic.

Our recruitment and selection processes are designed to highlight what Suntory offers as an employer while allowing candidates to share their unique skills and experiences. We understand that career trajectories vary, and if you believe your experience/background can benefit our team, we encourage you to apply. We endeavor to make our interview process as inclusive as possible and offer reasonable accommodations as needed. Together, we can cultivate a workplace where everyone can thrive and propel our mission of Growing for Good.