Senior Liquid Development Manager

Michael Page (UK); Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for an experienced Senior Liquid Development Manager to lead innovative projects in the FMCG industry. This role involves overseeing beverage formulation, managing technical documentation, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant science discipline and proven FMCG experience. Flexible working is offered, and the position includes competitive salary and benefits for the right candidate.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonus

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity for career advancement

Qualifications

• Degree in Chemistry or Food Science with relevant experience.
• Strong FMCG background with technical expertise in beverage formulations.
• Experience leading production trials and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Lead delivery of Liquid-led projects from scoping to launch.
• Manage technical documentation including specifications and safety data sheets.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety standards.

Skills

Technical expertise in beverage formulations

Experience in food/beverage application laboratories

Product formulation and scaling

Flavour evaluation and sensory panel training

Project management skills

Effective collaboration

Education

Degree in a relevant science discipline (Chemistry, Food science)

Tools

Liquid development software

Job description

• 12 month FTC covering maternity leave for a market leading drinks business
• Opportunity to work as part of a dynamic and forward thinking team

About Our Client

An innovative and market leading product that is continuing to develop and innovate; launching new products in exciting categories such as alcohol-free, adult soft drinks and mixers.

Job Description

• Lead delivery of Liquid-led projects, from scoping through to launch, as part of a cross functional team.
• Formulate products and manage the scale‑up from laboratory to factory ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and internal standards.
• Provide technical support on ingredients, products and process related issues.
• Prepare and manage technical documentation including specifications, material safety data sheets, formulations and manufacturing instructions.
• Conduct sensory evaluation of flavours and train/carry out sensory panels and perception testing.
• Assist in managing the sensory evaluation program.
• Ensure laboratory compliance health and safety standards and adherence to best technical practices.
• Collaborate with the Innovation team to support NPD scoping and defining technical requirements.
• Implement process improvements to enhance departmental efficiency.
• Foster strong cross‑functional communication with the wider Technical & Quality, Innovation, Supply Chain, Legal and Marketing teams.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure best practices, timely project delivery and contribute to innovation and market trend awareness.
• Support and, when required, lead co‑packer scoping and commissioning initiatives.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Senior Liquid Development Manager should have:

• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science discipline (e.g. Chemistry, Food science) with experience in food/beverage application laboratories, production or related fields.
• Strong technical expertise in beverage formulations, ingredients and processing, with proven FMCG experience.
• Skilled in product formulation and scaling from laboratory to factory.
• Experience in leading full‑scale production trials and troubleshooting on the line.
• Proficient in flavour evaluation, sensory panel training and perception testing.
• Exceptional attention to detail and ability to produce and review technical documentation.
• Experience using and optimising liquid development software.
• Effective working independently and collaboratively.
• Strong track record in NPD and EPD projects.
• Hands‑on approach with strong work ethic.
• Experienced in project management with strong problem‑solving and risk analysis capabilities.
• Proactive, action‑oriented and solution‑driven.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Demonstrates perseverance, resilience and a positive attitude in the pursuit of challenging goals.

• Travel required to production facilities and supplier sites as part of project delivery and technical support responsibilities.
• Flexible working, with a minimum of three days per week in the office/laboratory to support hands‑on technical activities and collaboration.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary
• Performance‑based bonus and comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to work in a leading FMCG organisation
• Chance to contribute to innovative product development projects

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Liquid Development Manager to advance their career in the FMCG industry. If you are ready to take on this challenge, we encourage you to apply today.