Head of R&D – Beverage Sector – 100% On-site in Rotterdam

Fritz & Muller; Rotterdam; On-site; EUR 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A multinational beverage company in Rotterdam is seeking a Head of R&D to lead the innovation and product development for its beverage portfolio. You will define the R&D roadmap, manage a high-performing team, and ensure compliance with food safety regulations. The ideal candidate has at least 7 years of experience in beverage R&D, a Master's degree in Food Science, and a strong track record of product launches. This role is 100% on-site, offering an exciting opportunity to drive new beverage concepts.

Qualifications

• Minimum 7 years of experience in R&D or product development within the beverage industry.
• Hands-on experience developing beverage formulations.
• Solid understanding of food safety regulations and quality standards for beverages.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute the R&D roadmap for beverage products.
• Mentor and develop a high-performing R&D team.
• Oversee ideation, prototyping, and successful launch of new beverage products.

Skills

Project management

Strong communication

Analytical thinking

Creativity and innovation mindset

Leadership skills

Education

Master’s degree in Food Science or related field

Job description

Head of R&D – Beverage Sector – 100% On-site in Rotterdam

Join to apply for the Head of R&D – Beverage Sector – 100% On-site in Rotterdam role at Fritz & Muller

At Fritz & Muller, we are partnering with a leading multinational company in the beverage sector to recruit a Head of R&D who will lead the innovation, formulation, and research strategy for its beverage portfolio.

This role is strictly focused on beverages and will play a critical role in driving the development of new beverage concepts, optimizing existing formulations, and leading a multidisciplinary R&D team specialized in drinks. The mission is to translate market trends and consumer insights into commercially successful, high‑quality beverage products, ensuring regulatory compliance, efficiency, and scalability.

Our client is a fast‑growing multinational organization exclusively specialized in beverages, developing innovative and premium solutions for the global drinks market.

Responsibilities

Beverage Innovation & Strategy

• Define and execute the R&D roadmap specifically for beverage products, aligned with business objectives and global market trends.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing beverage R&D team focused on formulation, scaling, and product testing.
• Identify new beverage opportunities through market research, consumer insights, and competitive analysis within the drinks sector.
• Oversee ideation, prototyping, pilot production, and successful launch of new beverage products.

Project Management & Quality

• Manage multiple beverage R&D projects, ensuring on‑time delivery and budget control
• Collaborate closely with sales, procurement, quality, regulatory, and production teams within a beverage manufacturing environment.
• Ensure all beverage products comply with food safety regulations, quality standards, and market‑specific requirements.
• Implement best practices in sensory evaluation, stability studies, and shelf‑life testing for beverages.
• Partner with ingredient suppliers, external laboratories, co‑packers, and customers within the beverage ecosystem.
• Present beverage R&D concepts, progress, and results to senior management and key stakeholders.
• Drive efficiency, cost optimization, and continuous innovation across beverage R&D processes.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, new ingredients, and emerging technologies specifically related to beverages and beverage compounds.

Requirements (Exclusive)

• Master’s degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a related field.
• Minimum 7 years of proven experience in R&D or product development within the beverage industry — this experience is mandatory and non‑negotiable.
• Demonstrated hands‑on experience developing beverage formulations (candidates without direct beverage experience will not be considered).
• Proven track record of successfully launching beverage products to market.
• Mandatory experience managing and developing high‑performing R&D teams.
• Strong technical knowledge of beverage compounds, formulation, blending, and scaling processes.
• Solid understanding of food safety regulations and quality standards applicable to beverages.
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• High level of creativity, flexibility, and innovation mindset.
• Analytical thinking and strong problem‑solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Practical experience in sensory evaluation and beverage product testing.
• Experience with alcoholic and/or non‑alcoholic beverages, sustainability initiatives, or global beverage environments will be considered a plus.

This is a 100% on‑site position.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Project Management

Industry

Beverage Manufacturing