Hartmann Young is exclusively partnered with a well-established global leader in ingredient solutions and premix manufacturing for the food, beverage, and nutrition industries. With over 40 years of expertise in sourcing and distribution, the business supports customers across multiple markets with high-quality, innovative formulations.
Together we are searching for a Beverage Development Manager. This position will play a critical role in the end-to-end development and implementation of new beverage products, covering everything from initial concept to launch. The role demands a strategic thinker with hands-on formulation experience, capable of driving innovation and ensuring the delivery of safe, regulatory-compliant, and cost-effective beverage solutions.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Scope and define customer requirements during early project phases, enabling precise cost estimations and robust project approvals.
* Establish clear product acceptance criteria aligned with customer expectations.
* Design and develop tailored product solutions with consideration for quality, regulatory compliance, cost targets, and product stability.
* Formulate beverage products including but not limited to sports nutrition, RTDs (Ready-to-Drink), and dairy alternatives.
* Oversee implementation of recipes at internal production sites or with third-party manufacturers.
* Conduct sensory evaluations to validate flavour, aroma, texture, and overall organoleptic quality.
* Evaluate the effects of final packaging on product shelf life and make recommendations based on industry best practices.
* Provide technical shelf-life estimations and advise on appropriate validation and testing methodologies.
* Deliver training and technical guidance to internal sales teams and customers to support successful product launches.
* Identify and approve new raw material suppliers in alignment with internal processes and customer demands.
* Lead beverage-related training and knowledge-sharing initiatives across the team.
* Plan, organise, and execute product trials at internal and external manufacturing sites.
* Attend first production runs to ensure process stability and address any formulation issues that arise.
What We’re Looking For
* BSc or MSc in Food Science, Food Chemistry, or a closely related discipline
* Minimum of 3 years’ hands-on experience in a manufacturer of RTD beverages or beverage concentrates
* Demonstrated experience managing full-cycle beverage product development from concept to commercialisation
* Strong technical understanding of functional ingredients such as vitamins, minerals, sweeteners, acidulates, flavours, and colours used in RTD beverage formulation
* Proven leadership and project management capabilities, ideally supported by a formal project management qualification
* Consumer-focused mindset with experience in B2C product design
* A passion for sustainability and innovation in food and beverage product development
* Experience driving continuous improvement in formulation and manufacturing processes
If this position sound like it fits you please reach out to amanda.hardwick@hartmannyoung.com.