Head of R&D

• 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
• 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

• 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
• Demonstrated hands-on experience developing beverage formulations
• 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