My client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Director of Beverage Research & Development (R&D) to lead the innovation, development, and optimization of new and existing beverage products. This key leadership role will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of R&D, from ideation and concept development to product commercialization, ensuring that the company stays ahead of industry trends and delivers cutting-edge, high-quality beverages to the market.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the beverage R&D team in the creation and development of new products, from concept through to commercialization, ensuring alignment with the company's strategic objectives and market trends.
- Drive innovation by identifying and researching emerging beverage trends, ingredients, and technologies, ensuring the company's product offerings remain competitive and innovative.
- Oversee formulation, sensory evaluation, and optimization of beverage recipes, ensuring consistency, quality, and scalability in production.
- Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including Marketing, Supply Chain, Operations, and Quality Assurance to ensure that products meet market demands and regulatory requirements.
- Manage the R&D budget, resources, and timelines effectively to meet key milestones and launch deadlines.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, ingredient manufacturers, and other industry partners to stay ahead of emerging trends and secure innovative ingredients.
- Conduct extensive consumer testing and market research to validate product concepts, ensuring products meet consumer preferences and expectations.
- Ensure compliance with food safety regulations, quality standards, and sustainability initiatives across all product lines.
- Mentor and manage a high-performing R&D team, providing direction, feedback, and development opportunities to foster professional growth and innovation within the department.
- Champion a culture of creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement within the R&D team and broader organization.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Biochemistry, or a related field (Master's or PhD preferred).
- 8+ years of experience in beverage R&D, product development, or related roles, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
- Proven experience in developing and launching successful beverage products across various categories (e.g., non-alcoholic, alcoholic, functional beverages, etc.).
- Strong knowledge of formulation, sensory evaluation, and manufacturing processes.
- In-depth understanding of industry trends, regulatory requirements, and consumer preferences in the beverage sector.
- Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience in building and leading high-performing teams.
- Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively collaborate across departments and with external partners.
- Passion for innovation and a deep understanding of the beverage industry landscape.
