Back to search
Product Development Manager – Innovation (RTD/Functional Drinks/Drinks)
Location: Aylesford, Kent
Working setup: Mon-Fri, 8.30am-5pm, fully on-site
Pod Talent is thrilled to be partnering with a global and innovative food and drink manufacturer. With a passion for health, performance, and wellness, this company supports a wide variety of brands – from flavoured waters and energy drinks to alternative dairy and wellbeing beverages. It’s a fantastic time to join them as they scale their innovation team and work on some of the most exciting NPD projects in the market right now.
This is a brand-new role that sits at the heart of the R&D and commercial strategy. You’ll report directly to the Head of Innovation and work closely with cross-functional teams to develop products from concept to launch, while helping define the future of the innovation function.
This is a great opportunity for someone looking to step up in a more senior role – the team values energy, curiosity, and collaboration just as much as deep technical knowledge.
What you’ll be doing:
- Lead the end-to-end development of new beverage products, from concept creation to first production runs, in both internal facilities and with co-manufacturers.
- Work directly with clients to scope, cost, and design innovative beverage formulations across RTD and functional drinks.
- Ensure regulatory compliance, ingredient functionality, shelf-life validation, and all technical aspects are handled from the start.
- Run and attend development trials, taste panels, and scale-up sessions, ensuring every launch meets the brand’s promise.
- Act as a bridge between R&D, commercial, and quality teams, helping translate innovation into real-world success stories.
What we’re looking for:
- 3+ years of experience in beverage development, ideally within functional drinks, RTD, or wellbeing beverages.
- A BSc or MSc in Food Science, Food Chemistry, or a related field.
- Confidently developing full product recipes and overseeing manufacturing, shelf life, and sensory analysis.
- A hands-on and collaborative approach – you love rolling up your sleeves and working cross-functionally.
- An open, adaptable mindset – someone who can balance structure with creativity, and thrives in a fast-evolving environment.
- Passionate about health, nutrition, and innovation with a commercial mindset and cost-awareness.
Why join?
- The chance to build your own role and have a genuine voice in how innovation is run.
- A fast-paced, supportive and open team culture – people are friendly, flexible, and want to grow together.
- Exposure to major consumer brands and dynamic beverage start-ups.
- Long-term growth opportunities, with the potential to move into leadership or cross-functional projects.
- A real focus on personal development and learning-by-doing.
If you're passionate about drinks, ready to lead development end-to-end, and want to make your mark in a high-growth space, this is a great opportunity for you.
Apply now or reach out to Serge at Pod Talent for more information.
