The Company

Our client is an innovative and fast-growing drinks manufacturer operating within the alcohol-free, functional and fermented beverage sectors. Working with a diverse range of customers, from ambitious start-ups through to established brands and major retailers, they are helping bring exciting new products to market across the UK and Europe.

With a growing pipeline of development projects, they are seeking experienced freelance Product Developers who can support both liquid development and project delivery on a flexible, project-by-project basis.

The Role

This is an opportunity to lead product development projects from initial concept through to successful launch, working closely with customers, suppliers and internal technical and operational teams.

You’ll take ownership of the product development journey, transforming customer briefs into commercially viable products that can be successfully scaled and manufactured. Alongside formulation and product development responsibilities, you’ll also manage project timelines, coordinate stakeholders and provide customers with regular progress updates.

Projects will vary in complexity and may involve everything from benchtop development and ingredient sourcing through to factory trials, specification approval and first production runs. This role offers significant flexibility and would suit an experienced developer who enjoys balancing creativity with commercial and technical delivery.

The Candidate

We’re looking for an experienced Product Developer who can confidently work from brief through to launch whilst managing multiple projects and stakeholders along the way.

You’ll have a proven background within food or beverage product development, with the ability to create and refine formulations, work closely with ingredient suppliers and flavour partners, and understand the technical considerations associated with commercial manufacturing. Experience costing products, managing customer relationships and balancing technical requirements with brand objectives will be essential.

The ideal candidate will be highly organised, commercially aware and comfortable operating autonomously. You’ll enjoy working directly with customers, thrive in fast-paced environments and have the ability to keep projects moving whilst maintaining strong attention to detail.

Experience within drinks, particularly alcohol-free, functional, fermented or no-and-low categories, would be highly advantageous. Candidates with experience scaling products from development through to commercial manufacture will be particularly well suited to this opportunity.

Please note: This is a freelance assignment offered on a project-by-project basis. We are open to flexible working arrangements, with a blend of remote working and on-site collaboration at our UK production facility in Buckinghamshire.

Due to the location of the site and limited public transport links, candidates will require access to their own transport.

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