Head of Innovation (Drinks)

  • Location:

    Sunderland, England

  • Sector:

    Manufacturing

  • Job type:

    Permanent

  • Salary:

    Competitive Salary (Depending on experience)

  • Contact:

    Halecroft Recruitment Ltd

  • Contact email:

    register@halecroftrecruitment.co.uk

  • Job ref:

    730

  • Published:

    5 hours ago

  • Consultant:

    Lydia Whitelegg

  • Expiry date:

    2025-08-10

Head of Innovation 

Are you a hands-on innovator in the drinks space with a passion for trend-led product development?

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a dynamic and commercially-minded Head of Innovation to lead the creation of a next-generation functional drinks portfolio. This is a confidential appointment on behalf of a fast-growing business at the forefront of product innovation within the health and wellness category.

The Opportunity

This role is ideal for a forward-thinking food scientist or NPD leader who blends technical expertise with entrepreneurial drive. You’ll lead the end-to-end development of functional beverages, from energy drinks and RTDs to vitamin waters and clean-label innovations, bringing new products to life ahead of the market curve. With in-house pilot capabilities and creative freedom, you’ll play a critical role in shaping what’s next in the drinks category.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • Leading NPD across multiple categories and formats, from concept to pilot production
  • Translating health, flavour, ingredient, and packaging trends into commercially viable products
  • Creating a ready-to-go library of functional drink formulations
  • Working hands-on in the lab, formulating, testing, and refining prototypes
  • Partnering with flavour houses, packaging suppliers, and internal stakeholders
  • Supporting costing, feasibility analysis, and go-to-market planning
  • Influencing packaging, process, and machinery decisions based on innovation needs

What We’re Looking For

  • A degree in Food Science, Chemistry, Nutrition, or similar
  • 5+ years of drinks NPD experience (functional food/drink, health and wellness, or FMCG)
  • Hands-on formulation experience with strong lab capability
  • Commercial acumen and understanding of cost structures, margins, and scalability
  • Passionate about emerging trends in consumer health, ingredients, and packaging
  • Entrepreneurial, proactive, and excited by the pace of growth and innovation
  • Bonus: experience working in start-up, scale-up, or agile environments

Package: Competitive Salary (Depending on experience) + Benefits 

Location: Sunderland (37.5hrs per week) 
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Sector: FMCG / Food & Beverage

Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK