Product Development Manager

Role Overview

• Lead end-to-end NPD and EPD across liquids, formats, gifting, serveware and ritual-led experiences
• Drive continual improvement of existing products — taste, consistency, quality, yield and scalability
• Translate customer insight and feedback into clear product development briefs
• Own and run a disciplined stage-gate process from concept through to launch
• Act as a central point of contact between Technical & Quality, Supply Chain, Packaging Development, Brand and leadership, keeping workstreams aligned and moving, managing critical paths and ensuring launches land on time, on spec and on brand
• Manage external development partners and specialist suppliers where required
• Work with the Founder, Brand and Growth teams to develop ritual-led products and experiences
• Partner with Brand, Marketing and Content to unearth ingredient, formulation and process stories that strengthen brand equity and product storytelling
• Lead hands-on formulation and recipe development, scaling from bench to factory in close collaboration with our suppliers
• Anticipate ingredient, packaging and manufacturing dependencies, working closely with the Technical & Supply Chain Manager to mitigate risk
• Build optionality into formulations and specifications, developing alternative supply routes well ahead of need
• Partner with the Technical & Quality Manager to embed food safety, regulatory compliance and manufacturing readiness into development

Requirements

• Circa 5-10 years’ experience in product development within drinks or adjacent CPG categories
• Deep expertise in flavour development, formulation and sensory balance
• Proven experience taking products from concept through to commercial production
• Strong experience working with manufacturers and ingredient suppliers
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to run multiple workstreams in parallel
• Strong commercial judgement
• margin, complexity and feasibility are always considered.
• Nice to have: Experience in craft drink making, whether non-alcoholic, alcoholic, or a mix of both
• Hands-on experience developing liquids where balance, mouthfeel and complexity really matter.

Benefits

• Share Options Programme: Equivalent to 15% of salary
• Annual Leave: 25 days per year
• Summer Hours: Early finish Fridays (June–August)
• Work From Anywhere: Up to 2 weeks per year
• Pension: 5% matched contribution
• Cycle Scheme: Bike or Lime/Forest Pass
• Personal Development: £300 annual allowance for approved training
• Wellbeing Support: Access to Spill app & Heka allowance (£40/month) + birthday/work anniversary boosts
• Annual Team Trip: Gastronomical & wellbeing-focused team away trip
• Free access to Fora gym & classes
• Parental Leave: Competitive maternity/paternity package