Senior Liquid Development Manager

  • Michael Page
  • Jan 06, 2026
Contractor Engineering

Job Description

The Senior Liquid Development Manager will lead the development and formulation of liquid products within the FMCG industry. This role involves managing projects and ensuring the delivery of high-quality and innovative products.

Client Details

An innovative and market leading product that is continuing to develop and innovate; launching new products in exciting categories such as alcohol-free, adult soft drinks and mixers.

Description

  • Lead delivery of Liquid-led projects, from scoping through to launch, as part of a cross functional team.
  • Formulate products and manage the scale-up from laboratory to factory ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and internal standards.
  • Provide technical support on ingredients, products and process related issues.
  • Prepare and manage technical documentation including specifications, material safety data sheets, formulations and manufacturing instructions.
  • Conduct sensory evaluation of flavours and train/carry out sensory panels and perception testing.
  • Assist in managing the sensory evaluation program.
  • Ensure laboratory compliance health and safety standards and adherence to best technical practices.
  • Collaborate with the Innovation team to support NPD scoping and defining technical requirements.
  • Implement process improvements to enhance departmental efficiency.
  • Foster strong cross-functional communication with the wider Technical & Quality, Innovation, Supply Chain, Legal, and Marketing teams
  • Manage supplier relationships to ensure best practices, timely project delivery and contribute to innovation and market trend awareness.
  • Support and, when required, lead co-packer scoping and commissioning initiatives.

Profile

A successful Senior Liquid Development Manager should have:

  • Degree (or equivalent) in relevant science discipline (e.g. Chemistry, Food science) with experience in food/beverage application laboratories, production or related fields.
  • Strong technical expertise in beverage formulations, ingredients and processing, with proven FMCG experience.
  • Skilled in product formulation and scaling from laboratory to factory.
  • Experience in leading full scale production trials and troubleshooting on the line.
  • Proficient in flavour evaluation, sensory panel training, and perception testing.
  • Exceptional attention to detail and ability to produce and review technical documentation.
  • Experience using and optimising liquid development software
  • Effective working independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong track record in NPD and EPD projects
  • Hands-on approach with strong work ethic.
  • Experienced in project management with strong problem-solving and risk analysis capabilities.
  • Proactive, action-oriented, and solution-driven.
  • Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
  • Demonstrates perseverance, resilience and a positive attitude in the pursuit of challenging goals

Travel required to production facilities and supplier sites as part of project delivery and technical support responsibilities.

  • Flexible working, with a minimum of three days per week in the office/laboratory to support hands-on technical activities and collaboration.

Job Offer

  • Competitive salary
  • Performance-based bonus and comprehensive benefits package.
  • Opportunity to work in a leading FMCG organisation.
  • Chance to contribute to innovative product development projects.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Liquid Development Manager to advance their career in the FMCG industry. If you are ready to take on this challenge, we encourage you to apply today.