Head of R&D

At Fritz&Muller, we are currently working on behalf of a leading multinational company in the refreshing beverage industry to recruit a Head of R&D who will lead the company's innovation and research strategy for its beverage portfolio.

This position plays a key role in driving the creation of new refreshing beverages, enhancing existing formulations, and leading a multidisciplinary R&D team. The mission is to translate market trends and consumer insights into successful, high-quality beverage products while ensuring compliance, efficiency, and commercial success.

Our client is a fast-growing multinational organization specialized in refreshing beverages, offering innovative solutions and premium compounds for the global market. Combining technical expertise, creativity, and market insight, the company develops products that set trends and inspire consumers worldwide.

Solliciteer snel! Er wordt een groot aantal sollicitanten verwacht voor de hieronder beschreven functie, wacht niet met het versturen van uw cv.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Innovation & Strategy

• Define and execute the R&D roadmap aligned with company goals and market trends.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing R&D team focused on formulation, scaling, and product testing.
• Identify new product opportunities through market research, consumer insights, and competitive analysis.
• Oversee ideation, prototyping, pilot production, and successful product launches

Project Management & Quality

• Manage multiple R&D projects, ensuring on-time delivery and budget control.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including sales, procurement, quality, regulatory, and production.
• Ensure all products comply with food safety regulations, quality standards, and market requirements.
• Implement best practices in sensory evaluation, stability studies, and shelf-life testing.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with suppliers, external partners, and customers when needed.
• Present R&D concepts, project updates, and results to senior management and key stakeholders.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive process efficiency, cost optimization, and innovation across R&D activities.
• Stay up to date with industry trends, new ingredients, and emerging technologies, particularly in refreshing beverages and compounds.

REQUIREMENTS

• Master's degree in Food Science, Food Engineering, or a relatedfield.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in R&D or product development within the beverage industry — experience with refreshing beverages is essential.
• Proven track record of successfully launching beverage products.
• Experience managing and developing high-performing teams is mandatory.
• Strong knowledge of beverage compounds, formulation, and blending processes.
• Excellent understanding of food safety regulations and quality standards.
• Strong project management, organizational, and leadership skills.
• Creativity, flexibility, and an innovative mindset.
• Analytical thinking and strong problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Experience in sensory evaluation and product testing. xfgnyzt
• Experience with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, sustainability initiatives, or global environments will be considered a plus.