Expert Product Development (m/f/d)

In this role you are responsible for the following main tasks:

Product Development:

• Develop and optimize beverage recipes using raw materials, compounds, and syrups
• Lead prototype creation and supervise scale-up and first production runs
• Ensure compliance with internal standards and European food legislation

Project Management & Innovation:

• Manage technical development projects independently, including planning, execution, and documentation
• Drive continuous improvement and cost optimization (COGS) initiatives
• Benchmark technical solutions against market standards and trends

Laboratory & Technical Operations:

• Prepare samples and conduct mixing trials at lab and pilot scale
• Conduct and evaluate stability and shelf-life tests
• Maintain lab equipment and manage raw material inventory

Documentation & Compliance:

• Create and maintain raw material specifications, manufacturing instructions, and SAP master data
• Ensure adherence to GMP, internal procedures, work safety, and environmental regulations

Cross-functional Collaboration:

• Interface with Marketing, Purchasing, Production, Quality, and Legal departments
• Collaborate with suppliers and external partners (e.g., universities, associations)
• Share best practices and support international R&D coordination

Sensory & Quality Evaluation:

• Participate in sensory panels and quality evaluations
• Evaluate new raw materials and support supplier qualification

• Degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Beverage Technology or a related field (Master’s degree preferred)
• 3-5 years of experience in beverage development or a comparable technical role within the food and beverage industry 
• Proven track record in beverage development with broad technical expertise and demonstrated success in bringing products from concept to market 
• Strong knowledge of European food legislation and European beverage markets
• Proficiency in MS Office and SAP
• Fluent in English and German, both written and spoken
• Willingness to travel internationally and to be regularly present at our Nieder-Olm site

Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have)

• Profound technical expertise in compounds and emulsions, including formulation development and industrial application
• Proven experience in the development of zero- and low-sugar beverages, as well as nutrient fortification concepts and nutritional product innovation
• Strong technical understanding of beverage stability, shelf-life performance, and stabilisation systems across a range of beverage categories