Research and Development Beverages

Head of Product Development – Beverages | Johannesburg | Permanent

Lead innovation in one of the most dynamic FMCG categories in the market. This is an opportunity to shape the future of beverage product development while driving commercial growth, quality, and operational excellence.

We are looking for an experienced product development leader to take ownership of the innovation pipeline across a fast-paced FMCG environment. You will lead a team of Product and Packaging Technologists, translating market opportunities into commercially viable products while ensuring speed to market, quality, and profitability.

This role requires a strategic thinker with strong technical capability and a deep understanding of beverage formulation, packaging development, and large-scale manufacturing. You will work closely with Marketing, Supply Chain, Quality, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver innovative products that resonate with consumers and support business growth objectives.

Our client is a well-established FMCG business with a strong market presence and a reputation for delivering high-quality consumer products across local and international markets. Their innovation-driven culture encourages collaboration, continuous improvement, and commercial agility.

What You’ll Do
• Lead and develop a team of Product and Packaging Technologists
• Translate marketing innovation briefs into commercially viable product specifications
• Drive the development and launch of new beverage products from concept through to factory implementation
• Re-engineer existing products to improve profitability, quality, and market relevance
• Conduct value analysis initiatives while maintaining product integrity and customer experience
• Collaborate with Category, Supply Chain, and Quality teams to support innovation delivery
• Manage pilot and testing facilities where applicable
• Support the sourcing and implementation of new manufacturing technologies
• Drive innovation growth targets aligned to business objectives

What You Bring
• BTech, BSc, or equivalent qualification in Science, Technology, Engineering, or related field
• Minimum 10 years’ experience leading product development teams within FMCG
• At least 5 years’ experience within the beverages category
• Strong knowledge of beverage product development and packaging technologies
• Proven track record of successful product launches and innovation delivery
• Experience scaling products from pilot plant to factory production
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management capability
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and project delivery skills
• Working knowledge of quality systems and cross-functional collaboration

What Success Looks Like
• Successful launch of innovative and commercially viable beverage products
• Continuous improvement in manufacturing value and product quality
• Strong collaboration across technical, commercial, and operational teams
• Delivery of innovation growth targets and business objectives
• A high-performing, motivated, and technically capable product development team