HEAD OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

HEAD OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Our client is an ambitious, innovative startup of passionate people who are joining forces to create a new category of non-alcoholic drinks . Through their brand and products they want to celebrate courage and exploration. We are looking for a leader who will guide the core of Product Development.

About the job:

• Strategic Product Development
• Transform visionaryideas into tangibleproducts by investigating and introducing new raw materialsand botanicals, blending and transforming them into incredibly tasty alcohol-free liquids. Collaborate constantly with the Research team and externalcollaborators to envisionand test innovative processes and technologies that will deliverrecipes with unparalleled flavor and quality.
• Drive the development of cutting-edge, shelf-stable formulations , meticulously testing each new product to ensure the perfect balance of flavor, aroma, andshelf life .
• Collaborate closelywith suppliers to source high quality ingredients that are fitting our mission of giving new dignity to forgotten,undervalued plants, roots, herbs.
• Project Management Excellence
• Oversee multiple R&Dprojects simultaneously , ensuring milestones, deadlines, and budgets are met.
• Build and nurturecollaborations with chefs, and sommeliers, including the development of new recipes.
• Establish clear KPIs to measure project success,from ideation to final product launch.
• Customer-Centric Market Analysis
• Engage directlywith our key customers (chefs, sommeliers, private consumers) to understandtheir needs and desires by organizing periodicpanels. Structure - with the sales & marketing team – a constant feedbackloop from the market.
• Integrate customer insightsand market trends analysis into constant productimprovements and future developments.
• Champion an Innovative Experimentation Culture
• Act as a bridgebetween Product Development, Research, Production, Sales, Marketing , ensuring strategic alignment across departments as well as collaborating in the education of the team around tasting, botanicals, fermentations.
• Encourage a culture of experimentation , where bold ideas are encouraged, tested, and iteratedupon.

The ideal candidate will have the following skills, knowledge and experiences:

• Scientific degree: food technologies, microbiology, biology, oenology, etc.
• Minimum 5 years experience – ideally in the R&D department of a food company. Experience with beer, wine, yogurt, drinks or kombucha are an advantage.
• Strong interest and passion for gastronomy.
• Proficiency in data analysis to interpret research results and make informed decisions.
• Entrepreneurial spirit, explorative, pragmatic and independent
• Team-player and great communicator with strong Project Management skills enabling the coordination of complex projects and multiple stakeholders.
• We believe in the power of diversity, so you will find yourself working with people from international backgrounds, culturally diverse, and with an inclusive mindset. Proficiency in English is a must. Italian is a plus, but not needed.
• Willingness to work in Trentino.

Location: Trentino (North of Trento)

Intermedia Selection, società leader in Italia nella ricerca e selezione di professional e middle management, è presente in Italia con più di 35 consulenti tra gli uffici di Milano e Roma.

Autorizzazione del ministero del lavoro n° 20323/RS