Senior Expert Product Development (m/f/d)

The Senior Expert Product Development is responsible for the development of innovative non-alcoholic products mainly in the beverage sector for the European area, i.e. development of prototypes up to the supervision of the initial production in compliance with internal and legal guidelines. Senior Consultant (m/f/d) Nieder-Olm | Research & Development | 38 hours | 01.10.2026 | permanent contract

Product Development: Develop and optimize beverage recipes using raw materials, compounds, and syrups Lead prototype creation and supervised 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 assessment 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) 6–10 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 and European beverage markets Proficiency in MS Office and SAP Fluent in English and German, both written and spoken Willingness to travel and to be regularly present at our Nieder-Olm site Preferred Qualifications (Nice to Have) Deep expertise in beverage compounds and emulsion technologies, covering formulation design, process development, and commercial application Extensive experience in zero- and reduced-sugar beverage development, including sweetening strategies, fortification, and nutrition-focused product concepts Comprehensive knowledge of beverage stability mechanisms and stabilisation technologies, ensuring product quality and shelf life performance

Canteen Company events Corporate benefits DU culture & flat hierarchies flexible working hours