HEAD OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Our client is an ambitious, innovative startup composed of passionate individuals who are joining forces to create a new category of non-alcoholic drinks. Through their brand and products, they aim to celebrate courage and exploration. We are seeking a leader to guide the core of Product Development. Strategic Product Development Collaborate continuously with the Research team and external collaborators to envision and test innovative processes and technologies that will deliver recipes 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, and shelf life. Collaborate closely with suppliers to source high-quality ingredients that align with our mission of giving new dignity to forgotten, undervalued plants, roots, and herbs. Project Management Excellence Build and nurture collaborations 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 directly with our key customers (chefs, sommeliers, private consumers) to understand their needs and desires by organizing periodic panels. Collaborate with the sales and marketing teams to create a constant feedback loop from the market. Integrate customer insights and market trend analysis into ongoing product improvements and future developments. Champion an Innovative Experimentation Culture Act as a bridge between Product Development, Research, Production, Sales, and Marketing, ensuring strategic alignment across departments. Collaborate in educating the team about tasting, botanicals, and fermentations. Encourage a culture of experimentation where bold ideas are promoted, tested, and iterated upon. Scientific degree: Food technologies, microbiology, biology, oenology, or related fields. Minimum 5 years of experience, ideally in the R&D department of a food company. Experience with beer, wine, yogurt, drinks, or kombucha is advantageous. Proficiency in data analysis to interpret research results and support decision-making. Team player with excellent communication skills and strong project management abilities to coordinate complex projects and multiple stakeholders. Proficiency in English is mandatory; Italian is a plus but not required. Intermedia Selection, a leading company in Italy for professional and middle management recruitment, has more than 35 consultants across Milan and Rome offices. Authorization from the Ministry of Labor No. 20323 / RS J-18808-Ljbffr