HEAD OF PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT Our client is an ambitious, innovative startup composed of passionate individuals who aim to create a new category of non-alcoholic drinks. Through their brand and products, they seek to celebrate courage and exploration. We are looking for a leader to guide the core of Product Development. About the job: Strategic Product Development Transform visionary ideas into tangible products by investigating and introducing new raw materials and botanicals, blending and transforming them into highly flavorful alcohol-free liquids. Collaborate continuously with the Research team and external partners 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 Oversee multiple R&D projects simultaneously, ensuring milestones, deadlines, and budgets are met. 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. Work with the sales & marketing team 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 and fostering team education around tasting, botanicals, and fermentations. Encourage a culture of experimentation, where bold ideas are tested, iterated, and refined. The ideal candidate will have the following skills, knowledge, and experiences: A scientific degree in food technologies, microbiology, biology, oenology, or related fields. Minimum 5 years of experience, preferably in the R&D department of a food company. Experience with beer, wine, yogurt, drinks, or kombucha is advantageous. Strong interest and passion for gastronomy. Proficiency in data analysis to interpret research results and inform decisions. Entrepreneurial, explorative, pragmatic, and independent mindset. Excellent team-player and communicator with strong project management skills to coordinate complex projects and stakeholders. Commitment to diversity and inclusion, with experience working in multicultural environments. Proficiency in English is required; Italian is a plus but not necessary. Willingness to work in Trentino. Location: Trentino (North of Trento) Intermedia Selection, a leading Italian firm in professional and middle management recruitment, operates with over 35 consultants across Milan and Rome. Autorizzazione del ministero del lavoro n° 20323/RS J-18808-Ljbffr