Head of NPD

Description:

Head of New Product Development (NPD)

Location: Hybrid (UK-based)
Salary: Highly competitive + package

Overview

An exciting opportunity has been created for a Head of New Product Development to join a market-leading organisation within the consumer health sector.

This is a brand-new role, introduced as part of a wider global transformation programme, where the business is investing heavily in innovation, capability, and international growth. With an established presence across multiple markets and ambitious plans to expand further, NPD is at the heart of the next phase of evolution.

This role will take ownership of shaping and delivering a best-in-class innovation strategy, driving the end-to-end development of new products and ensuring alignment with both commercial and brand objectives globally.

Key Responsibilities

Innovation Strategy & Pipeline Leadership

Define and lead the global NPD roadmap, aligned to long-term business growth plans
Build and manage a robust innovation pipeline across multiple markets and categories
Translate consumer insight and commercial priorities into actionable development plans
Identify opportunities across formats, ingredients, claims, and packaging innovationEnd-to-End Product Development

Lead the full lifecycle from concept through to launch and post-launch review
Oversee formulation, product testing, packaging development, and validation
Ensure smooth transition from development into manufacturing and scale-up
Drive pace and efficiency across the stage-gate processMarket & Consumer Insight

Monitor global market trends, emerging ingredients, and regulatory developments
Leverage data and insight to inform innovation strategy and product positioning
Maintain a competitive edge within a fast-evolving, science-led categoryCross-Functional Leadership

Partner closely with R&D, Marketing, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and Commercial teams
Influence senior stakeholders and ensure alignment across global functions
Build and lead a high-performing NPD capability as the function continues to evolveTransformation & Capability Building

Play a key role in the organisation's global transformation, embedding scalable NPD processes
Introduce structure, governance, and best practice across innovation and delivery
Drive continuous improvement in time-to-market, quality, and commercial success rates

Requirements

Essential

Significant experience leading NPD within pharmaceuticals, consumer health, FMCG, or food supplements
Proven track record of delivering successful product launches at scale
Strong understanding of formulation, manufacturing, and commercialisation processes
Experience operating in multi-market or global environments
Ability to lead cross-functional teams and influence at senior levelDesirable

Background in pharmaceuticals, supplements, or regulated health products
Knowledge of global regulatory frameworks and health claims
Experience building or transforming NPD functions
Exposure to fast-growth or innovation-led environments

Why Join?

Newly created leadership role with real influence and visibility
Be part of a major global transformation journey
Shape the future innovation strategy of a highly respected brand
Work within a collaborative, ambitious, and growth-focused environment
Strong long-term career progression opportunities