Head of NPD

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 innovation

End-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 process

Market & 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 category

Cross-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 evolve

Transformation & 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 level

Desirable

• 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