- Company Name
- Zertus UK & Ireland
- Job Title
- NPD & Innovation Director
- Job Description
-
**Job title:** NPD & Innovation Director
**Role Summary**
Lead the New Product Development and Innovation function across three confectionery businesses, aligning processes, governance, and talent across five manufacturing sites to deliver a best‑in‑class concept‑to‑launch pipeline that meets commercial targets.
**Expectations**
- Deliver a rolling three‑year innovation strategy for both branded and private‑label customers.
- Build and sustain a robust pipeline of product and packaging ideas sourced from trends, consumer insights, suppliers, and industry networks.
- Drive cross‑site efficiency, ensuring projects complete on time, within scope, and on budget while meeting technical, operational, and commercial compliance.
- Maintain senior‑level relationships with key retail customers and act as the primary innovation liaison.
- Build a high‑performing, collaborative multi‑site team and embed continuous improvement practices.
**Key Responsibilities**
1. Own and manage the end‑to‑end concept‑to‑launch journey, implementing stage‑gate controls and clear milestones.
2. Develop, communicate, and execute the 3‑year innovation strategy for all brands and private‑label offerings.
3. Create a robust innovation pipeline, identifying and validating new product and packaging concepts.
4. Strengthen senior‑level customer relationships and serve as the main point of contact for innovation discussions.
5. Lead cross‑functional teams across five sites, fostering collaboration and capability development.
6. Continuously improve processes, challenge existing products, and optimise recipes, packaging, and manufacturing operations for quality and profitability.
7. Ensure all developments comply with technical, regulatory, and commercial standards.
8. Monitor competitor activity, market trends, and industry developments, providing actionable insights to business units.
9. Manage a team of four direct reports (NPD directors for each business and a Group Innovation Controller).
10. Report progress, risks, and financial performance to senior leadership.
**Required Skills**
- Proven leadership and team‑building in a multi‑site, multi‑brand environment.
- Expertise in concept‑to‑launch process design and optimisation, including stage‑gate methodology.
- Strong commercial acumen: costing, margin analysis, and category trend interpretation.
- Senior‑level client relationship management, especially with major UK retailers and confectionery brands.
- Excellent communication, influencing, planning, and project management abilities.
- Deep knowledge of food trends, packaging innovation, and consumer insight tools.
- Ability to translate creativity into scalable, profitable products.
**Required Education & Certifications**
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Food Science, Product Development, Business, or a related discipline.
- Relevant industry certifications (e.g., Certified Product Development & Management Professional) are advantageous but not mandatory.