The Role
At Imperial Brands, we're transforming the future of our business through innovation. As Head of OND R&D, you'll play a critical role in shaping the future of our Oral Nicotine Delivery (OND) category, leading the development of a differentiated, consumer‑centric innovation pipeline that delivers against our commercial ambitions while maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and compliance.
Working at the intersection of science, technology and consumer insight, you'll provide strategic leadership across a global network of multidisciplinary teams and partners, ensuring we continue to develop innovative products that meet evolving consumer needs.
Principle Accountabilities
- Lead the scientific and technical strategy for the OND category, shaping long‑term innovation plans and future product pipelines.
- Translate consumer insights and business priorities into technically robust innovation programmes that drive category growth.
- Own the successful delivery of innovation projects from concept through to launch, ensuring quality, safety and compliance requirements are met.
- Act as the key R&D partner to Category Marketing, providing technical leadership and influencing strategic decision‑making across the business.
- Lead and inspire cross‑functional teams across multiple Centres of Excellence, driving collaboration, alignment and innovation excellence globally.
- Build and develop the capabilities, partnerships and technical solutions required to support future category growth and innovation ambitions.
Skills and Experience Required
- Degree‑qualified in a scientific or engineering discipline such as Chemistry, Engineering, Materials Science or Life Sciences.
- Significant experience leading R&D, product development or innovation programmes within a regulated industry environment.
- Proven track record of delivering innovation pipelines from concept to commercial launch.
- Experience leading complex, cross‑functional teams and influencing senior stakeholders across a global organisation.
- Strong understanding of regulatory, safety and quality requirements, with the ability to balance technical excellence with commercial objectives.
- Experience managing external partners, suppliers or innovation organisations, combined with strong strategic thinking and decision‑making capability.
What We Offer
In return for playing your part in building our future, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package with salary, bonus scheme and further benefits as well inspiring places to work and collaborate with purpose. Here at Imperial we will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, innovate at pace and be a part of our purpose to forge a path to a healthier future for moments of relaxation and pleasure for our consumers.
Everyone Belongs
Everyone belongs in Imperial. We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence. We give fair and equal consideration to all our applicants.
As a matter of policy, Imperial Tobacco or its subsidiaries never requests or requires payment as part of any recruitment process.
Category Head R&D (OND) in Liverpool employer: Imperial Brands
Imperial is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant city of London, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. As the Head of Strategic Initiatives, you will have the opportunity to lead high-impact projects that shape the future of the Global Supply Chain while benefiting from a supportive environment that prioritises employee growth and inclusivity. With a commitment to diversity and a focus on strategic leadership, Imperial empowers its employees to challenge the status quo and drive meaningful change.
