European Innovation Lead – NPD

European Innovation Lead – NPD

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovation strategies and develop new products for diverse markets across Europe.
  • Company: Join SC Johnson Professional®, a family-owned leader in hygiene and cleaning solutions.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonuses, healthcare, remote work, and generous leave policies.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of innovative products while making a real impact in various industries.
  • Qualifications: Experience in product management, marketing, and leading cross-functional teams required.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and relocation available.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Joining the team at SC Johnson Professional® makes you part of a family company with a deep history in the professional market as a leading manufacturer of skincare, cleaning and hygiene products, and smart technologies. We provide solutions to Healthcare, Clean Industrial, Industrial, Office & Institutional, Hospitality & Travel, and Retail & Entertainment markets.

SC Johnson Professional® is a business unit within SC Johnson, a family-owned and led company and leading manufacturer of quality, trusted products since 1886.

Location: Denby, Derbyshire

Function: Marketing

Internal Job Title: Manager, Consumer Insights & Business Analytics

Benefits:

  • Competitive salary plus bonus
  • Car & fuel allowance
  • Company pension scheme (up to 6% employer contributions)
  • Life assurance (4× your salary)
  • Family cover
  • Healthcare insurance
  • Free access to a healthcare platform offering nutritional advice, wellbeing support, and more
  • Enhanced parental leave policy
  • Free optical & hearing test vouchers
  • 28 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays
  • Remote work available once a week for eligible employees
  • Summer office hours: early Friday finish at 1:00 PM
  • Employee benefits platform with discounts & wellbeing perks
  • Access to employee assistance programmes
  • Subsidised on-site canteen
  • Discounted products at our staff shop
  • Free parking
  • EV charging points at our Denby site (powered by our own renewable electricity!)
  • Cycle-to-work scheme plus bicycle storage area
  • “Save a Space” £200 monthly prize draw (earn a ticket every day you car share or don’t use a parking space!)
  • And so much more!

About the Role:

Reporting directly to the Director of Marketing, the successful candidate will lead the development and execution of the European strategic plan. This includes driving the innovation pipeline across our core segments: Office & Institutional, Industrial, Clean Industrial, and Healthcare. This role is pivotal in shaping segment strategy, guiding local market activation, and ensuring our innovation agenda delivers meaningful growth across Europe.

Responsibilities:

  • Lead, coach and develop a team of three Segment & Innovation specialists across Europe.
  • Own and articulate the European Office & Institutional strategy, ensuring clear translation into local market execution.
  • Hold ultimate accountability for the European Segment & Innovation strategy, driving alignment and growth across all segments.
  • Develop multi‑year innovation roadmaps and build a 2–5‑year European Innovation Pipeline in partnership with RD&E and Segment teams.
  • Oversee and guide NPD projects through the full stage‑gate process, ensuring successful delivery against growth targets.
  • Conduct deep market and competitor analysis to identify customer needs, regulatory impacts and opportunities for differentiation.
  • Drive commercialisation success by mentoring local sales and marketing teams and supporting access to key Office & Institutional channels.
  • Contribute as a member of the European Marketing Leadership Team, shaping strategic direction and cross‑regional alignment.
  • Translate global innovation priorities into regional strategies and build a 2–5‑year European Innovation Pipeline with Segment & Innovation teams and RD&E, using insights and market research to pinpoint growth opportunities.

Experience you’ll bring:

  • Proven experience in product management and marketing, with the ability to translate user insights into commercially viable strategies.
  • Strong track record leading cross‑functional teams, managing complex projects, and delivering through internal and external partners.
  • Commercial grounding, including B2B channel experience and budget ownership.

Behaviors you’ll need:

  • A high sense of urgency and accountability, with the drive to move quickly and motivate others to do the same.
  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder‑management skills, able to influence at all levels with clarity and confidence.
  • Strong organisational discipline, balancing multiple priorities while maintaining strategic focus and high‑quality execution.

Relocation Eligibility: This role is eligible for domestic or international relocation.

Inclusion & Diversity: We believe Inclusion and Diversity is more than a program. We embed inclusive practices in our day‑to‑day work, the way we relate to our colleagues, collaborate and make decisions. We value the collective richness of the differences people bring to the organization, including style, personality, thoughts, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, and disability – that enables all to bring their full contributions to the organization.

European Innovation Lead – NPD employer: SC Johnson Professional Europe

At SC Johnson Professional®, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned company with a rich heritage, dedicated to innovation and excellence in the professional market. Our supportive work culture fosters employee growth through comprehensive benefits, including competitive salaries, generous leave policies, and wellness initiatives, all while promoting a sustainable environment at our Denby site. Join us to lead impactful projects that drive meaningful change across Europe, in a role that not only values your expertise but also encourages collaboration and inclusivity.
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Contact Detail:

SC Johnson Professional Europe Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land European Innovation Lead – NPD

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute.

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with their needs. Keep it concise and impactful – you want to leave a lasting impression.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace European Innovation Lead – NPD

Product Management
Marketing Strategy
Cross-Functional Team Leadership
Project Management
Market Analysis
Commercialisation
Stakeholder Management
B2B Channel Experience
Budget Management
Innovation Pipeline Development
User Insights Translation
Organisational Discipline
Communication Skills
Strategic Focus

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of European Innovation Lead. Highlight your experience in product management and marketing, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements that align with the job description.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive innovation.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since exceptional communication is key for this role, make sure your application reflects your ability to convey ideas clearly. Use concise language and structure your application well to show us you can influence at all levels.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our family!

How to prepare for a job interview at SC Johnson Professional Europe

Know Your Innovation Pipeline

Before the interview, dive deep into SC Johnson Professional's innovation strategies and recent product launches. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals for the European Innovation Pipeline, especially in the Office & Institutional segment.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead and develop cross-functional teams. Think of specific instances where you motivated others or drove a project to success, as this role involves coaching a team of Segment & Innovation specialists.

Understand Market Dynamics

Brush up on current trends in the professional market, particularly in healthcare and industrial sectors. Be prepared to discuss how you would conduct market analysis and identify customer needs, as this is crucial for shaping the segment strategy.

Communicate with Confidence

Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. This role requires exceptional communication skills, so be ready to demonstrate how you can influence stakeholders at all levels, ensuring your ideas resonate with the interviewers.

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