innovation coordinator in Maidstone

About us…smol is on a mission to change the face of consumer brands and businesses by bringing super effective, eco-friendly products at value for money prices. We believe everyone should be able to make easy swaps that are better for them, the planet, and their pockets. Since launch, smol has taken the household cleaning market by storm. We are already the fastest growing and most positively reviewed brand in the laundry, dishwash, fabric conditioner and surface spray categories and we’ve got so much more planned. Having received Series B investment in 2021 and B Corp certification at the end of 2023, our team is focused on combining fast growth with being a force for positive change and impact in all that we do.

In Summary...We are looking for an enthusiastic, highly organised and proactive individual to join us as Innovation Coordinator to help us turn "what if" into "done". As a key member of our innovation team, you’ll be the glue that holds our projects together. You aren’t just managing calendars; you’ll be in daily contact with suppliers, sourcing samples, chasing test results, managing internal signs off as well as scouting for emerging trends, and ensuring that our most ambitious ideas move into reality. This is a remote role, but with regular in-person meetings in London and the South East. Some limited UK travel also to suppliers.

What does the role involve?

• Project Management: Support the Senior Innovation Manager in delivering multiple new product launches. You’ll keep project timelines on track using project management software. You’ll be responsible for multiple elements of different launches, e.g. getting the right piece of packaging, at the right time, or ensuring artwork is all signed off and compliant.
• Project Leadership: We will be looking for you to assume responsibility for smaller projects and launches, under the guidance of the Senior Innovation Manager. This will involve setting up the projects on our software, as well as managing suppliers and internal project teams to ensure things run smoothly and projects are delivered on time, in full.
• Trend Scouting: We’ll be looking to you to keep your eyes and ears open, reporting back to the team on new competitor product launches that you see.
• Reporting: You’ll be attending regular meetings of the Innovation team, including our leadership team, and sharing updates, insight and information.

You will need/be...

• A self-starter who will be happy working in a remote environment but equally comfortable with the "buzz" of in-person collaboration.
• UBER organised. You’ll love timelines, action lists and running a tight ship. You have a real eye for detail.
• Responsible: you’ll enjoy chasing things up and holding yourself and others accountable.
• You’re comfortable with ambiguity and can pivot quickly when things don’t go to plan or a priority shifts.
• Comfortable learning new software quickly, we use Asana for project management so experience with this tool is a plus.
• Confident with speaking in meetings, contacting suppliers or team members across the business, happy to pick up the phone and get things done.
• A proven track record of managing multiple moving parts without dropping the ball.
• Proven ability to work independently and pro-actively. We need someone who can roll their sleeves up and get things done, knowing when to ask for help if needed.
• Experience of a working environment, we’re keen to know that you have shown your skills in paid employment.
• Tech literate. Really comfortable using multiple programmes e.g. Google (docs, sheets, slides), email, Canva.

What we offer:

• A fantastic opportunity to be part of one of the UK’s fastest growing, Series-B funded scale-ups.
• An amazing culture and mission.
• A chance to make a difference in our shared future, eliminating or reducing the usage of plastic, water, toxic chemicals, energy and animal testing.
• Working with an experienced, passionate team invested in helping you grow professionally.
• 25 days holiday per year + bank holidays.
• A volunteer day to spend on a cause you care about.
• Flexible working from home.
• Credits for local co-working hubs when you’re out and about or just need a change of scenery.
• Healthcare cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Quarterly wellbeing allowance.
• Enhanced parental leave policies (16 weeks full maternity pay, 6 weeks full secondary caregiver's pay).
• Paid fertility leave.
• 45 day nomad working policy.
• Employee share scheme.

The smol print: This role is fully remote within the UK. Some occasional travel will be required to our site in Kent and suppliers. Applicants must have current work authorisation in the UK.

Inclusion at smol: At smol we believe that a great team is made up of people from a wide variety of backgrounds, beliefs and experience. We are an inclusive employer and will not discriminate on the grounds of race, colour, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression or disability. Ensuring valuable and quality job opportunities for those who face barriers to employment is not only part and parcel of our social responsibility but it also brings great benefit to us as a business. Giving people the chance to build up work skills, gain independence, earn a wage, develop strong self-esteem and to become just as strongly skilled as those who never faced employment barriers, is a process we remain committed to. If you share our values and want to help make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.