At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation strategy and develop first-to-market supplement products.
- Company: Rapidly growing health and supplements brand with a purpose-driven mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in consumer health by creating innovative, science-led products.
- Qualifications: Experience in product development and strong understanding of formulation science.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to setting new standards in the industry.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
A purpose-driven, science-led health and supplements brand, scaling rapidly and now exceeding £15m in annual revenue, is seeking a Head of Innovation to lead the next phase of its growth. Built on research, lived experience and scientific rigour, the business develops first-to-market products that set new standards for efficacy, credibility and trust within consumer health.
Reporting into the senior leadership team, this is a pivotal role combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery. You will take full ownership of the innovation strategy and roadmap, define how innovation happens across the business, and build a high-performing innovation function that delivers a consistent pipeline of first-to-market, category-defining supplement products.
The Role
- Build, lead and develop a high-performing innovation function and team
- Create a repeatable innovation engine with clear processes that enable pace, excellence and consistent delivery
- Define and own a multi-year innovation roadmap aligned to business strategy and growth ambitions
- Identify and prioritise white-space opportunities through consumer insight, science and market understanding
- Shape how the category is understood by consumers, grounded in unmet needs and lived experience
- Translate scientific research into commercially viable, clearly differentiated, first-to-market supplement products
- Lead end-to-end product development from insight through to launch, working cross-functionally across the business
- Project manage innovation workstreams including timelines, budgets, risk management and supplier relationships
- Communicate progress, risks and milestones clearly and regularly to key stakeholders
- Continuously evolve and strengthen the existing portfolio using performance data, research and customer insight
- Ensure all products meet high standards of quality, efficacy and regulatory compliance
Experience Required
- Experience building or leading a high-performing product development or innovation function
- Proven experience developing food supplements, from formulation through to launch
- Track record of delivering first-to-market, commercially viable products in a regulated environment
- Strong understanding of formulation science, R&D and manufacturing processes
- Ability to operate confidently across science, commercial and delivery teams
- Strong project management skills with high attention to detail
- Commercial judgement alongside scientific and regulatory understanding
- Clear, confident communicator able to lead at pace
Head of Innovation - Supplements employer: Veblen International
Contact Detail:
Veblen International Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Innovation - Supplements
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their products, values, and recent innovations. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their mission and can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for innovation in supplements. We suggest you highlight your past successes and how they align with the company’s goals. Confidence is key!
✨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 Head of Innovation - Supplements
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Innovation: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for innovation shine through. We want to see how your experiences and ideas align with our mission to create first-to-market products that truly make a difference in consumer health.
Be Specific About Your Experience: Don’t just list your previous roles; tell us about the specific projects you’ve led or contributed to. Highlight any successful product launches or innovations you've been part of, especially in the supplements space, as this will show us you have the hands-on experience we’re looking for.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the job description. Use keywords from the role, like 'high-performing innovation function' and 'first-to-market products', to demonstrate that you understand what we’re all about and how you can contribute.
Keep It Clear and Concise: While we love detail, clarity is key! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. We appreciate a good narrative, but don’t forget to keep it focused on how your skills and experiences make you the perfect fit for the Head of Innovation role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Veblen International
✨Know Your Science
As a candidate for the Head of Innovation, it's crucial to brush up on your understanding of formulation science and R&D processes. Be prepared to discuss how you've translated scientific research into commercially viable products in the past. This will show that you can bridge the gap between science and market needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires building and leading a high-performing innovation team. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams or projects, particularly in fast-paced environments. Highlight your ability to communicate clearly and manage cross-functional relationships, as this will be key to your success.
✨Demonstrate Your Market Insight
Be ready to talk about how you've identified white-space opportunities in the supplements market. Use specific examples to illustrate how consumer insights and market understanding have driven your innovation strategies. This will demonstrate your ability to align with the company's growth ambitions.
✨Prepare for Project Management Questions
Given the importance of project management in this role, prepare to discuss your experience managing timelines, budgets, and risks. Have a few examples ready that showcase your attention to detail and how you've navigated challenges in previous projects. This will reassure them of your capability to deliver consistently.