Senior NPD & Innovation Manager in Paddock Wood

Senior NPD & Innovation Manager in Paddock Wood

Paddock Wood Full-Time 60000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead exciting projects from concept to launch in health and wellness.
  • Company: Join Zendlabs, a fast-growing contract manufacturing business in the UK.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, healthcare, and retail discounts.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career growth and team building.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of innovative products with top brands.
  • Qualifications: Experience in sports nutrition or health and wellness required.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.

Help us build one of the UK's most exciting contract manufacturing businesses. We're looking for an exceptional Senior NPD & Innovation Manager to join Zendlabs in Paddock Wood, Kent. This isn't a traditional NPD role. This is an opportunity to work directly with ambitious health, wellness and sports nutrition brands, taking products from concept through to launch whilst helping shape the future of a rapidly growing business built around quality, innovation and customer experience.

You'll work alongside founders, brand owners and our manufacturing, operations and commercial teams to bring new products to life and solve complex challenges.

What you'll be doing:

  • Leading customer projects from concept to launch.
  • Developing powder formulations across sports nutrition, wellness and functional health.
  • Working directly with customers on ingredients, claims, flavours and formats.
  • Driving innovation and identifying future trends.
  • Building strong relationships that create advocates and long-term partnerships.
  • Working cross-functionally with Procurement, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Commercial teams.

What we're looking for:

  • Experience within sports nutrition, supplements, functional foods or health and wellness.
  • Strong formulation and technical knowledge.
  • Customer-first mindset.
  • Naturally curious with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Someone equally comfortable discussing formulations with customers, working with Quality or spending time on the production floor.

Why join Zendlabs?

  • Help shape one of the UK's fastest-growing contract manufacturing businesses.
  • Work with exciting brands and founders.
  • Influence innovation, systems and customer experience.
  • Competitive salary (£60k-£65k DOE), bonus and benefits.
  • Healthcare, optical and hearing cover.
  • Retail and wellbeing discounts.
  • Genuine opportunity to grow and build a team around you.

Career Path

  • Year 1: Lead and establish the NPD function and help shape our innovation roadmap.
  • Years 2-3: Build and develop your own team and become a key member of the wider leadership group.

Next Step → Head of Innovation

If you're looking for a role where you can combine technical expertise, customer relationships and innovation whilst helping build something genuinely special, we'd love to hear from you.

Paddock Wood, Kent. Occasional UK, EU and US travel.

Senior NPD & Innovation Manager in Paddock Wood employer: Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist

Zendlabs is an exceptional employer located in Paddock Wood, Kent, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of health, wellness, and sports nutrition through innovative product development. With a strong focus on employee growth, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits including healthcare and wellbeing discounts, Zendlabs fosters a collaborative work culture where creativity and customer-first thinking thrive. Join us to influence innovation and build lasting partnerships while advancing your career in one of the UK's fastest-growing contract manufacturing businesses.

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Contact Details:

Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior NPD & Innovation Manager in Paddock Wood

Join Food Science Communities

Get involved in food science forums and communities, both online and offline. Platforms like LinkedIn Groups or Reddit can be goldmines for job leads and valuable insights. Plus, you’ll connect with other food enthusiasts who might even point you towards openings at companies like Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist.

Attend Industry Conferences and Workshops

Check out exhibitions and workshops in the food science sector. Events like the International Congress on Food Technology are not just knowledge hubs, but also great networking opportunities. You never know who you might bump into – perhaps a hiring manager from Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist!

Show Off Your Passion for Food Tech

Start a blog or social media channel showcasing innovative food science projects or trends. This not only showcases your expertise but also raises your visibility in the field. When you apply for a role at companies like Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist, they’ll see you’re proactive and truly passionate about food technology.

Leverage University Career Services

If you're fresh out of uni, make use of your career services! They often have exclusive job boards and connections with companies looking for graduates. Don't forget to mention your interest in roles like those at Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior NPD & Innovation Manager in Paddock Wood

NPD (New Product Development)
Formulation Development
Technical Knowledge in Sports Nutrition
Customer Relationship Management
Innovation and Trend Identification
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or research you've worked on. Whether it’s a dissertation, a lab experiment, or a product development idea, detail these experiences to demonstrate your hands-on skills in the field—employers love to see practical applications of your knowledge!

Highlight Technical Skills:In the food science and technology industry, technical skills are key. Be sure to list any specific skills you have related to food safety, quality control, or food processing technologies on your CV. Also, mention any software or analytical tools you’re proficient in, as this shows you're ready to hit the ground running at Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:As this is a full-time position, your cover letter should convey not just why you want the job, but also how you fit into the company's vision. Talk about your passion for food science and how your background uniquely positions you to contribute to Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist. Make it personal and compelling!

Include Certifications:If you have any certifications related to food science, safety, or technology, be sure to mention them. These can really set you apart from other candidates! List them prominently on your CV and discuss how they relate to the role at Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist. It shows you're committed to your professional development.

How to prepare for a job interview at Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist

Know Your Lab Tech!

Given that you’re diving into food science and technology, brush up on the specific technologies and lab equipment mentioned in the job description. Familiarising yourself with tools like gas chromatography or texture analyzers will show that you’re serious about the technical side of things.

Show Off Your Project Experience

Prepare to discuss any relevant projects or research you've undertaken in food science. Whether it’s developing a new recipe, conducting taste tests, or analysing nutritional content, having tangible examples can really show off your expertise and passion for the field.

Emphasise Your Soft Skills

Don't underestimate the importance of teamwork and communication in food science roles. Be ready to highlight instances where you’ve effectively collaborated with others or communicated complex scientific ideas clearly. This can make a huge difference in landing that full-time gig!

Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends

Make sure you’re clued up about the latest trends in food science and technology — think sustainability, food safety, and innovative processing techniques. Discussing these topics during your interview can demonstrate your enthusiasm for the field and how you can contribute to Zendbox | eCommerce Fulfilment Specialist’s mission.