At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative product development from concept to launch in health and wellness.
- Company: Join Zendlabs, one of the UK's fastest-growing contract manufacturing businesses.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, health care, and career growth opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to build a team and influence the company's direction.
- Why this job: Shape the future of exciting brands and drive innovation in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in NPD, formulation, and a passion for health and wellness products.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
- On-site | Leadership | Full Time | Hybrid
- Paddock Wood, Kent (with occasional UK, EU and US travel)
- Help Build One of the UK's Most Exciting Contract Manufacturing Businesses
Zendlabs is looking for an exceptional NPD Specialist to help build one of the UK's fastest-growing contract manufacturing businesses.
This isn't a traditional NPD role.
This is an opportunity to work with ambitious health, wellness and sports nutrition brands, taking products from concept through to launch whilst helping shape the future of a business built around quality, innovation and customer experience.
You’ll work directly with founders, brand owners and internal teams to bring new products to life, solve technical challenges and deliver an exceptional customer experience.
If you love products, innovation and building relationships, you’ll love this role.
- What You'll Be Responsible For
- Own New Product Development
- Manage customer projects from concept through to launch.
- Develop new powder formulations across sports nutrition, wellness and functional health products.
- Work closely with customers on ingredients, claims, flavour profiles and formats.
- Coordinate artwork approvals, specifications and technical documentation.
- Support continuous product innovation and line extensions.
- Customer Success & Relationship Management
- Build long-term relationships with customers and brand founders.
- Lead onboarding and product launches.
- Deliver an exceptional customer experience that drives retention, referrals and advocacy.
- Technical & Regulatory Leadership
- Work alongside Manufacturing to ensure products meet regulatory requirements.
- Support formulation development, stability and specification management.
- Manage change controls and continuous improvement projects.
- Help maintain world‑class quality standards across the facility.
- Cross‑Functional Project Management
- Work closely with: Procurement, Operations, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, Commercial to ensure projects are delivered on time and in full.
- Drive Innovation
- Identify emerging ingredients, formats and market trends.
- Support future product categories and technologies.
- Attend exhibitions and supplier events.
- Help shape the future direction of Zendlabs.
What We're Looking For
- Experience within sports nutrition, supplements, functional foods or health and wellness products.
- Proven experience in NPD, formulation or technical roles.
- Strong understanding of ingredients, formulations and manufacturing processes.
- Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Commercial awareness and a customer‑first mentality.
- Exceptional communication and organisational skills.
- Naturally curious with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
- The Type of Person Who Will Thrive Here
- You love products and innovation.
- You enjoy solving problems and turning ideas into reality.
- You are equally comfortable discussing formulations with customers, working with Quality or spending time on the production floor.
- You are curious, proactive and commercially minded.
- You thrive in fast‑moving environments with plenty of autonomy.
- You want to build something genuinely special rather than simply maintain the status quo.
Why Join Zendlabs?
- Help shape one of the UK's fastest‑growing contract manufacturing businesses.
- Work with exciting health, wellness and sports nutrition brands.
- Influence innovation, systems and customer experience.
- Be part of a passionate and ambitious team.
- Opportunity to grow with the business and build a team around you.
- Health Care, Optical & Hearing
- Salary sacrifice, Retail & Health discounts.
- Competitive Salary (£60,000 to £65,000 DOE), Bonus and Exceptional Long‑Term Career Opportunity.
- Career Path & Next Steps
- Year 1
- Establish and lead the NPD function.
- Deliver world‑class customer onboarding and product launches.
- Help shape the innovation roadmap.
- Years 2‑3
- Build and develop an NPD team.
- Lead future product categories and technologies.
- Become a key member of the wider leadership team.
- Next Step: Head of Innovation
- Responsible for innovation strategy, product pipeline, technical leadership and long‑term growth of Zendlabs.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior NPD & Innovation Manager employer: Zendbox Ltd
Zendlabs is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and satisfaction, offering a hybrid work environment that promotes flexibility and work-life balance. With a strong focus on career development, employees are encouraged to enhance their skills while working collaboratively in a dynamic team culture that values communication and innovation. Located in a thriving industry, Zendlabs provides unique opportunities to engage with leading manufacturing customers, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior NPD & Innovation Manager
✨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 Ltd.
✨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 Ltd!
✨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 Ltd, 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 Ltd, and they might have insider tips or referrals just for you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior NPD & Innovation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a role in food science and technology at Zendbox Ltd, 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 Ltd.
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 Ltd. 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 Ltd. It shows you're committed to your professional development.
How to prepare for a job interview at Zendbox Ltd
✨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 Ltd’s mission.
