NPD & Innovation Director in Heighington

Zertus UK & Ireland is looking for a visionary NPD & Innovation Director to take the lead in shaping how we develop, design and launch new products across Humdinger, Kinnerton Confectionery and Lir Chocolates. This is a high‑profile, newly created role with huge influence; you will be the driving force behind aligning ways of working across five manufacturing sites, building a best‑in‑class concept‑to‑launch process, and unlocking even greater creativity and commercial success across our group.

We are searching for someone brimming with ideas, energy and imagination, yet equally capable of structuring, rigorously planning, and turning creativity into scalable, profitable reality. From magical Christmas chocolate gifts and quirky Valentine’s creations to premium advent calendars, indulgent treats and an incredible variety of nuts and snacks, our innovation pipeline is vast, varied and full of opportunity. You will work across multiple channels – from major grocery retailer private label and brands to discounters and co‑manufacturing – giving you exposure to a uniquely broad customer base and the chance to shape products that delight millions.

Responsibilities

• Reporting to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) leading a team of 4 direct reports (Director of NPD Humdinger, Head of NPD Kinnerton, Director of NPD Lir, Group Innovation Controller).
• Lead the NPD and Innovation agenda across three businesses, aligning processes, ways of working and governance to create a best‑in‑class innovation function.
• Own the end‑to‑end concept‑to‑launch journey, ensuring strong controls, clear milestones and consistent stage‑gate discipline.
• Develop and deliver the rolling three‑year innovation strategy for both branded and private label customers.
• Build a robust pipeline of product and packaging innovation by sourcing ideas from trends, insights, customers, suppliers and wider industry networks.
• Strengthen customer relationships at a senior level and act as primary point of contact for innovation discussions.
• Drive efficiency improvements across teams, ensuring innovation is delivered on time, in full and within agreed commercial parameters.
• Challenge and optimise existing products, recipes, packaging and processes to enhance quality and profitability.
• Inspire and lead a multi‑site team, supporting capability development, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Ensure all development meets technical, operational and commercial compliance requirements.
• Monitor competitor activity and market trends, sharing insights with business and customer teams.

Qualifications

• Significant senior‑level experience within NPD, Innovation or Product Development within food manufacturing – confectionery/snacks is a bonus.
• Proven track record in leading multi‑site, multi‑brand teams and delivering innovation across both brands and private label for major UK retail customers and major confectionery brands.
• Strong experience redesigning, implementing or optimising concept‑to‑launch processes.
• Proven ability to manage customers at a senior level.
• Experience delivering innovation that meets commercial targets and drives business growth.
• Excellent leadership capability with a history of building high‑performing teams.
• Strong communication, influencing, planning and project leadership skills.
• Commercially astute with understanding of costing, margin delivery and category trends.
• Degree or equivalent experience.
• Strong knowledge of food trends, packaging innovation and consumer insight tools.

Benefits

• Competitive, thoroughly benchmarked salary and wider package.
• Annual bonus plan of up to 15% of salary.
• Annual car allowance of £7,220.
• Bupa Private Healthcare (Single).
• 25 days annual leave plus.