NPD & Innovation Director in Leeds

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, but equally someone who brings structure, rigour and the ability to turn 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 the 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.

Rewards 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 bank holidays.
• 4% employer and 5% employee pension contributions and Life Assurance at 4x basic salary.
• Health Care Cash Plan via Paycare (includes dental, optical, therapy, counselling).
• Access to Paycare Perks for high street and retailer discounts.
• Holiday Purchase Scheme – buy up to one extra week per year.
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Electric Car Scheme (salary sacrifice, subject to criteria).
• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave.
• Annual calendar of engagement and wellbeing activities.
• Opportunity to support your local community with one paid volunteering/fundraising day per year.
• Access to staff shop discounts.
• Monthly employee recognition awards.
• Refer a Friend recruitment rewards.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.

About Us

Zertus UK & Ireland comprises Humdinger Foods, Kinnerton Confectionery and Lir Chocolates, manufacturing a wide portfolio of snacks and confectionery across our UK and Irish sites. Our brands include NOMO, Sun Valley, Kinnerton Kids, The Fruit Factory, Yum & Yay, as well as collaborations with Baileys and Guinness. We are part of Zertus GmbH, a long-established European food group headquartered in Hamburg, employing more than 2,000 people across multiple markets.

This is your opportunity to shape group‑wide innovation across three iconic businesses, influence a diverse and exciting product portfolio, build a future‑focused and aligned way of working, and make a long‑term commercial impact in a role that blends creativity, accountability and real strategic influence.

Application & Interview Process

Please apply online and ensure all application questions are completed. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a phone screening, followed by a two-stage interview process, which includes a site visit and factory tour. Humdinger is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Please let us know if you require any special arrangements or adjustments to be made for your interview by speaking with the Talent Acquisition team at application stage.