NPD Innovation Lead – OTC & Oral Health

Responsibilities

• Lead scientific innovation and development of new consumer health products, driving ideation, formulation, and scale-up.
• Identify and assess new product opportunities aligned with unmet consumer needs and strategic business goals.
• Lead formulation and analytical development to ensure product stability, efficacy, and safety.
• Partner with Regulatory, Marketing, Packaging, Design, and Supply teams to enable robust pipeline development.
• Oversee product prototyping, concept testing, and industrial scale-up in collaboration with CDMOs and CROs.
• Drive the vision for NPD and influence senior stakeholders to foster a culture of scientific rigor.
• Ensure all development activities meet regulatory standards and internal quality benchmarks.

Requirements

• 17+ years of experience in FMCG, Consumer Health, or Pharmaceutical R&D.
• Proven track record in leading NPD projects from initial concept through to commercial launch.
• Experience in sensory sciences, consumer research, and claims substantiation.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Familiarity with Quality by Design (QbD) principles and stage-gate processes.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Chemistry, or a related field.
• Professional certifications such as PMP or Six Sigma.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical acumen, and commercial awareness.
• Deep scientific expertise in formulation and analytical methods.
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead change and inspire cross-functional teams.

About the Company

Haleon is a purpose-driven, world-class consumer company dedicated to putting everyday health in the hands of millions. Our trusted portfolio includes leading brands such as Sensodyne, Panadol, Advil, Voltaren, Theraflu, Otrivin, and Centrum. We combine deep human understanding with trusted science to deliver better everyday health with humanity.