Head of Product Innovation - #2085923

ZEISS is technology and innovation. We develop, manufacture and sell highly innovative products and solutions for our customers in a variety of business fields – always testing the limits of what is feasible.

ZEISS is an internationally leading technology enterprise operating in the optics and optoelectronics industries generating more than 11.8 billion euros in revenue with around 46,000 employees across 50 countries around the globe.

Founded in Germany in 1846, we are proud of our rich heritage. As a company wholly owned by a foundation, ZEISS is rooted in and committed to responsibility in all its activities. Therefore, 15% of revenue is currently invested in science and R&D. ZEISS is convinced that innovation and technology are the key to a sustainable future and solutions for global challenges.

If you want to enable business success and make a difference with us, ZEISS is the right place for you!

Head of Product Innovation is responsible for leading the definition, design, development, and execution of product initiatives across the OTC, medical devices, vitamins & food supplements and cosmetics, aligned with the business strategy.

This includes establishing project scope, product performance targets, claims development and substantiation, and rigorous problem-solving approaches while leveraging deep technical expertise and working closely with CDMOs.

This position requires product innovation leadership and strong technical expertise throughout project execution, integrating consumer insights and data driven decision making.

This role will collaborate closely across the CDMOs and multifunctional teams (local and global regulatory, quality, marketing teams) – ensuring cohesive partnership and the successful translation of consumer and business needs into competitive project product solutions.

The role of Head of Product Innovation will involve:

Project Leadership & Execution

• Working with CDMOs to deliver the project pipeline. For ZEISS exclusive formulations, lead and own end to end technical execution of product development projects, managing CDMOs to develop robust process development and ensure full delivery
• Define project pathways, ensure milestone delivery on time.
• Independently drive technical problem solving and lead technical risk management.
• In collaboration with marketing, develop a robust product and claims pipeline.
• Develop and lead any studies required to substantiate the claims. This includes working closely with CROs if required
• Drive consumer centric product science visualisation in collaboration with global marketing
• Partner with cross functional teams – regulatory, quality, marketing, procurement, supply chain to align deliverables, resources and project priorities.
• Closely manage existing products and product innovation relationship with CDMOs and ensure all development and validation work complies with internal and external standards (Quality, Medical, Regulatory)

Product Innovation Expertise and Leadership

• Provide deep expertise in formulation science, chemistry and process understanding
• Establish appropriate product specifications, testing and stability requirements based on product classifications and use.
• Manage CDMOs in OTC, Medical Devices, VMS or cosmetic categories including providing the technical requirement to support RFQ process
• Conduct technical due diligence on established products and formulations
• Lead CDMOs, testing laboratories, research organisations (incl CROs) to support new product or new claims development.
• Optimise ingredients / formulations to meet performance, claims, cost and supply requirements.
• Identify opportunities to enhance processes, share knowledge and strengthen the project scientific capabilities.

As the Head of Product Innovation you will have:

• Bachelor’s / Master’s degree / PHD in Science or Pharmacy with extensive professional R&D experience
• Proven experience in a consumer product organisation with a strong focus on new product development and commercialisation within OTC, MD, Cosmetics or VMS categories
• Strong technical foundation and experience in formulated and engineering products with experience across dosage formats being beneficial
• Solid understanding of end-to-end product development including GLP and GMP/GCP
• Experience collaborating with manufacturing teams and /or CDMOs and proven evidence in delivering NPD
• Ability to work effectively in a matrixed organisation, building strong functional relationships across Marketing, Regulatory, Quality, Procurement and Project Management
• Ability to influence and align diverse stakeholders
• Agile, proactive and highly motivated, thriving in fast-moving environments
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in start-up or incubation environments, with a track record of developing and scaling new products.
• Familiarity with regulatory requirements in healthcare/OTC, medical devices.
• Experience integrating consumer insights into product development.

Apply now to take the next step in joining ZEISS, where you can push technological boundaries, shape markets and contribute to the advancement of society.

Your ZEISS Recruiting Team:

Kate Campbell

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Diversity is a part of ZEISS. We look forward to receiving your application regardless of gender, nationality, ethnic and social origin, religion, ideology, disability, age or sexual orientation and identity.