Global Category NPD Lead

The Role

The Global Category NPD Lead is a pivotal member of the Category EVP team, responsible for driving Next Generation Innovation projects that set our products apart in the market. You will act as the consumer voice within the product team, turning insights into brand-relevant products and designs.

This role requires close collaboration with multifunctional teams including innovation, marketing, design, engineering, and external partners to deliver products that meet both consumer needs and brand ambitions.

This role offers the right candidate the opportunity to grow their career, make a meaningful impact, and be part of an inclusive, innovative, global FMCG organization supported by 25,000 employees worldwide.

Principle Accountabilities

· Lead and deliver Next Generation Innovation projects, ensuring alignment with EVP strategy and consumer insights.

· Scope and manage upgrades to disposable devices, translating brand appeal into product design.

· Build and leverage consumer insights to identify innovation opportunities across pods, devices, and liquids.

· Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to define and maintain the product DNA.

· Support the Category Marketing team in shaping the future portfolio range and articulating brand equity.

· Analyze competitive and consumer technical benchmarks to identify opportunities and risks.

Skills and Experience Required

· Proven ability to develop NPD products and drive innovation within dynamic, fast-moving environments.

· Strong commercial awareness with the ability to translate insights into actionable recommendations.

· Excellent analytical reasoning and business acumen to determine clear outcomes.

· Highly effective at influencing stakeholders across multiple geographies and functions.

· Empathic, culturally adaptable, and able to thrive in multi-cultural settings.

· Collaborative mindset with experience working across multifunctional teams and external partners.

What We Offer

In return for playing your part in building our future, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package with salary, bonus scheme and further benefits as well inspiring places to work and collaborate with purpose. Here at Imperial we will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, innovate at pace and be a part of our purpose to forge a path to a healthier future for moments of relaxation and pleasure for our consumers.

Next Steps

Interested applicants should apply with their CV highlighting their suitability for the role.

Everyone Belongs

Everyone belongs in Imperial. We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence. We give fair and equal consideration to all our applicants. Please contact us at resourcing@uk.imptob.com to let us know if we can provide support in helping you complete an application and/or attend an interview.

About Imperial Brands

We're a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 120 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by 25,000 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo where people can bring their best selves to work. Our agility and collaboration are driving our ambitions, innovation and success all supported by our award-winning development programmes that creates exciting and rewarding career opportunities for all. Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.