Innovation Research Lead

Hello. We’re Haleon . A new world-leading consumer health company. Shaped by all who join us. Together, we’re improving everyday health for billions of people.

By growing and innovating our global portfolio of category-leading brands including Sensodyne, Panadol, Advil, Voltaren, Theraflu, Otrivin, and Centrum through a unique combination of deep human understanding and trusted science.

What’s more, we’re achieving it in a company that we’re in control of. In an environment that we’re co-creating. And a culture that’s uniquely ours.

Care to join us. It isn’t a question.

With category leading brands such as Sensodyne, Voltaren and Centrum, built on trusted science and human understanding, and combined with our passion, knowledge and expertise, we’re uniquely placed to do this and to grow a strong, successful business.

This is an exciting time to join us and help shape the future. It’s an opportunity to be part of something special.

About the role

Our OTC Categories are the beating heart of Haleon with iconic brands including Panadol, Voltaren, Otrivin and Theraflu.

As the global OTC categories Innovation Research Lead you will be responsible for inspiring the organization on our future direction and fueling the innovation funnel with a steady stream of breakthrough opportunities based on deep human understanding and trusted science.

This is a pivotal leadership role, accountable for co-developing and driving the Horizon 2 / Horizon 3 innovation strategy, delivering proof of concept on breakthrough innovation platforms, and developing and leading world class capabilities in external innovation, competitive pipeline intelligence and visualization.

In this critical role, you will report to the Head of OTC R&D, be a member of the OTC R&D Lead Team as well as the enterprise R&D ELT.

You will lead a team spread across our leadership hub in Nyon and our OTC Centre of Excellence in the US.

Key Role Responsibilities

• Collaborate with cross functional partners including commercial and FHS&T to develop the OTC categories horizon 2 and horizon 3 innovation strategy.
• Identify breakthrough, superior innovation platforms and IP in line with consumer and technology trends.
• Partner with commercial upstream innovation and the global brand teams to deliver a cadence of ideation and ensure a funnel of complex innovation is translated into a sufficiency of ideas and feasibility projects.
• Apply expert technical knowledge and leadership to develop opportunities to proof of concept stage.
• Accountable for the delivery of category external innovation programs, competitive pipeline intelligence and visualisation in line with superior product narratives.
• Build and maintain an ecosystem of academics, experts, partners, and start-ups to ensure continual outside-in stimulus to the innovation agenda.
• Build Haleon’s external presence and reputation through publishing, patenting, and presenting at conferences.
• Ensure resources and funding are allocated and deployed against priorities, continually seek opportunities to deliver maximum impact with improved efficiency.
• Lead with care - ensure direct reports adhere to all EHS standards and expectations on site and within the laboratories.

Basic Qualifications :

• BSC, MSC in Chemistry, Pharmacy, Pharmacology, Biochemistry or Biological Sciences
• Advanced technical know-how and knowledge of the state of the art in ingredients, drug delivery, and POC methodologies in a regulated environment.
• Able to contribute to business strategy development and convert to technical strategy and deliverables.
• 12+ years in a regulated, preferably OTC environment

Preferred Qualifications :

• PhD degree
• Creative problem solver required to solve highly complex, multi factorial issues and arrive at sound scientific and business judgements.
• Credible and influential with internal and external audiences. Able to build strong and productive partnerships cross functionally and with external parties.

Location this role is based in : Nyon, Switzerland

Care to join us. Find out what life at Haleon is really like www.haleon.com / careers /

At Haleon we embrace our diverse workforce by creating an inclusive environment that celebrates our unique perspectives, generates curiosity to create unmatched understanding of each other, and promotes fair and equitable outcomes for everyone.

We're striving to create a climate where we celebrate our diversity in all forms by treating each other with respect, listening to different viewpoints, supporting our communities, and creating a workplace where your authentic self belongs and thrives.

We believe in an agile working culture for all our roles. If flexibility is important to you, we encourage you to explore with our hiring team what the opportunities are.

As you apply, we will ask you to share some personal information, which is entirely voluntary. We want to have an opportunity to consider a diverse pool of qualified candidates and this information will assist us in meeting that objective and in understanding how well we are doing against our inclusion and diversity ambitions.

We would really appreciate it if you could take a few moments to complete it. Rest assured, Hiring Managers do not have access to this information and we will treat your information confidentially.

Haleon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity / expression, age, disability, genetic information, military service, covered / protected veteran status or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Please note that if you are a US Licensed Healthcare Professional or Healthcare Professional as defined by the laws of the state issuing your license, Haleon may be required to capture and report expenses Haleon incurs, on your behalf, in the event you are afforded an interview for employment.

This capture of applicable transfers of value is necessary to ensure Haleon’s compliance to all federal and state US Transparency requirements.