Director of Product Innovation & Head of UK Innovation Centre

Zotefoams; Croydon; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leader in cellular material technology is seeking a Director of Product Innovation in Croydon. This role involves leading the Innovation Centre, shaping the product development pipeline, and driving growth through new and innovative product offerings. Ideal candidates will have significant leadership experience in materials science and a track record of successfully delivering products to market. Join a dynamic team that values collaboration and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in innovation, R&D, or product development in materials science or polymers.
• Track record of delivering commercially successful products through structured development.
• Deep technical knowledge of plastics processing, materials behaviour, and foaming technologies.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the UK Innovation Centre.
• Lead and develop the Product Innovation team to meet business and innovation targets.
• Drive revenue growth through new products.

Skills

Leadership in innovation

Commercially minded

Technical knowledge of plastics processing

Collaboration and teamwork

Education

Degree in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline

Job description

About the Role

Director of Product Innovation & Head of UK Innovation Centre to lead the strategic direction and daily operations of the Innovation Centre in Croydon. This role will be central in shaping Zotefoams’ product development pipeline, ensuring that innovation translates into measurable commercial success. You will lead a team of scientists and technologists, aligning innovation projects to market opportunities and delivering long-term growth through new product development.

Role Responsibilities

• Ensure safe, compliant, and efficient operation of the UK Innovation Centre.
• Lead, manage, and develop the Product Innovation team to deliver against agreed business and innovation targets.
• Drive revenue growth through new products, delivering a strong contribution to the 5-Year Vitality Index.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to strengthen commercialisation effectiveness.
• Manage the Innovation Centre budget, allocating resources efficiently to high-priority projects.
• Shape and manage the product innovation portfolio in collaboration with global Innovation and Commercial teams.
• Stay ahead of emerging materials, technologies, and processes in polymer/plastics processing and foaming.
• Manage and safeguard Intellectual Property arising from new product development.

What you'll need

• Proven leadership in innovation, R&D, or product development in materials science or polymers.
• Track record of delivering commercially successful products through structured development.
• Deep technical knowledge of plastics processing, materials behaviour, and foaming technologies.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and working cross-functionally with commercial stakeholders.
• Strategic thinker, able to align technical innovation with business needs.
• Degree (or equivalent) in a relevant scientific or engineering discipline.

What we're looking for

• A confident and experienced leader with the courage to drive change.
• Commercially minded and results-focused, with a track record of delivering growth through innovation.
• Inclusive and collaborative, with strong people leadership skills.
• Curious and innovative, staying at the forefront of materials and processing technology.

Why Join Us

At Zotefoams, we believe in fostering a supportive and innovative environment where everybody can thrive. By joining us, you will be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Our Values

Courage - The courage to take bold action to ensure that we succeed in tackling our challenges and opportunities.

Impact – Dedicated to making a significant and positive impact in everything we do.

Respect - Cultivate a respectful and inclusive environment where everyone is valued and collaboration is encouraged.

Zotefoams is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Zotefoams is a world leader in cellular material technology. Using a unique manufacturing process with environmentally friendly nitrogen expansion, Zotefoams produces lightweight foams in Croydon, UK and Kentucky, USA for diverse markets worldwide. These markets include sports and leisure, storage and protection, automotive, aviation and space, railway, healthcare, building, marine and the military.