QSC Global Innovation Head

Haleon plc.; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare company in the UK is seeking an experienced Innovation Program Leader to oversee enterprise-wide innovation projects from ideation to launch. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years in Supply Chain or Operations, with a strong background in new product launches and leadership gravitas. You will lead a team, manage project portfolios, and ensure on-time delivery of innovative solutions that drive growth. This position offers the opportunity to shape significant strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Deep organizational understanding required.
• Matrix project leadership experience into R&D & Commercial.
• Knowledge of supply network to provide SC solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Innovation Program Leaders.
• Manage enterprise innovation projects through stage gate processes.
• Drive Innovation performance management and governance.

Skills

Deep knowledge in New product launch management

Strategic agility

Leadership Gravitas

Strong Technical platform and Commercial understanding

Innovation Experience

Education

>10 Yrs of Supply Chain, Operations or Technical Leadership

P&L Management Experience

Job description

Overview

This role leads the enterprise wide program management organization and leads the innovation projects from ideation to launch. It leads a team of new product innovation leaders across Category and Operating Units. It is accountable for leading the Innovation sufficiency and Strategic resource allocation processes as well as the effective and efficient innovation execution ensuring on time launches with technical and commercial readiness and post launch performance that drives growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Innovation Program Leaders with Category leaders reporting directly and Regional leaders accountable functionally to this role
• Leads the composition of an integrated Innovation master plan in partnership with Technical platforms and category teams
• Program management - Leads enterprise innovation projects through stage gate process to set up commercial and technical functions for success ensuring technical and commercial readiness for on time launch, cost, cash and service on target and risk management that balances investment and benefits.
• Portfolio management of innovation in collaboration with Commercial and R&D to drive growth with more scale and efficiency
• Lead Contract manufacturer Enabled Innovation, to enhance innovation pipeline leveraging external capabilities for speed, and Connect+ Develop concepts for access to new formats / benefits. Managing network complexity and providing clear choices for initiative design consistent with aligned Complexity reduction principles.
• Lead QSC innovation process and people capability for enhanced speed & value delivery in conjunction with innovation transformation team. Lead program manager capability program for the enterprise and delivers Best in Class Technical Mastery in managing complex projects at benchmark speed and cost / service.
• Lead Innovation performance management and governance, owns the performance process in Enterprise Innovation Board to drive growth and Innovation Transformation.

Problem Solving

Leads process to close innovation sufficiency gaps - bridges platforms - categories and regions to deliver innovation that grows the business

Drive good complexity but eliminate bad: drive growth through innovation but managing complexity on the way to improve margin, 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.

Job Posting closes Tuesday 6th January 2026 at Midnight

Qualifications

• Deep knowledge in New product launch management
• Business acumen - understand the P&L and growth algorithm of the company
• Strategic agility - makes the complex simple - as this role is the transmission belt between technical community and business plans
• Leadership Gravitas - influence and deep stakeholder engagement skills
• Deep organizational understanding
• Strong Technical platform and Commercial and Brand/Product understanding to influence Commercial Innovation and Brand Leaders
• Knowledge of supply network is key to provide SC solutions to deliver new ideas and onboard new partners.
• Innovation Experience
• >10 Yrs of Supply Chain, Operations or Technical Leadership
• Matrix project leadership experience into R&D & Commercial
• P&L Management Experience

Preferred Qualifications

• QSC Category or Customer Supply Chain Leader Experience
• Commercial or R&D Facing Leadership
• Transformational Programme Leadership (strong change management skills)
• Experience with contract manufacturers / C+D partnership

Equal Opportunities & Accommodations

Equal Opportunities Haleon are committed to mobilising our purpose in a way that represents the diverse consumers and communities who rely on our brands every day. It guides us in creating an inclusive culture, where different backgrounds and views are valued and respected - all in support of understanding and best serving the needs of our consumers and unleashing the full potential of our people. It's important to us that Haleon is a place where all our employees feel they truly belong. During the application process, we may ask you to share some personal information, which is entirely voluntary. This information ensures we meet certain regulatory and reporting obligations and supports the development, refinement, and execution of our inclusion and belonging programmes that are open to all Haleon employees. The personal information you provide will be kept confidential, used only for legitimate business purposes, and will never be used in making any employment decisions, including hiring decisions.

Adjustment or Accommodations Request If you require a reasonable adjustment or accommodation or other assistance to apply for a job at Haleon at any stage of the application process, please let your recruiter know by providing them with a description of specific adjustments you are requesting. We'll provide all reasonable adjustments to support you throughout the recruitment process and treat all information you provide us in confidence.