NPD Innovation Lead

Job Title: NPD Innovation Lead

Location:Kolkata (Onsite - Work from Office)

About the Role:

We are looking for a strategic and consumer-first NPD Innovation Lead to shape Dot & Keys future innovation pipeline by identifying emerging consumer needs, market trends, and whitespace opportunities. The role will drive innovation strategy, product conceptualization, and commercialization by partnering closely with Brand, R&D, Packaging, Supply Chain, Regulatory, and external partners to deliver differentiated, consumer-led products.

Key Responsibilities:

• Define and drive the NPD innovation roadmap aligned with brand vision, consumer insights, and business priorities.
• Identify whitespace opportunities through consumer research, trend forecasting, competitive benchmarking, and global innovation scouting.
• Lead product ideation, concept creation, positioning, claims strategy, and innovation storytelling.
• Translate insights into commercially viable product opportunities with strong consumer and brand relevance.
• Drive cross-functional execution from concept approval to market launch, ensuring timelines, quality, and launch readiness.
• Collaborate with Formulation, Packaging, Supply Chain, Regulatory, Finance, and external partners to deliver innovative products at scale.
• Champion packaging innovation, new formats, sustainable solutions, and differentiated consumer experiences.
• Build business cases, portfolio recommendations, and innovation strategies based on commercial potential and market attractiveness.
• Track industry trends, disruptive technologies, and emerging ingredients to strengthen the long-term innovation pipeline.

Preferred Skills & Know-how:

• Strong expertise in Innovation, NPD, and Product Strategy within Beauty, Personal Care, or FMCG.
• Deep understanding of consumer behaviour, market insights, trend forecasting, and innovation frameworks.
• Experience leading cross-functional commercialization and product launch programs.
• Strong strategic thinking, stakeholder management, and project leadership capabilities.
• Ability to balance consumer desirability, technical feasibility, and commercial viability.

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelors or Masters degree in Business, Marketing, Cosmetic Science, Packaging, or a related field.
• 12+ years of experience in Innovation, Product Management, or NPD within Beauty, Personal Care, or FMCG.
• Demonstrated success in building innovation pipelines and launching consumer-centric products.