Job Description

This Innovation Manager role focuses on shaping and executing a 3-5 year strategy to expand a leading food brand into new categories, working closely with cross-functional teams and NPD hubs in the UK and France. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned FMCG innovator with a passion for food, strong project leadership, and a track record of successful product launches.
Translate the brand positioning into a 3-5 year innovation strategy together with the brand team and Marketing Director.
Understand the consumer/shopper needs and define and fill the gaps in knowledge.
Define and become the expert in new categories where the brand can play in the future and bring in ideas from all areas relevant to the brand.
Together with NPD teams, create the upfront innovation process for the business including ideation and research methods.
Create a pipeline of concept ideas to fill the funnel of development defining the short, medium and long term priorities.
Work with the brand team to define timings, scope and investment required for projects.
Develop the concepts through the marketing mix and project manage the key projects to market, influencing the management board at key updates.
Monitor and control marketing budget for innovation activities
Opportunity to forefront the portfolio growth of a leading FMCG producerHuge career growth potential
A innovation expert with broad knowledge of building innovation platforms, strategy and executing against it.
Proven success of building brands through innovation in FMCG.
A passionate brand advocate with a natural affinity for brands and how they connect with consumers
A passion for food combined with a natural curiosity for consumers & new products
Able to work with ambiguity and be flexibly minded and offer innovative solutions
A self starter, able to work alone and in a team
Dynamic with ability to inspire others
Excellent communication and influencing skills
Analytical, inquisitive and innovative
Persuasive, determined & makes things happen
Understanding of the UK multiple grocery and prestige customers and their associated trading issues
This client is a fast-growing European food manufacturer with deep expertise in fruit transformation and chilled dairy, supplying both branded and private label products across global markets. Their UK operations include a state-of-the-art dessert facility and strong partnerships with major retailers, driving rapid expansion in preserves, yoghurts, and chilled desserts. Known for a hands-on, entrepreneurial culture, they prioritize innovation, quality, and consumer satisfaction in everything they do.
Negotiable salary dependent on experience
Health care single cover
Private Health Insurance 70% of Contractual pay
Company pension 6% employer contribution (Salary exchange)
Childcare vouchers (Salary exchange)
25 days holiday + 8 Bank holidays
Company sick pay - 3 months full contractual pay
Mobile Phone
Company Credit card for expenses
Wellbeing - Free eye tests and 90 towards glasses, Flu Jabs, Wellbeing tests
Long service recognition and rewards

Skills Required