Commercial Innovation Manager

AB InBev; City Of London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading beverage company in the UK seeks an Innovation Portfolio Manager to support strategic vision, lead project execution, and drive growth. This role requires 2-3 years in marketing, strong strategic thinking, and project management skills. Benefits include competitive parental leave, a beer allowance, and employee wellness programs.

Benefits

25 days holiday per year

Competitive parental leave

Employee benefits for physical and mental health

Global Bonus

WPA Private Medical Care

Qualifications

• 2–3 years of relevant experience in Marketing or Commercial roles, ideally in FMCG or research agency.
• Proven end-to-end project management in innovation or new product development.

Responsibilities

• Develop consumer-led innovation pipeline from concept to launch.
• Lead end-to-end delivery of innovation projects.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships across teams.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Project management

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Communication

Financial acumen

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a business-related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

MS Project

Job description

Overview

Seniority Level: Associate
#Ownership
Purpose: Brewing the world’s most loved beers and building brands consumers love, AB InBev is where ownership, ambition, and action thrive. We empower you to dream big, lead change, and create a long-lasting legacy. We value relentless problem-solvers who take accountability, embrace challenges, and turn bold goals into results through resilience and hard work.

That’s Who We Are: Come and OWN IT.

The Role: Support the Head of Innovation in defining and executing a strategic vision for Business Unit (BU) Innovation. Lead the development and management of the innovation portfolio roadmap, ensuring alignment with BU business objectives and key brand priorities to drive accelerated growth in line with ABI’s Zone EU Innovation ambitions. Evolve the role from project execution to strategic leadership — shaping the future portfolio and driving high-impact, priority innovation opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Innovation & Portfolio Development — Support the Head of Innovation in developing a consumer-led innovation pipeline — from concept and validation to launch and scale-up.
• Innovation & Portfolio Development — Lead end-to-end delivery of innovation projects, ensuring on-time launches and strong cross-functional collaboration.
• Innovation & Portfolio Development — Develop distinctive and insight-driven brand propositions, including positioning, purpose, and marketing mix.
• Project Management & Reporting — Provide regular project updates, tracking progress, risks, and performance through PMO structures.
• Project Management & Reporting — Coordinate gate review deliverables and report on in-market results, proposing corrective actions where needed.
• Project Management & Reporting — Contribute to annual innovation planning and CAPEX forecasting for new capability or capacity requirements.
• Project Management & Reporting — Participate in key BU and cross-functional meetings to align and update stakeholders.
• Team & Talent Development — Actively support team capability building by engaging in recruitment, mentoring interns, and promoting diverse talent.
• Team & Talent Development — Leverage Marketing Academy training to enhance marketing and innovation skills.
• Stakeholder Engagement — Build and maintain strong cross-functional relationships across Marketing, Commercial, and Supply teams.
• Stakeholder Engagement — Influence decision-making, align priorities, and collaborate with global innovation and brand teams to drive successful launches.
• Budget Ownership — Manage OPEX and CAPEX budgets responsibly, ensuring transparent allocation of resources to priority initiatives.

Who we’re looking for

Education & Experience

• Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in a business-related field (e.g. Marketing, Business, Finance, or Applied Sciences).
• 2–3 years of relevant experience in Marketing or Commercial roles — ideally within a FMCG company, or a top-tier creative/research agency.

Technical Skills & Knowledge

• Strong strategic thinker with proven end-to-end project management experience, particularly in innovation or new product development.
• Deep understanding (or strong aptitude to learn) of the business, customer, consumer, and brand landscape.
• Results-driven with focus on quality, cost, and timelines.
• Skilled in problem-solving and process improvement (PDCA, Six Sigma).
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and MS Project.
• Fluent in English; additional local language(s) a plus.

Soft Skills & Leadership

• Curious, forward-thinking, and adaptable with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Excellent communicator — able to influence, inspire, and engage stakeholders across all levels.
• Strong interpersonal leadership; effective at driving collaboration and cross-functional initiatives.
• Commercially savvy with strong financial acumen and sound strategic judgment.
• Pragmatic, agile, and comfortable navigating ambiguity in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Highly organised, flexible, and deadline driven.

Benefits & Perks

• Benefits for you and your family to help your physical and mental health
• Competitive parental leave and pension double contributions
• 25 days holidays per year
• Employee benefits to help your physical and mental health and overall well-being (travel insurance, gym memberships, discounted services, dental, etc.)
• A beer allowance to enjoy our brands
• 2 volunteer days a year to support your local community
• 5 employee networks to support diversity and inclusion
• Global Bonus
• WPA Private Medical Care
• 26 weeks paid leave for primary caregiver

BUILD YOUR CAREER WITH US

We recruit for mindset, ambition, cultural fit, and growth opportunities.

UNIQUE CULTURE

We are proud to be part of something bigger than ourselves and are passionate about building upon our company’s long legacy. We believe in collaboration and candor, which results in a dynamic culture with open communication.

BRANDS EVERYONE LOVES

We are part of the collective, global history of beer. We are the proud makers of more than 500 iconic brands, from beloved international classics to local favorites.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Our people grow at the pace of their talent. We empower our people to learn, expand their perspectives, and unlock career growth. In an environment where commitment to excellence pays off, our people are able to deepen their impact and create a long-lasting legacy.