Head of Innovation

D R Newitt Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global FMCG manufacturer is seeking a Global Head of Product Development Innovation responsible for driving growth through innovative product strategies. The ideal candidate will lead high-value global projects, collaborate cross-functionally, and leverage consumer insights to deliver breakthrough products while managing budgets and development rigor. This position requires strong leadership within a multi-cultural environment and experience in savoury snack innovation.

Qualifications

• Experience in product innovation within savoury snacks is advantageous.
• Strong understanding of global growth strategy.

Responsibilities

• Influencing global growth strategic plan and developing product strategies.
• Leading a team for breakthrough product strategy aligned with goals.
• Managing complex NPD processes ensuring quality standards.

Skills

Multi-cultural collaboration

Cross-functional management

Partnership management

Product innovation

Consumer insights

Job description

A global FMCG manufacturer is currently recruiting for a Global Head of Product Development Innovation / Global Innovation Manager / Global Head of NPD to be responsible for developing and delivering growth for the business. The role involves managing high-value global innovation projects aligned with our growth strategy and consumer demand spaces.

This position is site-based at least 3 days per week with flexibility.

The ideal candidate will have experience in multi-cultural, cross-functional collaboration and external partnership management to identify opportunities and drive innovative solutions, best practices, and systems. Experience in product innovation within savoury snacks is advantageous.

Key Responsibilities include:

1. Influencing the global growth strategic plan by collaborating across functions and regions to develop product strategies.
2. Leading a team to develop and implement a breakthrough product strategy aligned with growth and sustainability goals.
3. Working closely with Global Growth and Supply Chain teams to deliver joint growth and transformation initiatives, balancing productivity and sustainability.
4. Using insights from consumers, customers, and competitors to develop an innovation funnel, drive breakthrough projects, and define a technology roadmap.
5. Collaborating with Growth, FEI, and Procurement teams to develop briefs, manage supplier innovation, and assess new ingredients and technologies.
6. Managing technical rigor, risk, and a portfolio of complex projects through the end-to-end NPD process, ensuring quality standards and monitoring external trends.
7. Aligning development with operational capabilities, managing budgets, supporting cost-saving initiatives, and defining product characteristics.

To apply, please email your CV.