Head of Innovation Project Management

Imperial Brands PLC; Liverpool; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading FMCG company is seeking an R&D Project Leader to oversee innovation projects from ideation through to in-life management. This global role requires a strategic vision in R&D leadership, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to drive product innovation while ensuring compliance and budget management.

Benefits

Comprehensive salary package

Bonus and benefits

Qualifications

• Extensive R&D leadership experience in FMCG or related sectors.
• Proven track record in product innovation and team collaboration.
• Ability to manage complex R&D innovation projects effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead project planning and execution, ensuring alignment with company objectives.
• Build and manage high-performing teams, fostering collaborative culture.
• Monitor project budgets and resources to maximize efficiency.

Skills

R&D Leadership

Product Innovation

Team Leadership

Stakeholder Relationship Management

Project Management

Job description

The Role

Reporting to the Head of R&D Innovation, this is a global role with end-to-end accountability to oversee the entire innovation value chain from ideation to in-life management. A technical leader and orchestrator for all NGP and Combustible projects.

Principal Accountabilities

1. Project Planning and Execution: Lead the team overseeing the end-to-end planning, execution, and completion of all R&D/technical activities required to deliver projects, ensuring alignment with company objectives, and delivery on time, within scope, and within budget. Manage interdependencies between ‘Expert Plans’ and ensure product performance, quality, safety, and regulatory requirements are met.
2. Team Leadership and Coordination: Collaborate with expert leads to orchestrate requirements and inputs from all technical teams. Build and lead high-performing, innovative teams, fostering a culture of agility, collaboration, continuous improvement, and technical excellence. Contribute to the R&D strategic & capability agenda as part of the NGP leadership team.
3. Stakeholder Communication: Provide regular updates to key stakeholders on project status, risks, and decisions. Ensure comprehensive input for Stage Gate documents and proper outcomes from technical gate forums.
4. Risk and Issue Management: Identify potential risks, develop mitigation strategies, and resolve issues promptly to keep projects on track.
5. Budget and Resource Management: Monitor resources, including personnel, equipment, and budgets, to maximize efficiency. Build business cases for additional resources if needed.
6. Documentation and Compliance: Maintain comprehensive project documentation, including plans, requirements, and technical documents.
7. Continuous Improvement: Track project performance using appropriate metrics, incorporate lessons learned, and improve R&D operating models, tools, and documents.

Skills and Experience Required

• Extensive R&D leadership experience, preferably in FMCG, healthcare, or related sectors
• Proven track record in product innovation, team leadership, and cross-functional collaboration
• Strategic vision and people leadership skills
• Experience in project management, coordinating R&D with regulatory, safety, legal, and finance teams
• Ability to plan, manage, and report on complex innovation projects
• Experience in driving growth through innovation
• Strong stakeholder relationship skills
• Experience in managing a portfolio of R&D projects and risk escalation

What We Offer

In return, you will receive a comprehensive package including salary, bonus, and benefits. Join us to grow, innovate, and contribute to a healthier future for our consumers.

Everyone Belongs

About Us

We are a global FMCG company operating in 120 markets with 25,000 employees. We foster an inclusive, innovative culture driven by a challenger mindset, valuing agility, collaboration, and diversity. We are committed to creating a respectful environment that celebrates differences.

Note: Imperial Tobacco or its subsidiaries do not request or require payment during recruitment.