Innovation Manager

Pots & Co Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing premium desserts company in the UK is seeking an Innovation Manager to drive product innovation and packaging development. This role focuses on leading the end-to-end innovation process, ensuring that new products align with consumer trends while maintaining premium quality. The ideal candidate has experience in food innovation and project management within a food or beverage setting.

Benefits

Opportunity for career growth

Creative and fast-paced work environment

Competitive package

Qualifications

• Proven managerial experience in a food/beverage product development team.
• Track record in food innovation, especially in chilled desserts.
• Strong understanding of consumer trends and packaging formats.

Responsibilities

• Lead the innovation process from concept to launch.
• Translate market trends into viable dessert products.
• Manage the innovation pipeline ensuring timely delivery.

Skills

Team management

Food innovation

Project management

Creative thinking

Understanding consumer trends

Education

Degree in food science or related discipline

Job description

Job Description: Innovation Manager – Pots & Co Ltd

About Us

Pots & Co is a fast-growing premium chilled desserts company on a mission to shake up the UK desserts aisle with indulgent, high-quality creations. As an SME with big ambitions, we pride ourselves on craft, creativity, and delivering desserts that feel special every time.

Role Overview

We are seeking an Innovation Manager to lead our pipeline of new products and packaging development. This role will sit at the heart of our growth, driving consumer-led innovation from concept to launch, ensuring we remain ahead of trends while staying true to our premium positioning.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end innovation process: concept generation, feasibility, trials, and launch.
• Translate consumer insights and market trends into commercially viable desserts.
• Manage innovation pipeline and stage-gate process, ensuring timely delivery.
• Partner with Operations, Technical, and Commercial teams to align on feasibility, quality, and cost targets.
• Build relationships with external suppliers and co-manufacturers for new ingredients, formats, and packaging.
• Support continuous improvement of existing ranges through product upgrades and seasonal launches.

Skills & Experience

• Degree in food science/ food technology or other related science discipline.
• Proven managerial experience of working within a product development team with food/ beverage environment.
• Proven track record in food innovation, ideally in chilled desserts or premium FMCG.
• Strong understanding of consumer trends, flavour profiles, and packaging formats.
• Project management skills with the ability to juggle multiple launches.
• Creative thinker with commercial acumen.
• Collaborative, hands-on, and comfortable in an entrepreneurial SME environment.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to shape the future of a growing premium brand.
• A creative, fast-paced environment where ideas quickly turn into reality.
• Competitive package and scope for career growth.