Innovation Manager

Recruitment Solutions (Folkestone) Limited; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is looking for an experienced Interim Innovation Manager for a 6-month contract based in London. This role involves managing innovation strategy and new product development to drive growth. Ideal candidates will possess over 8 years of relevant experience, a proven success in insight-led innovation, and the ability to work effectively within cross-functional teams. Offering a competitive hourly rate of £33.52 and hybrid working conditions, this is an excellent opportunity for someone ready to make a significant impact.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Opportunity to impact innovation

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in innovation, NPD, or marketing in consumer goods.
• Proven track record in successful, insight-led new product development.
• Strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative consumer research.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop the innovation funnel aligned to objectives.
• Commission and manage consumer research.
• Lead cross-functional project teams through the stage-gate process.

Skills

Consumer research methodologies

Project management

Innovation strategy

Leadership

Financial awareness

Job description

Ref: CPIM Salary: £33.52 per hour Contract Type: Contract Location: London

"Interim Innovation Manager (6-month contract)"

Location: London (Hybrid – 2–3 days per week in office)
Rate: £33.52 per hour
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract length: Approximately 6 months

We are seeking an experienced Innovation Manager to join a fast-paced marketing function on an interim basis. This role will support the development and delivery of a strong new product pipeline, driving innovation from early insight through to commercial launch.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, you will play a key role in identifying growth opportunities, shaping innovation strategy, and ensuring new product developments meet both consumer needs and commercial objectives.

Key responsibilities

Innovation & Strategy

• Maintain and develop the innovation funnel aligned to brand and sales objectives
• Monitor competitors, market trends and retailer strategies to maintain competitive advantage

Consumer Insight & Exploration

• Commission and manage qualitative and quantitative consumer research
• Identify unmet needs, white-space opportunities and emerging trends
• Leverage insight tools to develop a deep understanding of target consumers

Concept Development

• Partner with marketing and R&D to create compelling, viable product concepts
• Plan and manage concept testing and validation activity
• Build and deliver robust business cases, including margin and cost considerations
• Lead cross-functional project teams through the stage-gate process
• Define product briefs including claims, technical requirements and features
• Oversee packaging development and relevant testing activity

Leadership

• Provide clear leadership across multifunctional teams
• Manage budgets and control NPD expenditure
• Collaborate with international stakeholders to maximise launch potential

Skills and experience required

• Significant experience (typically 8+ years) within innovation, NPD or marketing in a consumer goods environment
• Proven track record of delivering successful, insight-led new product development
• Strong understanding of consumer research methodologies (qualitative and quantitative)
• Experience working closely with R&D, procurement, manufacturing and external agencies
• Solid knowledge of packaging development and technical product requirements
• Commercially astute, with strong financial and margin awareness
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence senior stakeholders
• Creative, pragmatic and highly organised, with a “can-do” attitude
• Comfortable working at pace and adapting to changing priorities

What’s on offer

• Competitive hourly rate of £33.52
• Hybrid working with a minimum of 2–3 days per week in a London office
• Opportunity to make a tangible impact within a high-profile innovation agenda

This role would suit an experienced Innovation Manager or senior marketer looking for a hands-on interim assignment where they can quickly add value.

For further information on thisopportunity please contact: