Innovation Manager

Pilgrim’s Shared Services Ltd; Slough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Rollover, part of Pilgrim’s Europe, is seeking an Innovation Manager to drive new ideas and develop innovative products for the Food To Go market. The role demands 3+ years of experience in innovation, focusing on product development and effective collaboration across teams. Join a growing team aiming to become the UK leader in this competitive sector.

Benefits

Competitive market salary

Pay review each year

Eligible for bonus percentage

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in Innovation roles.
• Prior experience leading initiatives.
• Expertise in design thinking, prototyping, testing, and launch.

Responsibilities

• Developing and delivering a pipeline of product innovation.
• Implementing new processes for innovation support.
• Influencing the commercial organization for innovation agenda.

Skills

Project management skills

Innovation processes knowledge

Successful NPD delivery track record

Expertise in Product Development

Job description

This is a Permanent, Full Time vacancy that will close in 13 days at 23:59 BST.

My job

The company

Rollover, part of Pilgrim’s Europe, is a Hot Food to Go Solution business with a wide range of customers (Cineworld, Manchester United, Co-op, Sodexo, Merlin, Musgrave – just to name a few!).

We are a team of 56 passionate people. We are on the journey to become the UK leader in Hot Food to Go - quickly growing our business and currently expanding our core range. We now serve hotdogs, cheeseburgers, chicken burgers, breakfast muffins, chicken nuggets, jalapenos, and cheese poppers from more than 4,000 outlets across the UK. We have strong growth ambitions for the next 3 years. So now is a great time to join!

Who is it for?

Innovation plays a critical role in our growth ambition. Therefore, we are creating this Innovation Manager position to own the Innovation strategy from pipeline to defining our innovation processes.

This mid-level role is perfect for someone with 3+ years of experience who is passionate about driving new ideas forward, collaborating across teams, helping shape the future of our business, and growing with us!

• Dream big?
• Always consider how Innovation can delight consumers and deliver results for the business and the category?
• Enjoy working cross-functionally?
• Make things happen at pace?

We have a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of Rollover, the iconic Food To Go brand.

Location: Rollover HQ – Slough (Burnham station on the Elizabeth Line)

Contract: Permanent, Full-time

As Rollover’s Innovation Manager, you will be responsible for:

• Developing and delivering a robust pipeline of product innovation for retail and foodservice, working closely with our Food Design Specialist.
  • Using consumer insight to create a pipeline of innovation opportunities that bring the brand innovation strategy to life
  • Developing strong consumer concepts, validated through consumer insight testing
  • Translating consumer concepts into winning commercial propositions via robust business cases
• Implementing new processes including Gate Process, Discipline, and Compliance, from insights to execution to support the growth ambitions of the business and the brand.
• Successfully influencing the commercial organization to deliver the innovation agenda.

Your Skills & Knowledge

• 3+ years of experience in Innovation roles with knowledge of Innovation processes
• Prior experience leading initiatives – not necessarily managing teams or holding senior positions
• Successful NPD delivery track record
• Expertise in Product Development including design thinking, prototyping, testing, and launch, including renovation projects
• Project management skills including setting timelines, managing budgets, and coordinating cross-functional teams
• Competitive market salary
• Pay review each year
• Eligible for bonus percentage

The company

Pilgrim’s Europe produces some of the most iconic brands in the UK and Ireland, including Fridge Raiders, Rollover, Denny, Richmond, Oakhouse, and Moy Park, alongside a diverse range of industry-leading own-label products in categories including fresh pork, lamb, and chicken, working with all major retailers and food service outlets.

Our portfolio extends to authentic chilled and frozen ready meals, snacking ranges, added value, and food service products.

Across Pilgrim’s Europe, we employ 20,000 of the best people in the industry, united by shared core values and a passion for producing the highest quality, most delicious, and innovative food, enjoyed by millions daily in the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Our teams are based in Pilgrim’s UK, Moy Park, Pilgrim’s Food Masters, and Pilgrim’s Shared Services businesses.