Innovation Manager (Marketing)

Seven Search and Selection Ltd; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent FMCG manufacturer in Birmingham is seeking an Innovation Manager to shape their innovation strategy. You will be responsible for driving new product ideas from concept through to launch, ensuring alignment with brand goals and consumer needs. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in the FMCG sector, possess strong project management skills, and demonstrate excellent interpersonal communication. This role provides an exciting opportunity to influence the future of well-known food brands.

Qualifications

• Experience in an FMCG environment.
• Worked in an Innovation Manager or Brand/Product Manager role.
• Strong focus on innovation and new product development.

Responsibilities

• Create and implement NPD/innovation plans.
• Lead innovation launches and concept creation.
• Project manage through the stage gate process.
• Drive cross-functional teams.
• Monitor consumer market trends.

Skills

Commercial sense

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Project management

Job description

Our client :

• An instantly recognizable FMCG manufacturer with market leading success
• Inspire a culture of ownership, autonomy and development
• Are renowned for nurturing talent and offering cross functional progression
• As Innovation Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering the innovation strategy and pipeline of this exciting food brand

The role

• As an Innovation Manager, you’ll shape the future of their brands by driving new ideas from initial concept through to full scale‑up.
• You’ll lead innovation initiatives across all brands, ensuring they align with strategic priorities and key consumer needs. Working cross‑functionally, you’ll guide projects through the stage‑gate process, develop strong business‑cases, and ensure a smooth transition to brand teams for successful execution.
• They are looking for an individual with good commercial sense, strong interpersonal and communication skills and first‑class project management ability. To be successful in this role you will have experience in an FMCG environment, have worked in an innovation manager or brand / product manager focused role.

Key responsibilities

• Creating and implementing NPD / innovation plans
• Innovation launches and concept creation
• Project manage through the stage gate process
• Lead and drive cross‑functional teams
• Keep an eye on consumer market trends to drive future projects

Candidate requirements

• FMCG background (ideally food)
• Background in an Innovation Manager role or a Brand Management position with a heavy focus on innovation / NPD
• Project management
• Launch of new products

Please send your CV using the form on this page, quoting reference 9 / 17550 / 7 Confidentiality assured.