Innovation Programme & Portfolio Manager

Weetabix; Burton Latimer; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Double‑matched pension scheme

25 days annual leave

Annual Salary review

Healthcare plan

Discounted Weetabix products

Job summary

Weetabix is seeking an Innovation Programme & Portfolio Manager to lead our innovation pipeline, prioritise projects, and govern execution to grow the business. You will drive cross-functional collaboration, apply data insights, and ensure alignment with IBP and commercial goals.

You will oversee portfolio planning, manage resources, and support the delivery of commercially successful outcomes while partnering with PMO and leveraging PLM and D365 for data integrity.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in innovation, project, or portfolio management within FMCG/consumer goods.
• Knowledge of end-to-end innovation processes, including Stage‑Gate governance.
• Organised with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Analytical mindset to interpret portfolio and performance data.
• Influence senior leadership through effective stakeholder management.
• Commercial awareness including product lifecycle economics.

Responsibilities

• Lead innovation and renovation projects with strong planning, governance and delivery.
• Improve stage gate processes to enable clear decision-making and cross-functional collaboration.
• Prioritise resources across innovation and NPD to meet strategic objectives.
• Provide programme visibility, reporting and governance in partnership with the PMO.
• Optimize portfolio performance through SKU management and rationalisation.
• Align innovation plans with IBP requirements and business goals.
• Drive adoption of digital tools to support delivery and data-driven decisions.
• Maintain product, technical and artwork data to support operations.
• Act as Business Process Manager for Product Information Management within D365.

Skills

Innovation management

Portfolio management

Stage‑Gate governance

Multitasking

Stakeholder management

Commercial awareness

Tools

PLM systems

D365

Job description

At Weetabix, we believe that diverse teams drive better ideas, stronger decisions, and a more inclusive workplace for everyone. We’re committed to building an organisation where people from all walks of life feel they belong—where different voices, experiences, and backgrounds are valued and respected.

Closing date: 28th July 2026
Interview process: Two Stage Interview Process
Working pattern: You’ll typically spend three days a week in the office, providing regular opportunities to collaborate, build strong team connections, and develop effective working relationships in person

We’re happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process—just let us know how we can support you.

Weetabix is on an exciting growth journey, and many of the opportunities we are recruiting for are newly created roles. These positions reflect our investment in people, capabilities and innovation as we continue to build for the future.

The Recipe (About the Role)

As Innovation Programme & Portfolio Manager, you will lead the delivery of our innovation pipeline, ensuring projects are effectively prioritised, governed and executed to support business growth. You will oversee portfolio planning, drive cross-functional collaboration, and use digital tools and data-driven insights to accelerate innovation, strengthen brand performance and deliver commercially successful outcomes.

• Lead innovation and renovation projects, ensuring effective planning, governance and delivery.
• Continuously improve stage gate processes to support clear decision-making and cross-functional collaboration.
• Prioritise resources across innovation and NPD activities to deliver strategic objectives.
• Partner with the PMO to provide programme visibility, reporting and governance compliance.
• Optimise portfolio performance through SKU management and rationalisation initiatives.
• Balance consumer, brand and operational priorities to support sustainable growth.
• Align innovation plans with Integrated Business Planning (IBP) requirements.
• Improve processes and ways of working to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
• Drive adoption of digital tools, including PLM systems, to support innovation delivery.
• Maintain accurate product, technical and artwork data to support business operations.
• Act as Business Process Manager for Product Information Management (PIM) within D365.
• Use data and insight to identify risks, resolve challenges and inform recommendations.
• Ensure initiatives are commercially, operationally and strategically aligned.
• Apply consumer and market insights to support innovation and portfolio decisions.
• Drive continuous improvement to accelerate delivery while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Champion digital tools, automation and collaborative ways of working.

The Ingredients (What we need from you)

Key Know How:

• Proven experience in innovation, project, or portfolio management within fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) or consumer goods.
• Knowledge of end-to-end innovation processes, including Stage‑Gate governance.
• Organised with the ability to manage multiple projects.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret portfolio and performance data.
• Effective stakeholder management with the ability to influence senior leadership.
• Commercial awareness, including understanding of product lifecycle economics.

Your Bowl of Perks (Benefits)

Competitive salary & Annual Flexible benefits

We offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, career, and life outside work.

• Annual bonus
• Double‑matched pension scheme (up to 12% from us)
• 25 days annual leave increasing with service
• Annual Salary review
• Healthcare plan
• Discounted Weetabix products

To support our employees, we also offer:

• Continued investment in your personal development
• We believe in balance, whether it's for family, rest or simply time for you. As well as your holiday entitlement, you can purchase up to 5 days of additional annual leave
• Access to 24/7 counselling service (via Grocery Aid partnership)
• The freedom of Flexible Work Opportunities
• Enhanced Maternity / Paternity / Adoption Leave
• Additional Time Off for Fertility Treatment and Neonatal Care
• Working Parents Support Group
• Fully stocked kitchens filled with our delicious products for you to enjoy

To learn more about life at Weetabix, visit our careers page: https://careers.weetabixfoodcompany.co.uk/

Please note: We benchmark roles based on your skills and experience, so we do not advertise fixed salary ranges.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship for this position; therefore, we are seeking candidates who do not require sponsorship.