Interim Innovation Manager (6-Month Contract)

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

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking an Interim Innovation Manager for a 6-month contract. This hybrid role, requiring 2-3 days in the London office, involves managing product innovation from insights to launch. Candidates should have over 8 years of experience in innovation or NPD within consumer goods. Responsibilities include developing the innovation funnel, overseeing consumer research, and providing leadership to cross-functional teams. Attractive hourly rate of £33.52 offered.

Benefits

Competitive hourly rate

Hybrid working

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Maintain and develop the innovation funnel aligned to brand and sales objectives.
• Commission and manage qualitative and quantitative consumer research.
• Partner with marketing and R&D to create compelling product concepts.
• Build and deliver robust business cases with margin considerations.
• Provide clear leadership across multifunction teams.

Skills

Innovation management

Consumer research

Cross-functional leadership

Product development

Commercial awareness

Strong communication

Project management

Job description

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.

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

Commercialisation

• 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 multifunction 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.