Senior Innovation Manager

JR United Kingdom; Slough; Hybrid; GBP 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the FMCG sector seeks an Innovation Manager to lead an innovation pipeline across multiple brands. This high-profile role requires strong cross-functional leadership and a passion for new product development, with a focus on both brand and commercial considerations. The position offers hybrid working and a competitive salary of around £67,000, along with additional benefits such as healthcare and tailored development goals.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays

Healthcare scheme

Tailored development goals

Qualifications

• Experience in delivering innovation within an FMCG environment, preferably food.
• Strong cross-functional leadership and partnership-building skills.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and overcoming obstacles.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop innovation programmes from ideation to launch.
• Shape a 3-5 year Innovation funnel, identifying NPD opportunities.

Skills

Cross-functional leadership

Stakeholder influence

NPD passion

Job description

Salary: c.£67,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits

The opportunity:

A high-profile position leading an innovation pipeline across a portfolio of brands. The Innovation Manager will be a key member of a new team, as the business emphasizes Innovation.

Accountabilities:

• Lead and develop innovation programmes and projects from ideation to launch, focusing on front-end innovation with a balance of brand and commercial considerations.
• Shape a 3-5 year Innovation funnel, identifying and evaluating NPD opportunities within new and existing categories.

Team collaboration:

• Reporting to the Head of Innovation within the Marketing function.
• Partner with Category, Brand, Manufacturing, Supply Chain, and Technical teams.

Ideal candidate:

• Experience in delivering innovation within an FMCG environment, preferably food.
• Strong cross-functional leadership, partnership-building, and stakeholder influence skills.
• Passionate about NPD, comfortable with ambiguity and overcoming obstacles.

We offer:

• Hybrid working (3 days in office)
• 25 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays, with an option to purchase up to 2 additional days
• Healthcare scheme
• Tailored development goals

The process:

1. Apply with your updated CV for review by our MKJ Recruitment team.
2. First stage: 60-minute interview with the hiring manager.
3. Second stage: In-person interview at their offices.

We value diversity and are committed to an inclusive recruitment process. Due to high application volumes, we may not respond to all applicants within 14 days. If you do not hear back, it may be due to timing or position closing. Follow Mackenzie Jones Recruitment for future opportunities.