Innovation and Insights Manager

Asahi Beverages Group; New Zealand; On-site; NZD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Asahi Beverages New Zealand is seeking a Lead, Consumer Insights and Innovation to shape brands and growth. You’ll oversee research, translate insights into practical recommendations, and drive early development and business case approvals.

You’ll partner with cross-functional teams to turn consumer and market data into actionable strategies, ensuring a strong portfolio and sustainable pipeline for future growth across NZ markets.

Qualifications

• 5 years’ experience in insights, innovation, marketing or research.
• FMCG and New Product Development (NPD) experience.
• Experience leading consumer research with agencies.
• Strong project management across multiple priorities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and presentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and lead consumer research with agency partners.
• Lead selected innovation projects from concept to business case.
• Support broader innovation strategy and pipeline.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams and timelines.

Skills

Insights

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Analytical thinking

Tools

Power BI

Excel

Job description

Lead consumer insights and innovation projects that shape brands, portfolios and future growth.

Join Asahi Beverages New Zealand in this newly created role, reporting to the Senior Innovation & Insights Manager.

You’ll help to support innovation strategy and long-term pipeline by spotting consumer-led growth opportunities, leading research and helping new-to-world ideas move from concept through early development and business case approval.

Working with teams across the business, you’ll turn consumer and market insights into practical recommendations and keep projects moving with clear plans, timelines and stakeholder alignment. Your work will support stronger portfolio, brand and innovation decisions, while building a sustainable pipeline for future growth .

Key responsibilities

In this role, you’ll use consumer insights and practical project management to help turn promising ideas into new products and opportunities. You will :

Plan and lead consumer research with agency partners , turning the findings into actionable recommendations.

Lead selected innovation projects from concept through early development and business case approval.

S upport broader innovation strategy and pipeline priorities.

Coordinate cross-functional teams, project timelines and stage-gate materials.

About You

You are an insight-le d operator who can balance creative thinking with disciplined project delivery. You build strong partnerships, communicate clearly and take initiative while working effectively with direction. We are looking for:

F ive years’ experience in insights, innovation, marketing or research.

FMCG and N ew P roduct D evelopment (NPD) experience, with a record of translating insight into action.

Experience leading consumer research and working with agencies or research partners.

Strong p roject management skills across multiple priorities and timelines.

Confident stakeholder engagement, presentation and analytical problem-solving skills.

At Asahi Beverages, we're passionate about crafting more than just drinks - we craft moments of connection, celebration, and shared enjoyment. We bring together a diverse portfolio of iconic beverage brands, a commitment to quality, and a drive to constantly innovate. Headquartered in Melbourne and with facilities right across Australia and New Zealand, you’ll find Asahi is a place where talent is nurtured, and ambition is rewarded.

If you’re ready to toast your future, we’re ready to meet you!

• Advertised: 09 October 2026 AEST