Innovation Manager - 12mth Maternity Cover

A super opportunity here for a proven innovation manager within the food industry to join a business that continues to see growth and profitability as the category leader. Due to some lovely news of a new addition on the way, the business is now seeking an Interim to join and complete a 12mth maternity cover contract. The way the portfolio is managed is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge within a fast-paced category, ultimately contributing to the growth and sustainability of the business.

Interim Innovation Manager
12mth Maternity Cover
Day rate / PAYE options
Berks/Bucks region – 2 days p/wk

The role:
You will assist with the creation of a 3yr strategy plan for the UK & International markets whilst using tools such as consumer insight, range performance and what the current innovation pipeline looks like. The role requires you to inject creativity into the innovation pipeline across NPD & EPD whilst managing discontinuations and presenting recommendations and insight with key stakeholders.

You:

• Significant NPD and project management experience within the branded food industry.
• Experience of food product and process development in a research, manufacturing or retail environment.
• A good understanding of the commercial dimensions of NPD in order to operate effectively and with understanding across the business interfaces whilst managing the delivery of the NPD projects.
• Ability to influence and persuade across commercial and marketing business units.
• Experience of using data and insights to form product development concept.
• Experience with packaging design from start to finish.
• Strong technical understanding with proven relationship skills with other teams.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills achieving results through others.
• Sound decision making and problem-solving skills.

Interviews for this are to be held in early-mid April with a view to starting the 12mth FTC in May.