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- Tasks: Lead innovative projects from idea to launch in a dynamic FMCG environment.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company focused on innovation in the food sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid work, and generous leave.
- Why this job: Be part of a new team shaping the future of food innovation with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG innovation and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and authenticity in a supportive recruitment process.
The predicted salary is between 67000 - 84000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Innovation Manager
FMCG – Food
📍 Reading (hybrid)
c.£67,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits
The opportunity:
A high-profile position bringing to life an innovation pipeline across a portfolio of brands. The Innovation Manager will be a key member of a new team, as the business doubles down on Innovation.
What will my accountabilities be?
Lead and develop key innovation programmes and projects, from ideation to concept development through the stage gate process and up to launch. This position will have a major focus on front-end innovation, balancing brand and commercial considerations. The Senior Innovation Manager will lead functionally diverse stakeholders down a clear and connected path.
Help shape a 3-5 year Innovation funnel, identifying and evaluating NPD opportunities within new and existing categories
Who will I be working with?
- Reporting to the Head of Innovation as part of the wider Marketing function.
- Partner with Category, Brand, Manufacturing, Supply Chain and Technical teams
A great candidate will have:
· Experience of delivering innovation within an FMCG environment – preferably food
· Cross-functional, programme/project leadership, building powerful partnerships and effectively influencing multiple stakeholders
· Passionate about NPD, able to deal with ambiguity and overcome obstacles
In return for everything you can bring, we can offer you:
· £67,000 Salary
· £7,000 Car Allowance
· Bonus
· Hybrid Working (3 days a week in office)
· 25 days annual leave plus eight bank holidays, as well as a purchase scheme of up to an additional two days per year
· Pension
· Healthcare scheme
· Tailored development goals
The Process? 🚦
Apply today with your most up-to-date CV that will be reviewed by our MKJ Recruitment team.
First Stage: 60 minute meeting with the hiring manager
Second Stage: In person interview at their offices
🤝 People are at the heart of everything we do. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process that means people can be their best authentic self.
We would love to reply to all applications, regrettably we are unable to do so due to the high volumes we receive, so if you do not hear back within 14 days unfortunately on this role it won’t be progressing. It is possible that the position could be in the process of closing, so chalk it up to bad timing. But, have no fear! There will be more opportunities. Follow us at Mackenzie Jones Recruitment so you don’t miss them.
Senior Innovation Manager employer: Mackenzie Jones
Contact Detail:
Mackenzie Jones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Innovation Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to showcase your experience in delivering innovation within the FMCG sector, especially in food. Highlight specific projects where you led cross-functional teams and successfully brought new products to market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss how you've balanced brand and commercial considerations in past roles. Be ready with examples that demonstrate your ability to navigate ambiguity and overcome obstacles in the innovation process.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarize yourself with the company's portfolio of brands and think about potential NPD opportunities. This will help you engage in meaningful discussions during your interview and show your proactive approach to innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Since this role involves working with diverse stakeholders, practice articulating your ideas clearly and persuasively. Being able to influence and build partnerships will be key, so prepare examples of how you've done this in the past.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Innovation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in delivering innovation within the FMCG sector, particularly in food. Emphasize your cross-functional leadership skills and any successful projects you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for NPD and your ability to navigate ambiguity. Mention specific examples of how you've influenced stakeholders and driven innovation in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills related to project management, stakeholder engagement, and innovation strategy. Use keywords from the job description to align your experience with their needs.
Prepare for Interviews: Research the company and its brands thoroughly. Be ready to discuss your approach to leading innovation programs and how you would shape a 3-5 year innovation funnel. Prepare questions that demonstrate your interest in their vision and goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mackenzie Jones
✨Showcase Your Innovation Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of innovation projects you've led in the FMCG sector, particularly in food. Highlight your role in the ideation and concept development stages, as well as any successful launches.
✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working with diverse stakeholders, share experiences where you effectively collaborated with teams from different functions. Emphasize your ability to influence and build partnerships across departments.
✨Prepare for Ambiguity
The job description mentions dealing with ambiguity. Think of instances where you navigated uncertain situations or overcame obstacles in your previous roles. This will show your resilience and adaptability.
✨Align with Company Values
Research the company's commitment to diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment and how your values align with theirs.
