At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global innovation strategy and drive impactful product launches.
- Company: Globally recognised FMCG organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: High visibility role, significant influence, and collaborative culture.
- Other info: Join a culture that champions creativity and transformation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of products and brands in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior innovation roles and strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 150000 £ per year.
A globally recognised FMCG organisation is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Director of Innovation to lead its global innovation agenda across product, category, and consumer growth platforms. This is a senior leadership role operating at the intersection of innovation strategy, brand development, and commercial execution. You will work closely with executive leadership teams across marketing, R&D, insights, and supply chain to deliver a pipeline of high-impact, market-leading innovations across international markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead the global innovation strategy aligned to long-term commercial and category growth objectives
- Own the end-to-end innovation pipeline from ideation through to commercial launch across multiple FMCG categories
- Identify and prioritise emerging consumer trends, whitespace opportunities, and disruptive technologies across global markets
- Lead cross-functional collaboration across marketing, R&D, supply chain, insights, and commercial teams
- Develop new product platforms, packaging innovation, and sustainability-led initiatives
- Build and manage external partnerships including agencies, start-ups, suppliers, and innovation networks
- Track innovation performance, ROI, and post-launch success to optimise portfolio investment
- Champion a culture of innovation and experimentation across global teams
- Lead and develop a high-performing innovation team across multiple regions
Person Specification
- Proven experience in a senior innovation leadership role within FMCG or consumer goods
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering successful innovation at scale
- Experience operating in complex, matrixed, global organisations
- Strong stakeholder management skills with experience influencing at executive level
- Deep understanding of category strategy, consumer insight, and product development
- Ability to balance creativity with commercial discipline and financial accountability
- Experience leading cross-functional and/or regional teams
- Degree educated in Business, Marketing, Food Science, Innovation or related discipline; MBA desirable
What's on Offer
- Senior leadership role with ownership of a major FMCG innovation portfolio
- High visibility position working directly with executive leadership teams
- Significant influence over category growth, product strategy, and brand direction
- Collaborative, innovation-led culture focused on transformation and growth
Or click 'Apply Now' to be considered for this vacancy.
Director of Innovation in London employer: Advocate Group
Join a globally recognised FMCG organisation as the Director of Innovation, where you will lead a dynamic team in a collaborative and innovation-driven culture. With a focus on transformation and growth, this senior leadership role offers significant influence over product strategy and category growth, alongside opportunities for professional development in a hybrid working environment in the vibrant London area. Experience the benefits of working in a high-visibility position that champions creativity and commercial success across international markets.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Innovation in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Director of Innovation role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company’s recent innovations and market trends. We want you to show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but that you’re genuinely excited about their vision and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll need to articulate your vision for innovation clearly and confidently. We suggest rehearsing with friends or mentors to get feedback and refine your approach before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We believe it shows your enthusiasm and professionalism, which is key for a leadership role like this.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Innovation in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in innovation leadership within FMCG. We want to see how your skills align with our global innovation strategy!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of successful innovations you've led. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your commercial acumen and impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value creativity and a culture of innovation, so don’t hesitate to express your unique approach to problem-solving and collaboration.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Advocate Group
✨Know Your Innovation Strategy
Before the interview, dive deep into the company's current innovation strategy. Understand their recent product launches and how they align with market trends. This will help you articulate how your vision can enhance their existing agenda.
✨Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams in the past. Highlight specific projects where you collaborated with marketing, R&D, and supply chain to drive innovation. This will demonstrate your ability to work effectively across departments.
✨Understand Consumer Insights
Familiarise yourself with emerging consumer trends relevant to the FMCG sector. Be ready to discuss how these insights can inform product development and category growth. Showing that you can identify whitespace opportunities will set you apart.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your track record of delivering successful innovations at scale. Use metrics and examples to illustrate how your initiatives have positively impacted ROI and portfolio performance. This will showcase your ability to balance creativity with financial accountability.
