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- Tasks: Lead innovative product development and enhance processes in a dynamic FMCG environment.
- Company: Join a successful consumer goods manufacturer focused on innovation and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, profit share, private healthcare, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Mentor a creative team and drive strategic initiatives in a collaborative culture.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of industry advancements and make a real impact on product innovation.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in senior leadership with a background in Food Technology or Science.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 115000 £ per year.
A highly successful business within the consumer goods manufacturing sector (FMCG) is currently looking to appoint their next Head of Innovation. The purpose of the Head of Innovation role is to drive the strategic execution of new product and process initiatives. This role involves leading the development and implementation of new solutions that enhance product quality and respond to evolving market and customer demands to ensure the catalogue of products remains relevant.
The Head of Innovation reports directly to the Managing Director but will collaborate closely with cross‑functional teams to identify opportunities for growth, leverage company resources and harness emerging technologies to ensure the company remains at the forefront of industry advancements. This role suits a technically credible innovation leader who combines deep scientific understanding with commercial pragmatism, enjoys operating in ambiguity, and is motivated by turning ideas into scalable, profitable outcomes.
On Offer
- £95,000 - £115,000 base salary
- Profit share bonus scheme
- Private healthcare
- Enhanced pension
- Hybrid working
Role Responsibilities Include
- This role is a key driver to deliver new products that empower innovation through big ideas.
- Collaborate with the Leadership Team to ensure innovation resources and activities are aligned with the business' strategic objectives.
- The Head of Innovation has responsibility for delivering the innovation plan, prioritising end‑to‑end activity and managing project stage‑gate decisions.
- Mentor and lead innovation staff, supporting direct reports in meeting goals, role requirements, and competencies as per the company's performance framework.
- Leveraging experience and promoting creativity to support customer projects, pursuing the mission to deliver new ideas that empower innovation.
- Apply global market insight and regulatory awareness to prioritise innovation opportunities, support international customers, and anticipate emerging trends in food and beverage manufacturing.
Key Qualifications / Experience Required
- Food Technology / Science, Brewing, Distilling related qualifications.
- More than 10 years’ senior leadership experience in production, innovation / analytical role.
- Advanced palette or sensory training.
If you would like to learn more about this fantastic opportunity, please apply directly with your most recent up to date CV, or call Richard at Alexander Steele Recruitment.
Head of Innovation in Edinburgh employer: Alexander Steele Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Alexander Steele Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Innovation in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts and attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Head of Innovation role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your past innovations and how they’ve driven success. We want to see how you turn ideas into profitable outcomes!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the interview! Research the company’s current products and market position. We need to demonstrate that you understand their challenges and can lead them to new heights in innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to driving innovation in the FMCG sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Innovation in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Head of Innovation role. Highlight your experience in driving product innovation and any relevant qualifications in Food Technology or Science. We want to see how your background aligns with our mission!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring and leading teams, don’t forget to include examples of how you've successfully led innovation projects or teams in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and drive creativity!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to describe your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities of the Head of Innovation. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it reaches the right people. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Alexander Steele Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in food technology and innovation. Familiarise yourself with the company's product catalogue and recent innovations they've launched. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute from day one.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in innovation projects. Highlight your ability to mentor and inspire others, as this role requires strong leadership to drive new initiatives and manage cross-functional teams.
✨Be Ready for Ambiguity
Since the role involves operating in ambiguity, think of scenarios where you've navigated uncertain situations. Discuss how you approached these challenges and turned them into successful outcomes, demonstrating your adaptability and problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the company's innovation strategy and future goals. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the company aligns with your vision for innovation and growth.