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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: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and mentor innovation staff for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation and shaping the future of products.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in senior leadership with expertise 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 on 0131 370 9191.
Head of Innovation 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
✨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. This is your chance to impress and demonstrate your ability to turn ideas into profitable outcomes.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready for the interview! Research the company’s current products and market position. We want you to come in with fresh ideas that align with their strategic objectives, showing you’re the perfect fit for leading their innovation efforts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who are passionate about driving innovation in the FMCG sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Innovation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored 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 the job description!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves mentoring and leading innovation staff, don’t forget to showcase your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams and driven projects in the past. We love seeing those big ideas come to life!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. 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. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on the chance to join our innovative team!
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 recent advancements in the FMCG sector, especially those related to product quality and customer demands. This will show that you're not just a leader but also someone who stays ahead of the curve.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you mentored staff or drove innovation projects. Be ready to discuss your approach to collaboration and how you align team efforts with strategic objectives.
✨Be Ready for Ambiguity
Since this role involves operating in ambiguity, think of scenarios where you've thrived in uncertain situations. Share how you turned vague ideas into successful outcomes, demonstrating your ability to navigate challenges and leverage creativity.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the company's goals and challenges. Inquire about their current innovation strategies and how they foresee the role evolving. This shows your genuine interest and helps you gauge if the company aligns with your vision.