Innovation Project Manager

Imperial Brands is on the lookout for a dynamic and detail-oriented Innovation Project Manager to join our forward-thinking Innovation team. This is a newly created role at the heart of our global R&D function, offering the chance to lead cutting‑edge innovation projects in the fast‑evolving Next Generation Products (NGP) category. As Innovation Project Manager, you’ll drive the end‑to‑end technical delivery of multiple product initiatives—from concept through to launch. You’ll collaborate with cross‑functional experts across R&D, technical, and brand teams to ensure projects meet strategic goals while upholding the highest standards in safety, quality, and compliance. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of product innovation within a global FMCG business, supported by 25,000 passionate colleagues and a culture that values creativity, agility, and inclusion.

Principle Accountabilities

• Lead Innovation from Concept to Launch — Take ownership of multi‑disciplinary R&D projects, turning bold ideas into commercially viable products while ensuring technical precision, safety, and compliance.
• Drive Technical Integration Across Teams — Bring together diverse technical inputs — from formulation and scientific data to manufacturing feasibility and IP — into cohesive project deliverables that support decision‑making and progress tracking.
• Plan and Navigate Complex Project Journeys — Develop and manage detailed technical project plans, identifying critical paths, dependencies, and resource needs. Collaborate closely with project leads to ensure smooth execution and timely escalation of risks.
• Champion Risk Management and Technical Excellence — Proactively identify and manage technical risks across quality, safety, and regulatory dimensions. Lead risk assessments and ensure issues are addressed and escalated appropriately.
• Own Technical Governance and Documentation — Ensure all technical documentation is complete and up to date, including dossiers, assessments, budgets, and milestone tracking — supporting robust governance and transparency.
• Track Innovation Performance and Share Learnings — Monitor the innovation pipeline, assess progress against strategic goals, and capture key learnings to continuously improve future R&D initiatives.

Skills and Experience Required

• Innovation‑Focused Project Leadership — Proven experience managing complex product development or innovation projects within an FMCG environment, using structured project management tools and methodologies.
• Strategic Planning & Execution — Skilled in creating and maintaining detailed project plans, identifying critical paths, managing resources, and delivering results aligned with business strategy.
• Risk & Issue Management Expertise — Confident in identifying, assessing, and escalating technical and regulatory risks, ensuring innovation projects stay on track and compliant.
• Collaborative & Influential Communication — A natural relationship builder who thrives in cross‑functional environments, with a track record of influencing stakeholders and driving alignment across diverse teams.
• Portfolio & Performance Oversight — Experienced in monitoring innovation pipelines, tracking progress against strategic goals, and using insights to recommend improvements and inform future development.
• Commercial & Technical Acumen — Strong understanding of product development lifecycles, budget management, and the ability to integrate technical inputs into commercially viable solutions.

What We Offer

In return for playing your part in building our future, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package with salary, bonus scheme and further benefits as well inspiring places to work and collaborate with purpose. Here at Imperial we will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, innovate at pace and be a part of our purpose to forge a path to a healthier future for moments of relaxation and pleasure for our consumers.

Everyone Belongs

Everyone belongs in Imperial. We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence. We give fair and equal consideration to all our applicants. Please contact us at recruitment@impbrands.com to let us know if we can provide support in helping you complete an application and/or attend an interview.

About Us

We\’re a truly international company, fourth largest in our industry and operating across 120 markets. An inclusive, innovative global FMCG business supported by 25,000 employees. As we embrace a new era of growth, we are transforming. Our ways of working and culture are driven by a challenger mindset, constantly questioning the status quo where people can bring their best selves to work. Our agility and collaboration are driving our ambitions, innovation and success all supported by our award‑winning development programmes that creates exciting and rewarding career opportunities for all. Encouraging inclusion at local levels and supporting a developing and robust diversity agenda globally, we’re fully committed to creating and maintaining an environment that celebrates and respects difference.

As a matter of policy, Imperial Tobacco or its subsidiaries never requests or requires payment as part of any recruitment process.