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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative projects from concept to launch in a dynamic FMCG environment.
- Company: Join Imperial Brands, a global leader in the FMCG industry with a culture of creativity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, and opportunities for growth and learning.
- Why this job: Shape the future of product innovation while collaborating with passionate colleagues worldwide.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex product development projects and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and supports your career journey.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
The Role
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.
Responsibilities
- 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.
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Innovation Project Manager employer: Imperial Brands
Contact Detail:
Imperial Brands Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Project Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current employees at Imperial Brands. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s latest innovations and projects. Show us you’re genuinely interested in what we do and how you can contribute to our mission of creating cutting-edge products.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Innovation Project Manager. Highlight your project management skills and how you’ve successfully led teams in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our innovative team.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Project Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Innovation Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing complex product development projects and how it aligns with our goals at Imperial Brands.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to emphasise your strategic planning and risk management skills. We want to see how you’ve successfully navigated challenges in past projects, so share specific examples that demonstrate your expertise.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value creativity and inclusion, so don’t hesitate to express what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our innovative culture.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it reaches the right team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Imperial Brands
✨Know Your Innovation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in product innovation, especially in the FMCG sector. Be ready to discuss how your past experiences align with the role of an Innovation Project Manager and how you can drive projects from concept to launch.
✨Master the Art of Collaboration
Since this role involves working with cross-functional teams, think about examples where you've successfully collaborated with diverse groups. Prepare to share how you’ve influenced stakeholders and navigated complex project journeys in your previous roles.
✨Be a Risk Management Pro
Understand the key risks associated with product development and be prepared to discuss how you've identified and managed these in the past. Highlight your experience with technical governance and how you ensure compliance and safety in your projects.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Planning Skills
Come equipped with examples of detailed project plans you've created and maintained. Be ready to talk about how you identify critical paths and manage resources effectively to deliver results that align with business strategy.
