At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovation projects from concept to implementation, collaborating with cross-functional teams.
- Company: A FTSE100 market leader in the retail industry based in Greater Manchester.
- Benefits: Offers hybrid working and an excellent benefits package with outstanding career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Candidates must demonstrate understanding of sustainability legislation and data analysis skills.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team focused on innovative and sustainable product solutions.
- Qualifications: Requires 5+ years in a commercial role, preferably in procurement or sales, with strong negotiation skills.
Location: Greater Manchester - Hybrid Working
Excellent salary plus market leading benefits.
Due to continued growth, our client, a FTSE100 market leading supplier to the retail industry, now has several excellent opportunities within their Procurement team. This business offers:
- Hybrid working
- Excellent benefits package
- Collaborative and supportive culture
- Outstanding career progression opportunities
Job Purpose
The role of Innovation Manager will support and narrate innovation projects, working with cross functional teams from concept to implementation. Close collaboration with Customer Experience, Sustainability, Digital Experience, Technology, and Operational Teams are all central to this customer facing role, responsible for showcasing innovation across multiple facets of our business.
The Innovation Manager must demonstrate understanding of evolving sustainability legislation and the application of this to the sourcing and supply chain strategy, introducing innovative and sustainable product solutions or processes to meet customers’ requirements. Sustainability data should be reviewed and applied in collaboration with our wider Sustainability Team to evidence progress made in line with the company and customer targets.
Strong collaboration with internal and external subject matter experts is fundamental to ensure that colleagues and customers receive regular updates, building and utilising the Think Innovation brand. Factual accuracy is key to maintain our position as subject matter experts.
The Innovation Manager will be responsible for the development and execution of a robust, commercially beneficial Brand strategy, working closely with the Head of Strategic Sourcing to ensure viable utilisation of existing EBs across the group.
Candidates should understand processes and costs involved with manufacturing, raw materials, logistics, currency fluctuations, warehousing, and distribution to aid technical discussion with stakeholders.
Key Accountabilities:
- Collaborate with Digital Experience and Technology, Operational, Sustainability, and Customer Experience teams to maintain pipeline for customers.
- Own the Innovation Roadmap from concept ideation through to assessing the viability of opportunities and implementation of projects both for customers and internal initiatives.
- Research and score concepts to determine their viability in the short, medium, and long term for the business.
- Develop supplier relationships in collaboration with the Procurement Team to foster NPD both with incumbent and new suppliers.
- Help to drive improvements in commercial value through creative thinking and ambitious initiatives.
- Help to drive customer cost savings via alternative materials, product innovation, or process improvement projects.
- Complete market reviews to provide an overview of immediate and future innovation opportunities that deliver benefits for customers or internal processes.
- Collaborate with Category Managers and Buyers to develop and deploy innovation strategies based on category portfolios, taking into consideration legislative impact.
- Maintain Innovation brand identity internally and externally.
- Support the delivery of NPD/innovations in customer meetings.
- Support the delivery of customer workshops where innovation can present opportunities for their product ranges or processes.
- Review large sustainability data sets to ensure products sourced meet legislation and identify opportunities for material re-engineering, product development, sustainable alternatives, or innovation.
Experience Qualifications required:
- Self-Starter, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative, and fast-paced work environment.
- Adaptable and able to manage a portfolio of projects.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Diligent and accurate with a strong attention to detail.
- Strong Written and Verbal Communication.
- IT literate, with data analysis skills.
- Highly analytical and able to present projects in an effective manner.
- A resilient and motivated individual is required for this role in order to effectively manage relationships.
- Min 5+ years’ experience in a commercial role (preferably procurement or sales).
- Strong interest in sustainability and a desire to learn about the subject as requirements evolve.
- Commercially astute with strong negotiation skills.
- Proven track record of delivering service in a fast-paced environment.
Apply online or for further information please contact one of our specialist consultants quoting reference number: NJR16787.
Innovation Manager employer: NJR Recruitment
This FTSE100 company in Greater Manchester provides a collaborative culture and a market-leading benefits package. The team focuses on innovation and sustainability, ensuring employees can thrive in a fast-paced environment while contributing to significant projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Manager
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Innovation Manager at NJR Recruitment!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like NJR Recruitment or be willing to refer you for that Innovation Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from NJR Recruitment who’s on the lookout for their next Innovation Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Innovation Manager role at NJR Recruitment!
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at NJR Recruitment. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at NJR Recruitment
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at NJR Recruitment. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
