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- Tasks: Lead innovation strategy and manage product development in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking FMCG business focused on creativity and market trends.
- Benefits: Enjoy a vibrant work culture with opportunities for growth and creativity.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact by driving innovative solutions in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in innovation leadership within FMCG; strong analytical and leadership skills required.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about culinary innovation and market trends.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Director of Innovation/Culinary to lead our innovation strategy within the commercial division. This is a critical leadership role, combining the role of Group Head of NPD & Innovation and the Head of Development in Wrexham.
The successful candidate will be responsible for driving innovation, developing new product initiatives, and ensuring alignment with UK retail and consumer trends and bringing together the insights from the Oscar Mayer Gastro Hub.
Key Responsibilities- Develop and execute the company’s innovation strategy, ensuring alignment with the output of the Oscar Mayer Gastro Hub.
- Lead and manage a cross-functional team to deliver innovative product solutions.
- Ensure that the NPD and Culinary team integrate in the cross functional matrix structure of our account responsibility.
- Work closely with UK retailers, understanding their requirements and identifying market opportunities.
- Drive own-brand product development.
- Lead branded execution.
- Utilise strong numerical and analytical skills to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, ensuring commercial viability of new product developments.
- Present and communicate innovation strategies effectively to senior stakeholders and external partners.
- Oversee project management, ensuring deadlines are met and projects are delivered to the highest standard.
- Foster a culture of creativity, motivation, and strategic thinking within the team.
- Minimum 7 years experience in an Innovation leadership role within the FMCG sector.
- Extensive knowledge of the UK retail landscape, with a proven track record in delivering successful product innovations.
- Strong experience in own-brand development; branded product experience is essential.
- Highly commercial mindset with excellent analytical skills.
- Outstanding presentation, communication, and influencing abilities.
- Strong leadership and motivational skills, with a confident and persuasive approach.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
- Strong planning, organisation, and project management capabilities.
- A proactive, committed, and adaptable approach to work.
This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced innovation leader to make a significant impact within a forward-thinking FMCG business. If you have the experience, passion, and drive to lead our innovation agenda, we’d love to hear from you.
Director of Innovation/Culinary employer: Oscar Mayer Group UK
Contact Detail:
Oscar Mayer Group UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Innovation/Culinary
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the FMCG sector, especially those who have experience in innovation roles. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in product development.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the Oscar Mayer Gastro Hub and understand its recent initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their projects will help you demonstrate your alignment with their innovation strategy during discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your leadership style and how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in the past. Think of specific examples where your approach led to successful product innovations.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the current UK retail landscape and identify key players. Understanding their needs and market opportunities will allow you to speak confidently about how you can drive own-brand product development.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Innovation/Culinary
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in innovation leadership, particularly within the FMCG sector. Emphasise your achievements in product development and your understanding of the UK retail landscape.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for innovation and how your background aligns with the company's goals. Mention specific examples of successful product innovations you've led and how they relate to the role.
Showcase Analytical Skills: Since strong numerical and analytical skills are essential for this role, consider including a section in your application that demonstrates your ability to evaluate performance and identify areas for improvement through data.
Prepare for Interviews: If you get invited for an interview, be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you foster creativity within teams. Prepare to present your past experiences in a way that showcases your strategic thinking and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oscar Mayer Group UK
✨Showcase Your Innovation Experience
Be prepared to discuss specific examples of your past innovation projects. Highlight how you led teams, developed new products, and aligned strategies with market trends, particularly in the FMCG sector.
✨Understand the Retail Landscape
Research the UK retail environment thoroughly. Be ready to talk about current trends, challenges, and opportunities that retailers face, and how your experience can help address these.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to share your leadership style and how you've motivated cross-functional teams in the past. Use examples that illustrate your ability to foster creativity and strategic thinking within a team.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice presenting your ideas clearly and confidently. Since you'll be communicating with senior stakeholders, ensure you can articulate your innovation strategies and their commercial viability succinctly.
