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- Tasks: Lead innovative pet product development from concept to launch, driving creativity and market success.
- Company: Join a leading pet food manufacturer with over 135 years of expertise.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Ideal for strategic thinkers who are passionate about pets and thrive in fast-paced settings.
- Why this job: Shape the future of beloved pet brands while working on exciting innovation projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Marketing and 4+ years in innovation roles required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 ÂŁ per year.
Are you a hands-on innovation expert with a passion for pets? Ready to shape the future of some of the UK’s most loved pet brands? This is an exciting opportunity to join a leading pet food and accessories manufacturer with over 135 years of expertise and an ambitious growth agenda.
We’re looking for a commercially minded, creative Innovation Manager to lead New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) projects from concept through to launch - driving innovation across a diverse and growing portfolio.
About the Role
Reporting to the Innovation Controller, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering the innovation pipeline across multiple brands and categories. You’ll take ownership of projects end-to-end, bringing ideas to life, working cross-functionally, and ensuring successful launches that meet both consumer needs and commercial goals.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Lead NPD & EPD projects from concept to launch across product and packaging
- Develop and deliver innovation through a stage & gate process
- Identify new opportunities using consumer, shopper, and market insights
- Create and manage critical paths, ensuring projects land on time
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Brand, R&D, Commercial, Procurement, and Operations
- Develop compelling product propositions with clear target audiences
- Manage supplier relationships and support production trials
- Build and present sell-in decks to internal stakeholders and major retailers
- Monitor market trends and competitor activity to drive continuous innovation
- Contribute to “big bet” innovation projects and launch strategies
What We’re Looking For
You’re a strategic thinker who loves getting stuck in. You’re just as comfortable analysing data as you are presenting big ideas.
Essential experience:
- Degree in Marketing or similar
- 4+ years in innovation / NPD roles within FMCG or a brand-led business
- Proven track record of delivering product launches from concept to market
- Strong experience with stage & gate processes and critical path management
- Commercial acumen, including costings, pricing, and profitability
- Experience working with retailers (especially grocery)
- Strong stakeholder management across internal teams and external partners
You’ll also be:
- Highly organised and able to manage multiple complex projects
- Creative, proactive, and solutions-focused
- Confident presenting to senior stakeholders and retailers
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-growth environment
- A genuine pet lover
Innovation Manager - Food employer: Parking Eye
Contact Detail:
Parking Eye Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Manager - Food
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with pet lovers who work in innovation. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! When you get the chance to present your ideas, make sure to bring your A-game. Use visuals, tell a story, and highlight how your innovative thinking can drive success in the pet food market.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on market trends! Keep an eye on what’s happening in the pet industry and be ready to discuss how you can leverage those insights for new product development. This shows you're proactive and passionate about the field.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining us. Make sure your application reflects your passion for pets and innovation, and don’t hesitate to follow up if you haven’t heard back!
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Manager - Food
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Pets: Make sure to highlight your love for pets in your application. We want to see that you’re not just an innovation expert, but also someone who genuinely cares about the industry and the products we create.
Tailor Your Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your NPD and EPD projects. We’re looking for specific examples of how you’ve taken products from concept to launch, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Data-Driven: Since we value strategic thinking, include any relevant data analysis or market insights you've used in past roles. Show us how you’ve leveraged this information to drive innovation and make informed decisions.
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 with our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Parking Eye
✨Know Your Products Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you’re familiar with the company’s product range and recent innovations. This will not only show your passion for pets but also demonstrate your commitment to understanding their brand and market position.
✨Prepare Your Success Stories
Think of specific examples from your past roles where you successfully led NPD or EPD projects. Be ready to discuss the challenges you faced, how you overcame them, and the results you achieved. This will highlight your hands-on experience and strategic thinking.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working cross-functionally, prepare to discuss how you’ve effectively collaborated with teams like R&D, Marketing, and Operations in previous positions. Highlight any successful projects that required strong stakeholder management.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Research current trends in the pet food industry and be prepared to discuss how these insights could influence future product development. Showing that you’re proactive about market analysis will impress your interviewers and align with their innovation goals.