Senior Innovation Manager - FMCG Food
Senior Innovation Manager - FMCG Food

Senior Innovation Manager - FMCG Food

Full-Time 60000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
P

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead innovation for Richmond, shaping the future of a beloved UK food brand.
  • Company: Join Pilgrim's Europe, a growth-focused business committed to collaboration and results.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Collaborate with talented teams across various functions to bring ideas to life.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovation in a fast-paced FMCG setting.
  • Qualifications: Experience in FMCG marketing and a knack for turning insights into successful innovations.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.

Shape the long-term future of an iconic UK brand! An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Innovation Manager to join the Marketing team at Pilgrim's Europe, taking long-term ownership of the Innovation agenda for one of the UK's most iconic food brands — Richmond.

Over the past five years, Richmond has undergone a significant transformation, expanding into new categories, evolving its positioning and strengthening brand equity. This role is fully office-based at our Head Office in Uxbridge, reflecting Pilgrim's Europe's way of working. We believe being together in person encourages collaboration, teamwork and the free flow of ideas — from bouncing thoughts around as concepts are formed to working cross-functionally to bring innovation to life.

As an Innovation Manager, you will be responsible for developing and delivering the Richmond innovation pipeline end-to-end — from early-stage proposition development through to launch — working in close partnership with cross-functional teams across the business.

  • Leading the development of compelling innovation and renovation propositions aligned with the Richmond brand strategy
  • Translating consumer, shopper and category insights into clear innovation platforms and product opportunities
  • Owning, building and prioritising the innovation pipeline to maximise long-term commercial value
  • Steering concepts through the Stage Gate process, ensuring strong alignment with brand, operational and financial objectives
  • Partnering with Insights, Category, R&D, Supply Chain and Commercial teams to bring innovation to market
  • Developing robust commercial business cases to support innovation investment decisions

You are a strategically minded yet delivery-focused marketer, confident working cross-functionally and comfortable driving innovation in a fast-paced FMCG environment.

  • Proven experience in FMCG marketing, innovation or brand management
  • A strong track record of converting consumer insight into successful innovation
  • Experience developing and managing innovation pipelines
  • Solid understanding of the Stage Gate innovation process
  • Strong commercial acumen, including business case development

Take long-term ownership of innovation for one of the UK's most recognisable food brands. Work collaboratively with talented teams across insights, category, R&D and commercial functions. Join a growth-focused business committed to innovation, collaboration and results.

If you're passionate about building brands, unlocking consumer insight and delivering innovation that drives sustainable growth, we'd love to hear from you. Apply now and help shape the future of Richmond at Pilgrim's Europe.

Senior Innovation Manager - FMCG Food employer: Pilgrims Europe

At Pilgrim's Europe, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Located in Uxbridge, our fully office-based environment encourages teamwork and the free flow of ideas, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the FMCG sector. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of one of the UK's most iconic food brands, where your contributions will directly impact our success and sustainability.
P

Contact Detail:

Pilgrims Europe Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Innovation Manager - FMCG Food

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its products inside out. We want you to be able to discuss Richmond's innovation pipeline and how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their brand!

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! You need to be able to clearly articulate your ideas and how you can contribute to the team. We suggest rehearsing with friends or family to get comfortable with your delivery and ensure you come across as confident and knowledgeable.

✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s shape the future of Richmond together!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Innovation Manager - FMCG Food

Innovation Management
FMCG Marketing
Brand Management
Consumer Insight Analysis
Innovation Pipeline Development
Stage Gate Process
Commercial Acumen
Business Case Development
Cross-Functional Collaboration
Strategic Thinking
Project Management
Fast-Paced Environment Adaptability
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Senior Innovation Manager role. Highlight your FMCG marketing experience and any successful innovation projects you've led. We want to see how you can shape the future of Richmond!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about innovation in the food sector and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this role. Be sure to mention your understanding of the Stage Gate process and how you've used consumer insights in the past.

Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation and deliver results. Use metrics where possible to quantify your impact. We love numbers that tell a story!

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 the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to be part of our team at Pilgrim's Europe!

How to prepare for a job interview at Pilgrims Europe

✨Know Your Brand Inside Out

Before the interview, dive deep into Richmond's history, values, and recent innovations. Understand their brand strategy and how they’ve evolved in the FMCG space. This will not only show your enthusiasm but also help you align your ideas with their vision.

✨Showcase Your Innovation Experience

Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully developed and managed innovation pipelines in your previous roles. Be ready to discuss the Stage Gate process and how you've navigated it to bring products to market. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and strategic mindset.

✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration

Since this role involves working closely with various teams, share instances where you've effectively collaborated with insights, R&D, or commercial teams. Emphasise your ability to drive innovation through teamwork and how you’ve turned consumer insights into actionable strategies.

✨Prepare for Commercial Discussions

Brush up on your commercial acumen by preparing to discuss how you’ve developed robust business cases for innovation investments. Be ready to explain how you prioritised projects based on long-term commercial value, as this is crucial for the role.

Senior Innovation Manager - FMCG Food
Pilgrims Europe

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

>