At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovation for a top UK food brand, from concept to launch.
- Company: Join Pilgrim’s Europe, a growth-focused and innovative FMCG leader.
- Benefits: Collaborative work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team that values creativity and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape products enjoyed by millions and drive sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in FMCG marketing and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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 journey has delivered +43% growth and recruited more than 500,000 new consumers. 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, team‑work and the free flow of ideas — from bouncing thoughts around as concepts are formed to working cross‑functionally to bring innovation to life.
The Role
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.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- 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
- Managing agencies and internal stakeholders to ensure launches are executed effectively and on time
About You
You are a strategically minded yet delivery‑focused marketer, confident working cross‑functionally and comfortable driving innovation in a fast‑paced FMCG environment.
You’ll Bring:
- 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
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- A proactive, ownership‑led mindset with the ability to deliver at pace
Why Join Pilgrim’s Europe?
- Take long‑term ownership of innovation for one of the UK’s most recognisable food brands
- Shape products and platforms enjoyed by millions of consumers
- 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.
Innovation Manager, Innovation Manager in Uxbridge employer: Pilgrims Europe
Contact Detail:
Pilgrims Europe Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Innovation Manager, Innovation Manager in Uxbridge
✨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. Understand Richmond's brand strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their innovation goals. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your achievements and how they relate to the role of Innovation Manager. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We believe this small gesture can keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Innovation Manager, Innovation Manager in Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Innovation Manager role. Highlight your FMCG marketing experience and any successful innovation projects you've led. We want to see how you can bring value to 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 and how your background fits with our brand strategy. Be sure to mention specific examples of how you've turned consumer insights into successful products.
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills: In this role, you'll be working with various teams, so it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to manage relationships effectively. Share examples of how you've collaborated cross-functionally in the past and the impact it had on your projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
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 transformation over the past five years and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their brand strategy.
✨Showcase Your Innovation Skills
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully developed and launched innovative products in the FMCG sector. Highlight your understanding of the Stage Gate process and how you've navigated it in previous roles.
✨Understand Cross-Functional Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to discuss your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Share examples of how you've partnered with insights, R&D, or commercial teams to bring ideas to life.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about managing stakeholders and influencing decisions. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated with different teams or external agencies to ensure successful project execution.