Are you a visionary leader with global experience in savoury product innovation? Are you ready to shape the future by leading a brand-new team in a market-leading blue-chip manufacturer?

This is a unique opportunity to take on the role of Head of Innovation, where you’ll have the chance to spearhead blue-sky projects and develop groundbreaking ideas that redefine the category.

In this role, you’ll not only lead the innovation department but also have the scope to build and grow a talented team around you. If you thrive in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment and are passionate about pushing boundaries in savoury product development, this could be the perfect role for you. Apply now to be at the forefront of innovation in a globally respected organisation!

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You will be responsible for, but not limited to:

Functional Excellence:

• Develop a strong innovation pipeline for your portfolio using consumer, customer, and competitor insights in collaboration with marketing partners.
• Drive successful delivery of global breakthrough projects within assigned categories.
• Define and implement a technology roadmap aligned with long-term business and consumer needs.
• Deliver at least one breakthrough project annually within your category.
• Lead a team of scientists and engineers, ensuring effective resource management and team development.

Partnership Excellence:

• Co-develop development briefs with relevant teams to clearly outline business and consumer needs.
• Collaborate with procurement teams to manage supplier innovation across ingredients and processes.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with suppliers to identify and leverage new ingredients and technologies.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration to ensure resource alignment, effective execution, and seamless handovers.

Execution Excellence:

• Ensure technical rigour and risk management in project delivery, adhering to global development processes.
• Manage a portfolio of complex, breakthrough projects involving new technologies.
• Stay informed of external trends, market movements, and competitor activities to identify growth opportunities.
• Launch new products with robust specifications and quality standards, monitoring post-launch performance.

Leadership:

• Set high standards of work ethic and delivery, embodying company values and fostering a strong R&D presence.
• Evaluate team capabilities and develop plans to upskill in key technical areas to support growth and innovation pipelines.

‍Business Excellence:

• Understand the operational capabilities of production lines and ensure product development aligns with these capabilities.
• Ensure product development reflects global demand frameworks and meets required specifications.
• Manage budgets, cost centres, and cost-saving initiatives for the portfolio.
• Review product characteristics to optimise profitability and consumer satisfaction, making recommendations for improvement where necessary.

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What's required?

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead a team to develop and execute a transformative product strategy that aligns with ambitious growth and sustainability goals.
• Provide clear direction, inspire performance, and drive innovation within a high-performing matrix structure.

Collaboration & Partnership:

• Demonstrate expertise in multi-cultural, cross-functional collaboration.
• Work effectively with external partners to identify opportunities and drive the development of innovative solutions, best practices, and systems.

Technical Expertise:

• Possess strong core technical skills with the ability to understand and address the needs of the business, consumers, and customers.
• Drive an exciting and forward-thinking product agenda.

Experience & Skills:

• Be a self-starter with a proven track record of delivering results in companies at varying stages of growth.
• Demonstrate the ability to upskill others, effectively communicating with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Personal Attributes:

• Show a results-driven mindset with a passion for innovation and continuous improvement.
• Exhibit excellent communication, problem-solving, and team-building capabilities.

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What's in it for you?

£80,000.00 - £100,000.00

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Do you think you fit the criteria?

Want to find out more about the role?

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(ID 143)

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