Innovation Manager

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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?

We're looking for a commercially minded, creativeInnovation Managerto lead New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) projects from concept through to launch – driving innovation across a diverse and growing portfolio.

What You'll Be Doing

  • LeadNPD & EPD projectsfrom concept to launch across product and packaging
  • Develop and deliver innovation through astage & gate process
  • Identify new opportunities usingconsumer, shopper, and market insights
  • Create and managecritical paths, ensuring projects land on time
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Brand, R&D, Commercial, Procurement, and Operations
  • Develop compellingproduct propositionswith clear target audiences
  • Managesupplier relationshipsand support production trials
  • Build and presentsell-in decksto internal stakeholders and major retailers
  • Monitor market trends and competitor activity to drive continuous innovation

Essential Experience

  • Degree in Marketing or similar
  • 4+ years ininnovation / NPD roleswithin FMCG or a brand-led business
  • Proven track record of deliveringproduct launches from concept to market
  • Strong experience withstage & gate processesandcritical path management
  • Commercial acumen, includingcostings, pricing, and profitability
  • Experience working withretailers (especially grocery)
  • Strong stakeholder management across internal teams and external partner

#J-18808-Ljbffr”, “datePosted”: “2026-04-30”, “hiringOrganization”: { “@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “Forwardrole”, “sameAs”: “https://uk.whatjobs.com/pub_api__cpl__417973568__4861?utm_campaign=publisher&utm_medium=api&utm_source=4861&geoID=394” }, “jobLocation”: { “@type”: “Place”, “address”: { “@type”: “PostalAddress”, “addressLocality”: “Blackburn” } } }
Company: Forwardrole
Apply for the Innovation Manager
Location: Blackburn
Job Description:

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?

We’re looking for a commercially minded, creativeInnovation Managerto lead New Product Development (NPD) and Existing Product Development (EPD) projects from concept through to launch – driving innovation across a diverse and growing portfolio.

What You’ll Be Doing

  • LeadNPD & EPD projectsfrom concept to launch across product and packaging
  • Develop and deliver innovation through astage & gate process
  • Identify new opportunities usingconsumer, shopper, and market insights
  • Create and managecritical paths, ensuring projects land on time
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams including Brand, R&D, Commercial, Procurement, and Operations
  • Develop compellingproduct propositionswith clear target audiences
  • Managesupplier relationshipsand support production trials
  • Build and presentsell-in decksto internal stakeholders and major retailers
  • Monitor market trends and competitor activity to drive continuous innovation

Essential Experience

  • Degree in Marketing or similar
  • 4+ years ininnovation / NPD roleswithin FMCG or a brand-led business
  • Proven track record of deliveringproduct launches from concept to market
  • Strong experience withstage & gate processesandcritical path management
  • Commercial acumen, includingcostings, pricing, and profitability
  • Experience working withretailers (especially grocery)
  • Strong stakeholder management across internal teams and external partner

#J-18808-Ljbffr…

Posted: April 30th, 2026