Director of Innovation
Global FMCG Business
Location: London Area / Hybrid
A globally recognised FMCG organisation is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Director of Innovation to lead its global innovation agenda across product, category, and consumer growth platforms.
This is a senior leadership role operating at the intersection of innovation strategy, brand development, and commercial execution. You will work closely with executive leadership teams across marketing, R&D, insights, and supply chain to deliver a pipeline of high-impact, market-leading innovations across international markets.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead the global innovation strategy aligned to long-term commercial and category growth objectives
- Own the end-to-end innovation pipeline from ideation through to commercial launch across multiple FMCG categories
- Identify and prioritise emerging consumer trends, whitespace opportunities, and disruptive technologies across global markets
- Lead cross-functional collaboration across marketing, R&D, supply chain, insights, and commercial teams
- Develop new product platforms, packaging innovation, and sustainability-led initiatives
- Build and manage external partnerships including agencies, start-ups, suppliers, and innovation networks
- Track innovation performance, ROI, and post-launch success to optimise portfolio investment
- Champion a culture of innovation and experimentation across global teams
- Lead and develop a high-performing innovation team across multiple regions
Person Specification
- Proven experience in a senior innovation leadership role within FMCG or consumer goods
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering successful innovation at scale
- Experience operating in complex, matrixed, global organisations
- Strong stakeholder management skills with experience influencing at executive level
- Deep understanding of category strategy, consumer insight, and product development
- Ability to balance creativity with commercial discipline and financial accountability
- Experience leading cross-functional and/or regional teams
- Degree educated in Business, Marketing, Food Science, Innovation or related discipline; MBA desirable
What’s on Offer
- Senior leadership role with ownership of a major FMCG innovation portfolio
- High visibility position working directly with executive leadership teams
- Significant influence over category growth, product strategy, and brand direction
- Collaborative, innovation-led culture focused on transformation and growth
Or click “Apply Now” to be considered for this vacancy.
The Advocate Group is a leading recruitment partner to the FMCG and consumer product sectors. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy, which can be found on our website. Please note that The Advocate Group is acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy.
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