The Research & Innovation Manager will be responsible for managing the creation of new products for innovation from concept to launch. Leading a team of product development and sensory scientists, to achieve the deliverable of Innovation contribution to the Business Growth Plan.
The Research & Innovation Manager will represent R&D as a leader with both internal and external stakeholders and ensure close collaboration with the Brand Head of Innovation with the goal of achieving the long-term success of the Marketing innovation agenda.
Responsibilities:
- Develop the innovation pipeline choices cycle, enabling relevant and quality innovation pipeline
- Identify white space, gap analysis, NPD. Innovation strategy, cross-functional collaboration, NPD development, Technology integration, Budget management
- Lead the development of new food products, from concept to launch for projects for each market to ensure strong consumer-centricity
- Market analysis, market strategy, competitor assessment, Project management, market insight, formulation, prototyping and testing
- Deliver innovation pipeline FY+1 is delivered on time in full
- Robust business case, strong connection with BU leaders and brand managers to guarantee milestone achievement, time-to-market, risk assessment and management
- Develop and Executive the right scientific method to ensure fast creation of prototypes from Innovation Concept and Product definition Brief
- Training on new products, process, technology
- Lead research plan that incorporates different research methodologies and tests to reach findings on various products that the company makes
- Market landscape analysis, sensory evaluations, and consumer taste tests to refine product recipes and improve overall product quality and shelf life.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor or Master’s degree in Engineering, or Food Science
- Min. 5 years of project management experience
- Knowledge of beverages industry technologies
- Excellent written and oral communication skills
- Proven project management skills
- Industry expertise with relevant consumer knowledge
- Solid organizational skills including attention to detail