Project Manager - Innovation

Project Manager-Innovation German Speaking Flexible Location-Hybrid Working (UK, Germany, Poland, Austria) REF: PR/013336 The Company Our client is a well-established and growing food manufacturing business with operations across multiple sites. Driven by a passion for quality, innovation and customer satisfaction, the business is investing heavily in new product development and innovation processes to support future growth. This newly created role offers the opportunity to shape and lead innovation across the entire organisation. The Role We are seeking an experienced Innovation Manager to lead and embed a structured innovation programme across multiple manufacturing sites. Reporting into the senior leadership team, you will take ownership of the innovation agenda, developing a robust stage-gate process that takes ideas from concept through to launch and performance review. Working cross-functionally with operations, procurement, marketing and site teams, you will identify opportunities for product innovation, evaluate commercial viability and ensure successful implementation across the business. This role offers significant autonomy and the chance to make a real impact on business growth and product development strategy. Key Accountabilities Design, implement and manage the company's innovation framework and stage-gate process. Identify emerging food trends, market opportunities and consumer insights. Lead the development of new food products, concepts and customer solutions. Create and present business cases for innovation projects and new product launches. Coordinate product trials, pilot launches and site implementation activities. Collaborate closely with operations, procurement, supply chain and marketing teams. Monitor post-launch performance and use data to drive continuous improvement. Facilitate workshops and idea-generation sessions across the business. Champion a culture of innovation, creativity and collaboration throughout the organisation. Person Profile Proven experience in food innovation, product development or NPD within the food industry. Experience working within a multi-site manufacturing or foodservice environment. Demonstrable track record of successfully delivering products from concept through to launch. Experience developing or implementing structured innovation processes would be highly advantageous. Strong understanding of food trends, consumer behaviour and market dynamics. Commercially aware with the ability to balance creativity and profitability. Excellent project management and stakeholder engagement skills. Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision making. Collaborative and able to influence at all levels of an organisation. Due to a high volume of responses, we cannot reply to each application individually. If you have not had a response within one week, we are sorry to say your application has not been successful on this occasion.