Innovation Strategy & Pipeline Management:

• Develop and implement the company’s innovation strategy in alignment with business goals.
• Build and manage the innovation pipeline—from concept ideation to product launch.
• Identify new market opportunities, trends, and technologies relevant to the food and beverage sector.
• Conduct competitive analysis and consumer research to support innovation initiatives.
• Define clear KPIs and success metrics for innovation projects.

2. Product Development & Execution:

• Lead cross-functional teams (R&D, marketing, operations, supply chain, QA) to develop and commercialize new products.
• Translate consumer insights and trends into actionable product concepts and prototypes.
• Oversee formulation, packaging, and sensory development in collaboration with R&D teams.
• Manage timeline, budget, and deliverables for each innovation project.
• Ensure all products comply with regulatory and quality standards.

3. Market Insights & Trend Analysis:

• Monitor global and regional market trends in food, beverage, and wellness categories.
• Collaborate with marketing and consumer research teams to validate ideas through focus groups or testing.
• Use data-driven insights to optimize product concepts and launch strategies.
• Identify opportunities for product renovation, line extensions, or packaging innovation.

4. Cross-Functional Leadership:

• Act as the bridge between R&D, marketing, and business development teams.
• Coordinate with manufacturing and supply chain for feasibility studies and cost analysis.
• Partner with external suppliers, co-packers, and research institutions for innovation collaboration.
• Provide training and mentorship to internal teams on innovation processes and design thinking.

5. Launch & Post-Launch Activities:

• Lead go-to-market planning, ensuring smooth transition from concept to commercialization.
• Evaluate product performance post-launch, gather consumer feedback, and propose improvements.
• Track and report ROI and performance metrics for all innovation projects.

Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Business Administration, Marketing, or Chemical Engineering (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum 8–12 years of experience in product innovation or development within the CPG, food, or beverage industry.
• Proven track record in launching successful new products and managing innovation portfolios.
• Strong understanding of R&D processes, formulation, and product lifecycle management.
• Knowledge of consumer insights tools, market analysis, and innovation methodologies (Stage-Gate, Design Thinking).
• Excellent leadership, project management, and communication skills.
• Strong analytical mindset and creative problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in MS Office, project management tools, and data analysis platforms.