Emerging Innovation Manager

What we’re looking for:

• This role will provide leadership in complex and matrixed teams in Global, Sector and BU by leading the execution of strategic workstreams end-to-end in close collaboration with internal and external cross-functional partners. Internal customers (Sectors), Consumer Needs (customers, Marketing, Customer insights), and Internal Experts (TDC, Marketing, Sustainability, GP)

Building team capability in Innovation in R&D SSA (Foods):

• G0-G1: Build capability and apply best practices in Prototyping and Ideation
• G1-G2: Build capability in Design Thinking to apply in refinement of validated, winning Concepts
• Influence others to adopt new ways of working by defining, developing, and coaching Lean Innovation

Design and Lead Long Term Innovation Building in R&D SSA (Foods) to explore and build Innovation Platforms for Categories

• Lead/collaborate and co-ordinate local Hopper program annually to ensure strong pipelines for all categories
• Collaborate on Explore minimum 2 priorities per annum and develop from G0 to G2
• Facilitate and coach teams for ~2 Build priorities per annum for PSP
• Translate Science ‘Push’ into actionable prototypes and ideas to identify consumer value and commercial potential.
• To develop sustainable Foresight practice in Sector and integrate into Sector business cycle (PSP/IBP) by generating the relevant set of Foresight Scenarios in line with ‘Where do we play’ priorities from PSP and leading/facilitating discussion with Sector LT and Global teams

What will qualify you for the role:

• 5-8 years customer experience in R&D Product Development
• Completed BSc degree in Food Science, Biotechnology or Chemical Engineering or relevant field
• Strong analytical skills – the ability to interpret complex data and distill into useful and actionable information
• Technical and scientific reporting
• The ability to work alongside cross-functional peers, across levels and occasionally global colleagues
• Budget Spend management relating to pilot plant expenses
• Communication skills and stakeholder updates to R&D Manager and Directors, with manager support
• Cross functional interface is primarily with Supply Chain, Marketing, Insights, Commercialization, and all R&D functions
• Good computer skills and the ability to adapt to new technical platforms
• Strong analytical skills – the ability to interpret complex data and distill into useful and actionable information
• Communication skills, reporting and presenting stills and stakeholder updates to R&D Manager and Directors, with manager support
• Global networking skills
• SAP knowledge and skills an advantage