Innovation Manager - #2091227

Innovation Manager

Procurement & Account Management

Location: Greater Manchester - Hybrid Working

Excellent salary plus market leading benefits

Due to continued growth our client, a FTSE100 market leading supplier to the retail industry now has several excellent opportunities within their Procurement team.

Based in Greater Manchester, this business offers:

• Hybrid working
• Excellent benefits package
• Collaborative and supportive culture
• Outstanding career progression opportunities

Job Purpose

The role of Innovation Manager will support and narrate innovation projects, working with cross functional teams from concept to implementation. Close collaboration with Customer Experience, Sustainability, Digital Experience and Technology and Operational Teams are all central to this customer facing role, responsible for showcasing innovation across multiple facets of our business.

The Innovation Manager must demonstrate understanding of evolving sustainability legislation and the application of this to the sourcing and supply chain strategy, introducing innovative and sustainable product solutions or processes to meet customers’ requirements. Sustainability data should be reviewed and applied in collaboration with our wider Sustainability Team to evidence progress made in line with the company and customer targets.

Strong collaboration with internal and external subject matter experts is fundamental to ensure that colleagues and customers receive regular updates, building and utilising the Think Innovation brand. Factual accuracy is key to maintain our position as subject matter experts.

The Innovation manager will be responsible for the development and execution of a robust, commercially beneficial Brand strategy. Working closely with the Head of Strategic Sourcing to ensure viable utilisation of existing EBs across the group. Candidates should understand processes and costs involved with manufacturing, raw materials, logistics, currency fluctuations, warehousing and distribution to aid technical discussion with stakeholders.

Key Accountabilities:

• Collaborate with Digital Experience and Technology, Operational, Sustainability and Customer Experience teams to maintain pipeline for customers.
• Own the Innovation Roadmap from concept ideation through to assessing the viability of opportunities and implementation of projects both for customers and internal initiatives.
• Research and score concepts to determine their viability in the short, medium and long term for the business.
• Develop supplier relationships in collaboration with the Procurement Team to foster NPD both with incumbent and new suppliers.
• Help to drive improvements in commercial value through creative thinking and ambitious initiatives.
• Help to drive customer cost savings via alternative materials, product innovation or process improvement projects.
• Complete market reviews to provide an overview of immediate and future innovation opportunities that deliver benefits for customers or internal processes.
• Collaborate with Category Managers and Buyers to develop and deploy innovation strategies based on category portfolios, taking into consideration legislative impact.
• Maintain Innovation brand identity internally and externally.
• Support the delivery of NPD / innovations in customer meetings.
• Support the delivery of customer workshops where innovation can present opportunities for their product ranges or processes.
• Review large sustainability data sets to ensure products sourced meet legislation and identify opportunities for material re-engineering, product development, sustainable alternatives or innovation.

Experience & Qualifications required:

• Self-Starter, with the ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative, and fast-paced work environment.
• Adaptable and able to manage a portfolio of projects.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Diligent and accurate with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong Written and Verbal Communication.
• IT literate, with data analysis skills.
• Highly analytical and able to present projects in an effective manner.
• A resilient and motivated individual us required for this role in order to effectively manage relationships.
• Min 5+ years’ experience in a commercial role (preferably procurement or sales)
• Strong interest in sustainability and a desire to learn about the subject as requirements evolve.
• Commercially astute with strong negotiation skills.
• Proven track record of delivering service in a fast-paced environment.

Apply online or for further information please contact one of our specialist consultants quoting reference number: NJR16787