Head of Innovation

Role overview

This senior leadership position is with a global branded food company at an important point in its expansion. Based in Buckinghamshire with a hybrid working model, the role focuses on defining and executing the long-term innovation agenda across major global product lines.

You will lead high-impact product innovation initiatives that support business growth, strengthen consumer appeal and build competitive differentiation. The role spans multiple regions and functions, with responsibility for guiding a team of technical specialists and developing strong external partnerships with suppliers, technology firms and innovation collaborators.

This is a chance to influence the future of well-known brands and help create the next generation of products.

Key responsibilities

• Create and implement the long-range innovation plan and technology pathway for the assigned product categories.
• Manage and develop a team of scientists and engineers, ensuring capability growth and effective workforce planning.
• Lead new product and technology initiatives from early-stage idea development through to full commercial launch.
• Establish and nurture productive relationships with suppliers, start-ups, external partners and technology specialists to uncover new opportunities.
• Partner closely with Commercial, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain and regional R&D teams to execute ambitious innovation goals.
• Spot opportunities in ingredients, technologies, manufacturing methods and product formats that can create market advantage.
• Oversee technical oversight, risk control and commercial alignment across all innovation projects.
• Track consumer behaviour, competitor moves and emerging technologies to shape future innovation priorities.
• Contribute to sustainability, productivity improvement and portfolio change through product innovation.
• Handle project portfolios, budgets and resource deployment to deliver against business targets.
• Promote teamwork, continuous improvement and high technical standards across global cross-functional groups.

Candidate profile

The ideal person will be an experienced innovation leader with deep technical knowledge, strategic judgement and strong stakeholder management capability.

• Extensive background in innovation leadership within a branded FMCG food environment.
• Demonstrated success in delivering breakthrough products and commercial outcomes.
• Experience building long-term innovation or technology roadmaps.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary R&D or innovation teams.
• Experience operating across international markets and global matrix structures.
• Strong understanding of consumer-led innovation, product development and commercial launch.
• Experience forming partnerships with suppliers, innovation partners or technology providers.
• Excellent communication and influencing ability, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders.
• A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering or a closely related scientific subject; higher qualifications are preferred.

Additional information

Location: Buckinghamshire (hybrid). The role is based in the London area region and is intended as a full-time position.

No salary, bonus, opening count, notice period or start date details were provided in the source information.