Innovation Project Manager

About Colgate-Palmolive

Colgate-Palmolive is a globally recognized consumer products corporation operating in over 200 nations, specializing in Oral Care, Personal Care, Home Care, Skin Care, and Pet Nutrition. Our trusted products, including the globally dominant Colgate toothpaste, are household staples. We are dedicated to cultivating a healthier future for people, pets, and the planet by embracing our core values of Caring, Inclusion, and Courage.

Role Overview

The Innovation Project Manager is responsible for steering innovation projects from conception through delivery by coordinating contributions across internal and external teams. This role demands timely and budget-conscious completion of product innovation assignments while continuously improving innovation processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify growth opportunities by deeply understanding consumer unmet needs and category challenges.
• Scan the market for emerging trends, new solutions, and innovative technologies both within and outside the category.
• Partner with internal functions (Design, Insights, R&D, Branding) and external innovation collaborators to discover and validate new innovation avenues, particularly for Oral Care.
• Collaborate with regional teams to create go-to-market innovation strategies and incubation business plans.
• Engage with the China Devices team to exchange learnings and leverage synergies for tailoring innovations appropriate for the Indian market.
• Manage ongoing innovation projects and allocate resources effectively.
• Lead end-to-end eCommerce innovation initiatives including crafting networks.

What You Can Expect

• Experience a culture that values agility, growth, and innovation.
• Enhance your business knowledge in a large-scale company environment.
• Gain exposure to global strategic and analytical learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with a diverse group of colleagues who truly make a difference.
• Build extensive professional networks across multiple cultures.

Candidate Profile

• Incurable curiosity with a zeal to discover improved work methods.
• Ability to connect insights on consumer needs, emerging technologies, and business prospects.
• Resilient and experimental mindset capable of performing design thinking and interpreting creative experiments while embracing risks.
• Creative problem-solving skills and adaptable to ambiguous environments.
• Ability to influence stakeholders effectively and manage projects efficiently across cross-functional teams while maintaining a positive workplace.
• Genuine enthusiasm for devices, technology, and innovation in relevant spaces.

Educational and Professional Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or higher; background in Marketing or Business is advantageous.
• At least 5 years of project management experience, preferably with a strong focus on Supply Chain.
• Previous roles in FMCG and experience driving creative problem-solving are beneficial.
• Proven ability to handle multiple innovation projects simultaneously.
• Demonstrated success in advancing new perspectives and influencing senior stakeholders.

Inclusion and Equal Opportunity

Colgate-Palmolive is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds irrespective of race, gender, age, disability, or other legally protected characteristics. Reasonable accommodations are available upon request during the hiring process.

Additional Information

Relocation assistance is offered within India. The position is based in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, under job number #174118.