Title:  Innovation Manager

Core Job Information

Job Title

Innovation Manager

Department

Marketing / Strategy

Location

Head Office

Sub-department

Innovation

Band / Level

Managerial

Reports To

(Job title/Band)

Head of Marketing / Head of Strategy

Direct Reports

 (if any)

Innovation Specialist / R&D Coordinator

Job Summary

A strategic and forward-thinking leader responsible for driving innovation across categories and brands. The role focuses on identifying emerging trends, developing new product concepts, optimizing existing portfolios, and fostering a culture of innovation that aligns with consumer insights and business objectives. This position acts as the bridge between marketing, R&D, supply chain, and commercial teams to bring breakthrough ideas to market efficiently and effectively.

Job Responsibilities

Key Area

Key Responsibilities

Innovation Strategy & Pipeline

• Develop and implement an end-to-end innovation roadmap aligned with brand and business growth priorities.

• Identify new market opportunities through trend analysis, consumer insights, and competitive intelligence.

• Lead ideation, concept development, and feasibility assessment of new products and line extensions.

• Manage the innovation funnel—from idea generation to post-launch evaluation.

Consumer & Market Insights

• Translate consumer behavior, category dynamics, and market data into actionable innovation opportunities.

• Work closely with research agencies and analytics teams to validate concepts and ensure market fit.

• Monitor evolving consumer needs and cultural shifts to guide innovation direction.

Cross-functional Leadership

• Partner with R&D, Operations, and Supply Chain to ensure feasibility, quality, and speed to market.

• Collaborate with Finance and Commercial teams on business cases, pricing, and profitability models.

• Align innovation projects with marketing communications and go-to-market strategy.

Portfolio Optimization

• Evaluate product performance, SKU productivity, and category gaps to inform rationalization or refresh initiatives.

• Drive continuous improvement of existing products through formulation, packaging, or positioning upgrades.

External Collaboration & Partnerships

• Build and manage relationships with startups, suppliers, research institutions, and co-manufacturers.

• Scout new technologies, ingredients, and processes to strengthen product differentiation.

• Lead open innovation initiatives and strategic co-development projects.

Innovation Culture & Governance

• Foster a culture of creativity and experimentation across teams.

• Implement structured innovation processes, tools, and performance tracking mechanisms.

• Conduct regular innovation workshops, hackathons, and ideation sessions to sustain pipeline momentum.

Key Result Areas (KRAs)

Key Interfaces of the role

Internal Interface

• Marketing & Brand Teams

• R&D and Product Development

• Supply Chain & Operations

• Finance & Commercial

• Executive Management

External Interface

• Research Agencies

• Ingredient & Packaging Suppliers

• Innovation Consultants

• Startups & Technology Partners

Key Competencies

Technical Competencies

• Innovation Process Management (Stage-Gate)

• Market & Trend Analysis

• Product Development Fundamentals

• Consumer Insight Interpretation

• Business Case Development

• Project Management

Professional Competencies

• Strategic Thinking & Problem Solving

• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management

• Entrepreneurial Mindset

• Communication & Presentation Skills

• Curiosity & Continuous Learning

Job Specification

Essential Requirements

Desirable Attributes

Educational Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Food Science, or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in Innovation, Strategy, or Design Thinking.

Experience

5+ years of experience in innovation, product development, or strategy roles within FMCG or related industries. Proven track record of successful product launches from concept to commercialization.

Experience in regional or multinational FMCG environments.

Any Others

Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English.

Certification in innovation management or design thinking methodologies.