Innovation Manager

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:

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 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 Requirements:

Essential Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, Food Science, or a related field.
• 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.
• Bilingual proficiency in Arabic and English.

Desirable Requirements

• Master’s degree in Innovation, Strategy, or Design Thinking.
• Experience in regional or multinational FMCG environments.
• Certification in innovation management or design thinking methodologies.