Innovation Program Manager AMENA (Asia, Europe, Middle East, North Africa)

iNova was certified as a Best Place to Work in 2021. We are innovative, motivated, and passionately solution focused to support our customers in leading a healthy lifestyle. Join the team to experience the reasons why people love working for us!

The Opportunity

We currently have an opportunity for an experienced Innovation Program Manager AMENA, to join our Innovation & Regional Marketing AMENA team on a full-time basis.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing AMENA and dotted line to the Executive Director – Portfolio Strategy & Innovation, the primary purpose of this position is to play a critical role in end-to-end Innovation process including but not limited to ideation, evaluation, initiation and execution of key regional innovation projects (new product launches) and processes (iNovation – iGate & iLaunch), in line with AMENA category/ brand strategy and AMENA commercial priorities.

Key accountabilities include:

1. Drive regional innovation projects from idea, pre-iGate to iGate.

· Specifically, coordinate and new product development projects

· Lead, initiate and manage regional product Innovation projects which will include but is not limited to activities such as;

· Manufacturer and product scouting and scoping

· Product development briefing (internal & external)

· Competitive analysis in consultation with regional marketing

· Financial modelling and planning

· Project oversight and management

· Stakeholder management to drive AMENA innovation, including the coordination of activities with Local, Regional and Corporate Stakeholders

· Responsible for the on-time delivery of innovation projects meeting the agreed risk, financial and operational metrics during the iGate process

· Responsible to provide timely visibility on critical project decisions and to resolve issues through appropriate escalation pathway

· Ensure innovation projects comply with the requirements of iGate/iLaunch process, it’s application, reporting and effectiveness in enabling innovation in AMENA

· Responsible for local reporting and the timely and accurate maintenance of project information.

· Responsible to document project progress, issues and learnings and ensure knowledge retention

2. Innovation, Brand & Product strategy input & implementation.

· Pre-iGate/ideation phase, the Innovation Program Manager will work closely with AMENA marketing to ensure innovation idea is aligned to brand/product strategy as defined by the AMENA marketing category/ brand lead

· As Initiative Owner of regional innovation projects, the Innovation Program Manager will play an important role in working between key stakeholders such as local marketing, cluster heads, country heads and the AMENA Leadership Team to ensure successful commercial outcome of the innovation process including:

- Defining sourcing strategy

- iGate 1 development

- Product idea generation and prototype evaluation

- Project creation and management

3. Custodian of the iNovation (which is iNova’s innovation process made up of two parts iGate & iLaunch) within the AMENA (Asia, Middle East, North Africa) region to ensure appropriate process, training and management of AMENA NPD pipeline/projects

· Manage the overall iNovation process within the region from pre-iGate through to launch ensuring the regular cadence is scheduled and run for all relevant forums (pre-alignment, RAG reviews, etc.) and process adhered to in accordance with the iNovation process.

· Ensuring any relevant new starters are trained and added to the meeting cadence/invites/forums as required.

· Escalate any process issues to the global innovation program manager

About You

To be successful in this role, you will possess a relevant business-related degree with at least 10 years’ of experience in a commercial or similar role and a broad understanding of the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.

Other key requirements for this role include:

· Ideally, a good understanding of iNova core categories – Upper Respiratory/Wound/Skin

· Entrepreneurial skillset encompassing a broad spectrum of experiences including commercials skills, technical skills, and business development/management skills

· Good understanding of regulatory framework and requirements from therapeutic goods to cosmetics and food in key ASIA and/or Middle East markets.

· Strong project management skills and good understanding of how to launch consumer healthcare products from idea to finished product on-shelf

· Stakeholder management – advanced ability to manage many stakeholders across multiple geographies and functions, and skill in bringing the broader team on the journey.

· Commercial acumen –experience in analysing pricing, margins & and market share or similar measures

· Able to project manage a cross functional team directed to building the company’s pipeline.

· Ability to scout new technology, platforms, suppliers, products and licences to deliver against pipeline requirements.

Additional Requirements / Working Conditions

· Adhere to company values at all times

The Company
iNova has a diverse portfolio of iconic brands across 20 countries including Australia & New Zealand, Asia and Africa and a dedicated team who put people's health first every day. With our unique blend of leadership and empowerment, we are just that little bit different and are proud of who we are.

We know our people perform their best when they are happy and healthy at work, so we offer a range of benefits including:

· Hybrid working arrangements

· Health and wellness initiatives

· A thriving awards and recognition program

· And a day off for your birthday!

How to Apply

If you wish to be part of an energetic team within a thriving organisation, focused on bringing innovative products to market, please APPLY TODAY! We want you to join us in our pursuit of healthy living!