Global Head of Innovation

Global Head of Innovation

Location: Buckinghamshire (Hybrid)

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced innovation leader to join a global branded food business at a pivotal stage in its growth. This is a senior leadership role responsible for shaping and delivering the long-term innovation strategy across key global product categories.

Working within a highly collaborative international environment, you will lead breakthrough product innovation programmes that drive sustainable business growth, consumer engagement and competitive advantage. You’ll work across multiple regions and functions, leading a team of technical experts while building strong partnerships with suppliers, technology providers and external innovation partners.

This is an opportunity to influence the future direction of globally recognised brands and play a key role in developing the next generation of products.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the long-term innovation strategy and technology roadmap for your product categories.
  
• Lead a team of scientists and engineers, developing capability and ensuring effective resource planning.
  
• Drive breakthrough innovation projects from early concept through to commercialisation.
  
• Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, external partners, start-ups and technology providers to identify emerging opportunities.
  
• Work closely with Commercial, Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain and Regional R&D teams to deliver ambitious innovation plans.
  
• Identify new ingredients, technologies, manufacturing processes and product formats that create competitive advantage.
  
• Ensure projects are delivered with robust technical governance, effective risk management and clear commercial focus.
  
• Monitor global consumer trends, competitor activity and emerging technologies to shape future innovation opportunities.
  
• Support sustainability, productivity and portfolio transformation initiatives through innovative product development.
  
• Manage project portfolios, budgets and resource allocation to ensure successful delivery against business objectives.
  
• Champion collaboration, continuous improvement and technical excellence across global cross-functional teams.
  

About You

We’re looking for an experienced innovation leader who combines strong technical expertise with strategic thinking and exceptional stakeholder management skills.

You will ideally have:

• Significant experience leading innovation within a branded FMCG food business.
  
• A strong track record of delivering breakthrough product innovation and commercial success.
  
• Experience developing long-term innovation or technology roadmaps.
  
• Proven leadership experience managing multidisciplinary R&D or innovation teams.
  
• Experience working across international markets and global matrix organisations.
  
• Strong knowledge of consumer-led innovation, product development and commercialisation.
  
• Experience building partnerships with suppliers, external innovation partners or technology providers.
  
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
  
• A degree in Food Science, Food Technology, Chemistry, Engineering or a related scientific discipline (advanced qualifications desirable).