Innovation Manager -FMCG

We are looking for a proactive Innovation Manager to support the execution of our innovation and new business development agenda across Retail and Foodservice/QSR channels in the GCC region. This role provides hands-on experience in design of proposition/product/pack/price-point, project coordination, research, and go-to-market overview, making it an excellent opportunity for a candidate eager to build a career in food innovation.This role will be pivotal in driving the next phase of our brand’s growth by managing a robust Innovation process, innovation pipeline, commercializing consumer-driven products, and developing adjacent revenue streams beyond the core portfolio.The ideal candidate will bring a blend of deep GCC market and consumer understanding, innovation leadership, and commercial acumen. This role requires a proven ability to identify, create and scale growth opportunities with a highly iterative and in a structured experimental approach. The role works across retail products, Foodservice/QSR offerings, and potentially emerging formats such as cloud kitchens and new food concepts.KEY RESPONSIBILITIESINNOVATION STRATEGY & PIPELINE LEADERSHIPOwn and lead the end-to-end innovation pipeline across Retail, Foodservice, and new business adjacent in the GCC.Develop and manage a multi-channel innovation pipeline for Retail (packaged foods) and Foodservice (menu/QSR solutions). Identify, prioritize, and shape opportunities by leveraging consumer insights, category trends, and market dynamics.Ensure a healthy pipeline of short-term wins (LTOs, extensions) and long-term strategic bets (new categories, adjacencies, concepts).Drive stage-gate discipline and ensure initiatives are commercially viable, scalable, and aligned with business strategy.Partner with cross-functional teams for sizing the initiative, proposition development and superior claims. Create compelling insights, weave them with product features and consumer benefits.Accelerate speed-to-market while maintaining quality and profitability.Identify consumer trends, white spaces, and adjacent opportunities (new formats, categories, or partnerships).Build business cases from A-Z and prioritize innovation initiatives with clear commercial impact.Run Innovation roadshows for Commercial and business stakeholders jointly with Suppliers and R&D teamsManage external suppliers (Insights and ingredients suppliers) to gain insights on the latest trends. COMMERCIALIZATION & GO-TO-MARKETLead the end-to-end commercialization process, from ideation to launch, ensuring speed-to-market and operational feasibility.Manage the stage-gate innovation process, balancing creativity with financial viability and brand fit.Oversee launch readiness across GCC markets, including supply chain, trade activation, and marketing support.QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, & SKILLS Academic and professional qualifications: Bachelor’s or Post Graduate degree in Statistics, Food Science, Marketing, Economics or related field.Experience: 10+ of experience in Consumer Insights, Sensory and Market research (preferably in FMCG or Foodservice). Experience in Frozen foods category is a strong plus.Must have the creative streak and experience with proposition/concept developmentMust have experience with setting action standards, and be familiar test designs.Must have experience with interpretation of test data.Solid project coordination and organizational skills with high perseverance.Excellent communication skills (verbal & written).Comfortable with MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and project management tools.