Manager, Innovation

DepartmentUniversal Robina Corporation - MainEmployee TypeProbationaryGrow Beyond UR Job with URC!Universal Robina Corporation is looking for an Innovation Manager.Job PurposeThe Innovation Manager acts as the strategic connector and orchestrator between the Global Innovation Center of Excellence, Global Marketing, & Country Category Teams, and key enabling functions across the region. The role ensures that innovation ideas, new product development (NPDs), and renovation initiatives are strategically prioritized, well-governed, and aligned with the Business OGSM, while maintaining full visibility and engagement across countries.This position enables end-to-end innovation flow—from early ideation and opportunity shaping to prioritized project execution—by aligning stakeholders, facilitating collaboration, and ensuring disciplined project management that leverage existing products, technologies, and manufacturing capabilities.Key Responsibilities Innovation Governance, Strategy & PrioritizationEnsure all innovation initiatives are aligned with the Business OGSM, strategic growth priorities, and category roadmapsLead strategic prioritization of innovation projects to balance impact, feasibility, and resource availabilitySupport portfolio-level decision-making to focus efforts on high-value opportunitiesMaintain transparency and governance across the innovation funnel, from ideation through development readiness R&D, Marketing, & Category IntegrationServe as the primary interface between the GI Center of Excellence and Regional/Country Marketing, & Category TeamsFacilitate structured collaboration to ensure consumer relevance, technical feasibility, and business objectives are aligned earlyEnsure R&D capabilities, platforms, and insights are maximized across categories and markets Ideation, Brainstorming & External CollaborationDrive structured ideation and brainstorming sessions with regional and country stakeholdersFacilitate collaboration with external partners and suppliers to unlock new technologies, ingredients, processes, and innovation conceptsTranslate external and internal insights into actionable innovation opportunities aligned with business priorities Project Management & Cross-Functional EnablementEnable end-to-end project coordination by aligning timelines, milestones, and governance checkpointsCollaborate with Engineering, Procurement, Finance, Quality, Supply Chain, and Manufacturing as enabling partnersSupport issue resolution, dependency management, and cross-functional alignment without direct ownership of functional executionPromote structured ways of working to improve speed, clarity, and decision-making Engagement, Visibility & CommunicationEnsure full visibility of innovation priorities, pipelines, and project progress across countriesAct as the central conduit for country requirements, insights, and opportunities into regional innovation planningEnable cross-country learning and sharing of best practices Process, Tools & Continuous ImprovementSupport continuous improvement of innovation governance, tools, and processesFacilitate portfolio reviews, prioritization forums, and leadership updatesPrepare high-level innovation summaries and insights for the CTO and regional leadership teamQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Food Science, Engineering, Business, Marketing, or related field8-10 years of experience in innovation, R&D, project management, or related disciplinesExperience working in a regional organizationExposure to innovation portfolio management, NPD governance, or regional sourcing preferredKey CompetenciesInnovation and portfolio managementStrategic prioritization and analytical thinkingProject management and cross-functional coordinationStakeholder management and influence at senior levelsStrong facilitation and executive communication skillsApply with us today and join us in delighting our employees, customers, consumers, and communities with good food choices!NOTE: Universal Robina Corporation does not collect fees throughout our recruitment process and does not collaborate with any travel agency or third party to provide accommodation or other services to job applicants. All URC recruitment processes happen in our respective offices or plants. Recruitment processes are only carried out by our Talent Acquisition teams with an official corporate email address.Experience Range Range (Years)5 - 8 yearsJob posted on2026-02-12