General Manager Foods Innovations What are the Key Deliverables in this role?
Financial/Business Outcomes:
- Drive the NPD agenda in line with business priorities - initiatives that will deliver on Innovations targets as a % of turnover.
- Work with manager to Build and Deliver the Salt and Sampann innovation funnel - per brand architectures and innovation pillars.
- Leverage different idea generation platforms to identify sizeable compelling ideas for NPD to deliver growth in the midlong-term horizon ( bridge and breakthrough innovations).
- Leverage the digital tools / e-comm solutions to identify emerging trends, consumer preferences, and whitespace opportunities for new product development.
- Develop the P&L; for new launches and business plan in consultation with Finance, Category teams and Sales.
- Develop launch mix for Ecom, MT and GT including ATL Digital Comms
- Develop product specifications in consultation with the consumer insights, marketing, sales, packaging and the R&D; teams.
- Lead end to end Innovation cycle for the new launches right from identifying the gap in the market to finalizing the mix and launching it in market.
Customer Service:
- Network Management – Work with CFT team on the network timeline and ensure timely launch of products in market.
- Work with Ecom MT and GT teams and Key Customers to pitch and secure Innovation listing in Key accounts.
- Proving superiority at Point of Sale – Working with Shopper and Category teams in Implementing effective and scalable superiority activation programs customizable for market type/channels.
Internal Processes:
- Prepare a robust plan for NPD projects with clear milestones, timelines, owners and KPIs; track progress and ensure projects are executed on time and in an agile manner.
- Manage the innovation funnel stage gate process for key projects in line with business KPIs.
- Manage the Innovation Council and Bi-weekly forum and CFT platform for NPD.
- Work closely with cross functional teams to deliver on the strategic pillars of the NPD funnel; drive ownership and accountability across the organization for NPD projects.
Innovation and Learning
- Develop consumer insight-based concept product propositions, superior claims, pack format and design, persuasive communication and deliver a sustainable marketing mix.
- Lead the pilot launch for NPD in case of completely new products / brands (not brand extensions) and then successfully transition to marketing team for commercial launch – work closely with sales & category teams to see projects through to the market execution stage.
- Responsible for building a robust marketing mix for Category team to take forward – Category understanding, building brand communication assets, building a pitch for Customers, Launch deck for Sales team, promotional plans for first 3 months.
- Understand the push-pull dynamics of cross functional working and Manage complexity and simplify decision making.
- Work with reporting manager on Masterbrand Extensions' mix across: Mass, Masstige Premium range.
What are the Critical success factors for the Role?
- 6-8 years of marketing and brand management experience. Exposure to NPD in digital first roles/companies would be an advantage
- Educational Qualification – MBA (Major in Marketing preferred)
- Good working understanding of ecommerce platforms for trend spotting and implementing it.
- Ability to Demonstrate Marketing thinking and high-quality of crafting to build consumer centric concepts and superior product mixes based on real need states.
- Commercial acumen to be able to efficiently manage the P&L; Foresight for planning ahead and future proofing business plans.
- An attitude of Ownership and being self-driven to go beyond the brief and deliver growth despite competitive or internal challenges.
- Flexibility and agility in adapting to changing business scenarios.
What are the Desirable success factors for the Role ?
- 2-3 years’ experience in innovation function for digital first brand desirable
- Prior experience in working closely with cross functional teams to jointly drive business KPIs