Innovation Manager – NPD

Role Overview

Key Responsibilities

1. New Product Development (NPD) & Innovation Pipeline

• Drive end-to-end ownership of new product concepts — from consumer insight and formulation brief to pilot, validation, and launch readiness.
• Translate brand strategy and whitespace opportunities into actionable innovation briefs.
• Partner with R&D to ensure technical feasibility, cost targets, and sensory or performance superiority.
• Work closely with Category & Channel teams to optimize product-market fit, pricing, and pack architecture.

2. Business Accountability

• Deliver annual innovation revenue targets from products launched in the last 12 months.
• Co-own Product NPS and consumer ratings, ensuring continuous improvement through data, reviews, and reformulation where required.
• Track and report launch performance metrics, including velocity, repeat rate, ASP, and margin delivery.

3. Cross-Functional Leadership

• Act as Network Manager for all ongoing NPDs, ensuring collaboration between R&D, Packaging, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Category Marketing.
• Manage project timelines, risk logs, and decision gates through structured innovation frameworks (e.g., Stage-Gate / 7-Day Validation).
• Partner with Commercial and eCommerce teams for launch readiness across D2C, Marketplace, and Offline channels.

4. Consumer & Market Intelligence

• Continuously scan emerging trends, ingredients, and formats (domestic and global) to feed the innovation funnel.
• Work with the Consumer Insights team to validate product claims, benefits, and user experience.
• Benchmark competitor launches, claims, and packaging for differentiation and speed-to-market advantage.

5. Governance & Documentation

• Maintain up-to-date documentation of all innovation projects — stage status, costings, specifications, and regulatory dossiers.
• Ensure smooth handover to Operations and Brand teams post-commercialization.

Key Metrics of Success

• Innovation Revenue Contribution (% of total brand sales)
• Number of successful SKUs launched and sustained beyond 6 months
• Average Product NPS & Consumer Ratings (≥4.2 stars)
• On-time Launch % and Validation Success Rate
• Cost and Margin Adherence on NPDs

Ideal Candidate Profile

• Around 5 years of experience in Innovation, Product Development, or Brand Management within FMCG / Nutraceuticals / Food & Beverage / Personal Care sectors.
• Strong cross-functional coordination and project management skills.
• Deep consumer empathy and data-driven decision-making approach.
• Hands-on experience working with R&D, Packaging, or Manufacturing teams.
• Exposure to D2C or eCommerce channels is preferred.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, ownership bias, and high execution agility.