What are the Key Deliverables in this role?

Financial Outcomes:

• Building category strategy and growth plan for existing portfolio – staples/spices/salt.
• Build Masterbrand identity and variant strategy on portfolio.
• Build Innovation funnel and Mid-term plan to deliver i2S targets on Foods.
• Build Packaging design identity on extensions for portfolio.
• Develop Claims roadmap to deliver Superiority on propositions.
• Drive the NPD agenda in line with business priorities - initiatives that will deliver on Innovations targets as a % of turnover
• Leverage different idea generation platforms to identify sizeable compelling ideas for NPD to deliver growth in the mid-long-term horizon
• 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
• Develop the product specifications in consultation with the consumer insights, marketing, sales, packaging and the R&D teams
• Develop the P&L for new launches and business plan for 3 years in consultation with Finance, Category teams and Sales.
• 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

Customer Service:

• 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

Internal Processes:

• Manage Foods RnD X Innovation forum
• Manage the innovation funnel stage gate process for key projects in line with business KPIs
• Manage the Feasibility forum, 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

What are the Critical success factors for the Role ?

• 10+ years of marketing and brand management experience. Exposure to sales would be an advantage
• Educational Qualification – MBA (Major in Marketing preferred)
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders on plans and drive Cross functional teams to deliver projects
• Ability to Demonstrate Marketing thinking and high-quality of crafting to build consumer centric concepts and superior product mixes based on real needstates
• 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?

• 4-5 years’ experience in innovation function desirable
• Prior experience in working closely with cross functional teams to jointly drive business KPIs