Innovation manager

Who we are We're Müller UK & Ireland, a family-run dairy business and we're experts at what we do. Dairy is a key part of a healthy and balanced diet and we're super proud to help meet the nutritional needs of millions of people, every, single, day. To do this, our business has been split into two areas: Müller Milk & Ingredients (MMI) and Müller Yogurt & Desserts (MYD).We're here to talk MYD, the ones aiming to put a smile on the nation's face. We're all about *Deep breath* Müller Corner, Müller Light, Müller Bliss, Müller Rice, Müller FRijj, Müller X My Protein and Biotiful Gut Health.We know that sounds like a lot, but that's why we need youWhy Müller? Yogurts and desserts flow through everything at Müller – from farm to factory to fridge. But the true impact comes from our people, in each and every corner of the business, working hard and as a team to put smiles on faces everywhere, making each day delicious for our shoppers. And, as the UK's most popular dairy brand, we're always striving to make a real difference for our planet, our partners and our people, putting sustainability at the heart of everything we do.Did you know that 29 Müller yogurt and desserts are eaten every second? And that's just the start, with ambitious plans to grow, while continuing to make a real difference for the planet, our partners and people, we're looking for a team of fridge-fillers and self-starters to help us on our mission to put a smile on the nation's face. Join a team of fridge-fillers and self-starters just doing their bit for the bigger picture.Innovation ManagerLocation: Market Drayton (Hybrid) Contract Type: Permanent Working Pattern: Full TimeMüller – Made By You At Müller, we're proud to be a business that's driven by purpose and powered by people. We're passionate about creating products that meet real consumer needs and deliver category growth. As an Innovation Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping the future of our brands by leading the development of new ideas from concept to scale-up.Your Role You'll be responsible for delivering innovation across all Müller brands, aligned to strategic priorities and consumer need states. Working cross-functionally, you'll lead projects through our stage gate process, build compelling business cases, and ensure successful handover to brand teams.What You'll DoLead innovation projects from idea to scale up, prior to a collaborative handover with the brand teamsDeliver new Innovation projects across all Müller brands, which are inline to strategic, category and consumer need states.Project manage innovation launches through the stage gate process and internal approval project reviews and gate approval meetings, building strong business cases for new projectsProject manage innovation projects from idea to scale up, prior to a collaborative handover with the brand teamsLead and drive cross-functional teams to deliver validated concepts to market.Manage project timelines including a critical path of activities that will be used to drive delivery by cross-functional teams to key milestonesChallenge and proactively seek out new consumer needs and opportunities that deliver solutions for consumersWork closely with the Consumer Insights team to validate concepts and provide compelling consumer rationale for innovation projectsWork with Procurement, Packaging and Engineering to identify how to make new ideas viable across our Muller and co-man network or source new solutionsMonitor consumer trends to help inspire future thinkingLine management of a Marketing Graduate, including supporting with personal developmentWhat You'll BringMarketing Experience: Minimum 4 years in marketing (FMCG preferred) including exposure to supporting a business with Innovation launches and concept creationAcademic Excellence: Degree-level qualification (2:1 or above) in a relevant subject, or qualified by experience.Leadership: Proven leadership experience—whether in-role or through extracurricular activities.Curious: An open mindset with an interest in the latest trend and new product launches.Analytical Mindset: Strong analytical skills and a passion for data-driven decision-making.Change Maker: Embrace and drive change with energy, displaying the ability to challenge the ways things are done and opportunities to improve.Team Spirit: A true team player—supportive, honest, and passionate about winning together.What You'll Receive In return for your commitment, drive and enthusiasm, we offer our employees numerous benefits as part of your employment, including:Competitive SalaryBonus schemePrivate medical healthcareContributory pension planLife AssuranceEmployee Assistance ProgrammeGenerous annual leave increasing with service.Flexible benefits programmeIn addition, our employees have access to a Rewards Benefits Programme, giving you a range of discounts across 800 retailers online and in store.