Innovation and Marketing Controller

Innovation and Marketing Controller

Location: London (hybrid, minimum 2 days in office)
Salary: Up to 72,000 depending on experience
Type: Full-time, permanent

Lead innovation within a globally recognised beverage business.

We are supporting a well-established beverage manufacturing business in the appointment of an Innovation Controller to take ownership of its beverage innovation agenda across international markets.

This is a senior role, sitting at the intersection of strategy, brand and commercial delivery, with responsibility for shaping innovation pipelines, driving product launches and influencing stakeholders across the business.

The Role

You will lead the development and execution of the innovation strategy, managing a portfolio of projects from concept through to launch while ensuring alignment with wider commercial objectives.

Working cross-functionally, you will play a key role in driving growth, identifying new opportunities and delivering innovation that strengthens market position.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Leading and managing a pipeline of innovation projects across multiple international markets
• Driving end-to-end delivery of new product launches, ensuring strong execution and commercial viability
• Partnering with marketing, insights, category and commercial teams to shape innovation strategy
• Monitoring performance of innovation initiatives and using data to inform future direction
• Influencing senior stakeholders and aligning cross-functional teams around innovation priorities
• Identifying market trends and translating them into clear, actionable innovation plans
• Balancing short-term delivery with longer-term innovation opportunities
• Managing and developing a direct report within the innovation function

What We're Looking For

We are looking for a commercially minded innovation leader with a strong understanding of FMCG and consumer-led product development.

You may currently be working as a:

Innovation Manager
Senior Brand Manager
Innovation Lead
Category Innovation Manager

To succeed in the role you will likely have:

• Proven experience within FMCG, ideally food or beverage
• Strong background in innovation, product development or brand-led projects
• Ability to translate consumer insight and market trends into commercial outcomes
• Experience managing multiple projects and stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
• Strong influencing skills with the ability to operate at senior level
• A balance of strategic thinking and hands-on delivery

Why This Role

This is an opportunity to take ownership of a key category within a globally established business, shaping innovation strategy and delivering real commercial impact.

You will play a central role in driving growth, influencing senior stakeholders and building the future direction of the beverage portfolio.

For someone looking to step into a high-impact, senior innovation role, this offers both visibility and autonomy.