Manager Innovations

Job Purpose
To act as the conduit between Marketing and QIRD to ensure that NFL understands, and is able to develop products that meets customer needs across both local and international markets in line with NFL's strategic objectives

Principal Responsibilities
Work closely with the Marketing team to review market insights, understand consumer needs and relay these insights to the QIRD team to support the development of new products or enhance existing product

Participate in testing and rolling out new products and formulations, review customer feedback and liaise with product development team accordingly

Analyze sales data, consumer feedback, and market trends to assess the performance of products and identity opportunities for improvements

Interpret consumer feedback through surveys, focus groups, and other methods to understand customer needs and preferences and relay information to the QIRD

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Sales and Supply Chain to ensure alignment on product development goals, timelines, and strategies

Use consumer insights and market research to guide product development plans

Collaborate with research institutes and universities to stay at the forefront of industry trends and advancements

Identify opportunities to innovate and differentiate when creating new products that cater to specific needs

Work closely with the QIRD and marketing teams to ensure that all product packaging is in compliance with industry regulations of the relevant geography/market

Work with relevant teams to ensure that all product launches meet quality and safety standards set by the regulatory authorities in the relevant geography/market

Stay updated on the latest food industry trends, including dietary preferences, health and wellness concerns, sustainability, and technological advancements

Skills & Qualifications

• Innovation Leadership & New Product Development: Proven expertise in driving large-scale innovation initiatives and new product development strategies
• Creative Thinking & Disruptive Problem Solving: Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills to drive disruptive innovation and market differentiation.
• Consumer Insight & Market Intelligence: Comprehensive knowledge of consumer insights, emerging market trends, competitive intelligence, and digital transformation in product innovation.
• Innovation Portfolio Management: Expertise in managing high value/high impact innovation portfolios and commercialization strategies.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Advanced proficiency in innovation management software, data analytics, and AI-driven market intelligence tools.
• Executive Communication & Cross-Sector Collaboration Excellent communication and collaboration skills to engage C-suite executives, global teams, and external industry partners.

Background Requirements
Education:
Graduate

Experience

• 8-10 years of experience in innovation management, brand management, product development, commercial strategy, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success in managing global innovation pipelines and launching high-value, market-defining products.
• Experience working across R&D, marketing, supply chain, digital transformation teams, and external industry collaborators.
• Proven ability to translate complex consumer insights into commercially successful product innovations.

Location:
Karachi

We at National Foods are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that values and supports diversity. We believe that a diverse workforce drives innovation and creativity. Hence, we encourage and actively seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, religions, and abilities, to contribute to our mission of driving positive change in the world. If you require any additional support, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application for us to better support your recruitment journey.