Innovation Manager

Hybrid - Shepherd's Bush (3 days per wek)

At GU Desserts, we’re passionate about creating indulgent, high-quality desserts that our customers love. We’re looking for an experienced and creative Innovation Manager to join our team and lead exciting product and packaging innovation projects from ideation to execution.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives on turning consumer insight into commercially successful products, while working cross-functionally to deliver innovation that is desirable, feasible, scalable, and aligned with our brand vision.

What You’ll Be Doing

* Lead end-to-end NPD/EPD and packaging projects, ensuring delivery on time and within budget

* Transform consumer insights, category trends, and market research into compelling product concepts

* Conduct store visits, competitor reviews, and trend analysis to identify new innovation opportunities

* Write engaging concept papers and kitchen briefs that bring ideas to life for internal teams

* Assess technical and commercial feasibility, support prototype development, and help define scalable manufacturing solutions

* Drive projects through the stage-gate process, ensuring all innovation activity meets required milestones and criteria

* Craft compelling stories and presentations that inspire both internal and external stakeholders

What We’re Looking For

* Proven experience in product innovation, NPD/EPD, or a related role

* Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

* Commercially aware with experience in business case development and financial assessment

* Strong analytical skills and the ability to turn insights into actionable concepts

* Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and cross-functional collaboration skills

* A passion for food innovation and creating products consumers genuinely love

The Mindset You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who is:

* Pioneering – always exploring emerging trends, ingredients, and ideas

* Accountable – committed to delivering results and meeting deadlines

* Collaborative – able to align teams behind a clear vision

* Considerate – mindful of others while maintaining momentum

* Energetic – enthusiastic, proactive, and driven in a fast-paced environment

Why Join GU?

At GU Desserts, innovation sits at the heart of what we do. You’ll have the opportunity to shape exciting new dessert experiences for a much-loved brand, working with passionate teams in a collaborative and creative environment.

If you’re excited by food trends, consumer-led innovation, and bringing bold ideas to life, we’d love to hear from you.

Benefits

27 days holiday.

Increased holiday with length of service.

Option to buy more holiday.

Enhanced maternity/paternity (Maternity is 6 months full pay after 2 years of service. 3 months full for 1-2 years).

Free Gu.

Flexi week opportunity every year.

Life event leave

Volunteering day.

Cycle to work.

Westfield Health Medical Cash Plan.

Mortgage support.

Nursery support.

Heat scheme.

Grocery Aid support.

Summer Fridays and December Fridays (finish at 1pm).

Specsavers eye voucher.

Death in benefit service (Metlife Master trust)