INNOVATION MANAGER

COUNTRY HEAD OF INNOVATION

Join Asahi Europe & International and lead innovation initiatives that drive sustainable growth across our portfolio!

Location: Netherlands, Enschede, Grolsch Brewery

Main Purpose of the Role
As the Country Head of Innovation, you will lead the local innovation strategy, identifying growth opportunities to enhance our portfolio and support market-leading brand development. Your role will involve guiding the innovation pipeline from idea generation to commercialization, ensuring that our innovations align with both global and regional strategies. You will also oversee the go-to-market plans for global and regional launches, leveraging cross-functional teams to bring new ideas to life.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop & Drive Innovation Strategy: Create a 3-year innovation agenda for liquids and packaging aligned with business goals and AEI Group Innovation objectives.
• Portfolio Development: Identify gaps in the portfolio and propose new categories and brands to drive growth.
• SmartGate Ownership: Lead the SmartGate process to ensure efficient project planning, execution, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Collaboration: Work closely with AEI Group Innovation Leads to support the implementation of global and regional innovation projects, ensuring local relevance.
• Innovation Execution: Supervise the development of consumer-driven innovation, manage product concepts, testing, and evaluations.
• Leadership: Manage and guide the local innovation team, building strong internal and external relationships to support the overall innovation agenda.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor and track the performance of new product developments, ensuring timely course corrections as needed.

Qualifications and Requirements

• University degree, preferably in business or a related field.
• 5-10 years of relevant experience, with at least 3-5 years in brand marketing/innovation, preferably in FMCG.
• 5+ years of successful leadership experience, managing cross-functional teams.
• People management experience for mid-to-large scale markets.
• Fluent in English.
• Proven experience in developing and executing innovation strategies and managing the innovation pipeline.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to oversee complex innovation projects from start to finish.
• Experience in product concept development, market launch execution, and managing pricing and packaging strategies.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and work collaboratively across functions.

Why Asahi?

• Lead cutting-edge innovation in a global company with iconic brands.
• Opportunity to shape the future of our portfolio and expand your leadership skills in a dynamic market.
• Work across markets with international teams to bring your ideas to life on a global scale.
• Enjoy a flexible work environment, attractive compensation, and a range of benefits, including health services, pension contributions, and more.

We are committed to nurturing a workplace where we celebrate and respect difference, and support everyone to be true to who they are! At Asahi Europe and International we believe you can SHINE AS YOU ARE - no matter your age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, or beliefs.  We want to support you to be courageous in your individuality and to know that whoever you are and whatever your circumstances, you can belong with us without having to conform.