Innovation Manager

at  WaterWipes

We are disruptors, challengers, think outside the box-ers. And we are on a mission. It is a mission to help people worldwide protect what is precious to them.
Our company journey started with the same foundation. WaterWipes was created by our founder Edward McCloskey after his newborn daughter developed a nappy rash on her sensitive skin. After an extensive search, he couldn’t find a baby wipe that didn’t contain numerous ingredients, so he decided to make his own. Many years later and after a lot of hard work, testing, and scientific research, WaterWipes was born.
Pure and gentle for the most delicate skin but in the convenience of a baby wipe, WaterWipes quickly gained global traction and today the brand is sold in over 43 countries worldwide with over 3 packs sold every second.
And whilst the brand proved to be a global hit, with celebrities like Kelly Rowland praising its efficacy, we quickly recognised that our pure products were resonating with consumers of all ages. In 2021 we expanded our range with our adult care sensitive skin range and achieved full chain distribution in Walmart US, where we’ve since become the number 1 branded adult wipe in the US food channel.
Minimalism is in our DNA meaning we are equally conscious to protect what is precious in our world. Sustainability is high on our agenda, and we are constantly evolving and challenging our thinking to ensure that we are bringing what is best for both people and the planet.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Research or related subjects.
• Minimum 8 years’ experience in marketing, innovation strategy or new to market brand projects, ideally within FMCG.
• A track record of developing launch/seed/growth strategies & activations.
• Experience working across global markets and geographies a plus.
• Excellent project management skills, including leadership and problem-solving skills. Stage Gate experience a plus.
• Excellent communicator, compelling storyteller, fascinated by consumer behaviour and understanding the Why of the What.
• Entrepreneurial mindset, strong personal drive, promotes ideas and curiosity.

ROLE OVERVIEW:

We are about to embark on an innovation supercharge phase at WaterWipes so it’s an exciting time to join. Creating a future that responds to the issues and opportunities our brand, business, and customers face will fuel our business growth. We have big plans and even bigger ambitions.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to create the future and are passionate about innovation, we’d love to hear from you. We’re looking for organised ninjas, dot connectors and future thinkers. People who can see a vision and a way to get there.
We’re currently seeking candidates for two recently established positions within our Global Innovation Team. One of these roles will center around the Baby+ portfolio, while the other will be dedicated to the Adult +portfolio. In each of the positons, the succesful candidate will be responsible for driving and developing the Innovation Pipeline for the next 2-5 years, from insight generation to product development, progressing key project workstreams at pace through our new Stage Gate process. You will work closely with our local markets and cross-functional teams to develop and execute winning brand concepts and products, fostering a culture of innovation. You will ideally have a marketing or innovation background but for the right person we will welcome different experiences in order to make a big difference.

ROLE DELIVERABLES

• Develop an insights focused pipeline of category concept areas, working collaboratively with our global and local insights teams to unlock winning insights.
• Lead, manage and drive approved projects through our new Stage Gate process from discovery through to implementation stages.
• Brief and collaborate closely with our elite R&D team on new concepts and line extension developments.
• Work hand in hand with our commercial teams to create innovations our consumers, shoppers and customers will love.
• Review on a continuous basis project risks, financial deliverables, timings and other key success metrics.
• Support our innovation planning cycle, working closely with relevant teams to ensure critical timings and deadlines are captured and adhered to.
• Track product market performance and make adjustments to enhance propositions.
• Deliver regular project reports and updates to key stakeholders.
  This is not an exhaustive list and may be subject to change and amendment.