About the role
Key Responsibilities1. New Product Development (NPD) & Innovation Pipeline
- Drive end-to-end ownership of new product concepts — from consumer insight and formulation brief to pilot, validation, and launch readiness.
- Translate brand strategy and whitespace opportunities into actionable innovation briefs.
- Partner with R&D to ensure technical feasibility, cost targets, and sensory or performance superiority.
- Work closely with Category & Channel teams to optimize product-market fit, pricing, and pack architecture.
2. Business Accountability
- Deliver annual innovation revenue targets from products launched in the last 12 months.
- Co-own Product NPS and consumer ratings, ensuring continuous improvement through data, reviews, and reformulation where required.
- Track and report launch performance metrics, including velocity, repeat rate, ASP, and margin delivery.
3. Cross-Functional Leadership
- Act as Network Manager for all ongoing NPDs, ensuring collaboration between R&D, Packaging, Regulatory, Supply Chain, and Category Marketing.
- Manage project timelines, risk logs, and decision gates through structured innovation frameworks (e.g., Stage-Gate / 7-Day Validation).
- Partner with Commercial and eCommerce teams for launch readiness across D2C, Marketplace, and Offline channels.
4. Consumer & Market Intelligence
- Continuously scan emerging trends, ingredients, and formats (domestic and global) to feed the innovation funnel.
- Work with the Consumer Insights team to validate product claims, benefits, and user experience.
- Benchmark competitor launches, claims, and packaging for differentiation and speed-to-market advantage.
5. Governance & Documentation
- Maintain up-to-date documentation of all innovation projects — stage status, costings, specifications, and regulatory dossiers.
- Ensure smooth handover to Operations and Brand teams post-commercialization.
Key Metrics of Success
- Innovation Revenue Contribution (% of total brand sales)
- Number of successful SKUs launched and sustained beyond 6 months
- Average Product NPS & Consumer Ratings (≥4.2 stars)
- On-time Launch % and Validation Success Rate
- Cost and Margin Adherence on NPDs
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Around 5 years of experience in Innovation, Product Development, or Brand Management within FMCG / Nutraceuticals / Food & Beverage / Personal Care sectors.
- Strong cross-functional coordination and project management skills.
- Deep consumer empathy and data-driven decision-making approach.
- Hands-on experience working with R&D, Packaging, or Manufacturing teams.
- Exposure to D2C or eCommerce channels is preferred.
- Entrepreneurial mindset, ownership bias, and high execution agility.