Innovation Project Manager

Overview

The Role

Imperial Brands is on the lookout for a dynamic and detail-oriented Innovation Project Manager to join our forward-thinking Innovation team. This is a newly created role at the heart of our global R&D function, offering the chance to lead cutting-edge innovation projects in the fast-evolving Next Generation Products (NGP) category.

As Innovation Project Manager, you’ll drive the end-to-end technical delivery of multiple product initiatives—from concept through to launch. You’ll collaborate with cross-functional experts across R&D, technical, and brand teams to ensure projects meet strategic goals while upholding the highest standards in safety, quality, and compliance.

This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of product innovation within a global FMCG business, supported by 25,000 passionate colleagues and a culture that values creativity, agility, and inclusion.

• Lead Innovation from Concept to Launch
  Take ownership of multi-disciplinary R&D projects, turning bold ideas into commercially viable products while ensuring technical precision, safety, and compliance.
• Drive Technical Integration Across Teams
  Bring together diverse technical inputs—from formulation and scientific data to manufacturing feasibility and IP—into cohesive project deliverables that support decision-making and progress tracking.
• Plan and Navigate Complex Project Journeys
  Develop and manage detailed technical project plans, identifying critical paths, dependencies, and resource needs. Collaborate closely with project leads to ensure smooth execution and timely escalation of risks.
• Champion Risk Management and Technical Excellence
  Proactively identify and manage technical risks across quality, safety, and regulatory dimensions. Lead risk assessments and ensure issues are addressed and escalated appropriately.
• Own Technical Governance and Documentation
  Ensure all technical documentation is complete and up to date, including dossiers, assessments, budgets, and milestone tracking—supporting robust governance and transparency.
• Track Innovation Performance and Share Learnings
  Monitor the innovation pipeline, assess progress against strategic goals, and capture key learnings to continuously improve future R&D initiatives.

• Innovation-Focused Project Leadership
  Proven experience managing complex product development or innovation projects within an FMCG environment, using structured project management tools and methodologies.
• Strategic Planning & Execution
  Skilled in creating and maintaining detailed project plans, identifying critical paths, managing resources, and delivering results aligned with business strategy.
• Risk & Issue Management Expertise
  Confident in identifying, assessing, and escalating technical and regulatory risks, ensuring innovation projects stay on track and compliant.
• Collaborative & Influential Communication
  A natural relationship builder who thrives in cross-functional environments, with a track record of influencing stakeholders and driving alignment across diverse teams.
• Portfolio & Performance Oversight
  Experienced in monitoring innovation pipelines, tracking progress against strategic goals, and using insights to recommend improvements and inform future development.
• Commercial & Technical Acumen
  Strong understanding of product development life cycles, budget management, and the ability to integrate technical inputs into commercially viable solutions.

In return for playing your part in building our future, you will receive a comprehensive compensation package with salary, bonus scheme and further benefits as well inspiring places to work and collaborate with purpose. Here at Imperial we will give you the opportunity to grow and learn, innovate at pace and be a part of our purpose to forge a path to a healthier future for moments of relaxation and pleasure for our consumers.

Everyone belongs in Imperial. We are proud of being a truly inclusive organisation. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all ages, genders, ethnicities, nationalities, disabilities, sexual orientation, religions or beliefs and of neuro divergence.…