Innovation Manager – Procurement & Account Management

About the role

The Innovation Manager will lead and narrate innovation projects from concept through to implementation, working closely with cross‑functional teams across Customer Experience, Sustainability, Digital Experience, Technology and Operations. This hybrid role is based in Greater Manchester and supports a FTSE‑100 supplier to the retail industry.

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with Digital Experience, Technology, Operational, Sustainability and Customer Experience teams to maintain a pipeline of innovative ideas.
• Own the Innovation Roadmap, guiding concepts from ideation to viability assessment and project delivery.
• Research, score and prioritise concepts for short‑, medium‑ and long‑term business impact.
• Develop and nurture supplier relationships in partnership with the Procurement team to drive new product development.
• Apply evolving sustainability legislation to sourcing and supply‑chain strategy, ensuring compliance and progress toward targets.
• Review sustainability data with the wider Sustainability Team and communicate updates through the Think Innovation brand.
• Work with the Head of Strategic Sourcing to leverage existing enterprise‑wide buying power.
• Understand manufacturing, raw‑material, logistics, currency and distribution costs to inform technical discussions.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing innovation projects within procurement or supply‑chain environments.
• Strong knowledge of sustainability legislation and its application to sourcing strategies.
• Excellent collaboration skills with internal and external subject‑matter experts.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, factual updates for stakeholders.
• Commercial mindset with a focus on delivering financially beneficial outcomes.

Required skills

What we offer

• Hybrid working model.
• Competitive salary with market‑leading benefits.
• Collaborative and supportive culture.
• Outstanding career progression opportunities.