Commercial Innovations Manager

JOB PURPOSE

The Commercial Innovations Manager is responsible for leading high-impact innovation strategies, developing breakthrough products, and driving market disruption to support the organization’s long-term growth objectives. This role focuses on building a world-class innovation pipeline, leveraging cutting-edge market intelligence, and leading global cross-functional teams to bring portfolio transformative solutions to market.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Innovation Strategy & Pipeline Leadership:

• Develop and execute a long-term innovation roadmap aligned with corporate growth objectives.
• Identify and develop a robust pipeline of new product opportunities with high revenue potential.
• Lead cross-functional innovation councils to assess, prioritize, and fund high-value projects.
• Establish a structured innovation framework to optimize idea generation, feasibility assessment, and commercialization.

2. Market Trends, Consumer Insights & Competitive Intelligence:

• Conduct deep-dive market intelligence studies using AI-driven analytics to identify future consumer needs and emerging industry trends.
• Develop foresight-driven innovation strategies that anticipate market shifts before competitors.
• Collaborate with market research teams to ensure data-driven decision-making with a focus on predictive analytics and real-time insights.

3. Product Development & Commercialization:

• Work closely with R&D, marketing, transformation, and supply chain teams to conceptualize and develop disruptive, first-to-market products.
• Oversee the entire product innovation lifecycle, from ideation to mass commercialization, ensuring scalability and market fit.
• Drive sustainable innovations that align with evolving regulatory and consumer expectations.

4. Project Management & Execution Excellence:

• Lead large-scale, cross-functional teams across multiple geographies to deliver innovation projects within aggressive timelines.
• Monitor project progress, manage risks, and ensure alignment with strategic goals through an Agile and data-driven approach.
• Establish a governance framework for tracking KPIs, risk mitigation, and measuring commercial success.

Skills & Qualifications

• Innovation Leadership & New Product Development: Proven expertise in driving large-scale innovation initiatives and new product development strategies
• Creative Thinking & Disruptive Problem Solving: Strong creative thinking and problem-solving skills to drive disruptive innovation and market differentiation.
• Consumer Insight & Market Intelligence: Comprehensive knowledge of consumer insights, emerging market trends, competitive intelligence, and digital transformation in product innovation.
• Innovation Portfolio Management: Expertise in managing high value/high impact innovation portfolios and commercialization strategies.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Advanced proficiency in innovation management software, data analytics, and AI-driven market intelligence tools.
• Executive Communication & Cross-Sector Collaboration Excellent communication and collaboration skills to engage C-suite executives, global teams, and external industry partners.

Background Requirements:

Education: Graduate

Experience

• 8-10 years of experience in innovation management, brand management, product development, commercial strategy, or related fields.
• Demonstrated success in managing global innovation pipelines and launching high-value, market-defining products.
• Experience working across R&D, marketing, supply chain, digital transformation teams, and external industry collaborators.
• Proven ability to translate complex consumer insights into commercially successful product innovations.

Location: Karachi

We at National Foods are committed to fostering an inclusive work environment that values and supports diversity. We believe that a diverse workforce drives innovation and creativity. Hence, we encourage and actively seek applicants from diverse backgrounds, religions, and abilities, to contribute to our mission of driving positive change in the world. If you require any additional support, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application for us to better support your recruitment journey.