Senior Global Innovation Manager - Packaging & Design (f/m/d)

Senior Global Innovation Manager - Packaging & Design (m/f/d)

Do you want to actively shape the future of an iconic global brand and drive innovations that delight consumers, accelerate brand growth, and unlock new business opportunities? Then join our team in Wolfenbüttel as a

In this role, you will be responsible for leading global innovation initiatives from identifying attractive growth opportunities through to successful market launch. A particular focus of the role is the development of packaging and design solutions that combine consumer relevance, brand desirability, and commercial success.Your Responsibilities:

• Shape global innovation and future growth opportunities
  • Identify relevant consumer, market, and cultural trends and translate them into attractive innovation and growth opportunities.
  • Develop global innovation platforms and concepts that strategically advance our brand and portfolio.
  • Assess innovation opportunities based on consumer relevance, strategic fit, brand potential, and commercial attractiveness.
• Lead Packaging & Design as a core innovation driver
  • Create distinctive packaging and design solutions that enhance brand desirability, consumer experience, and business impact.
  • Translate consumer insights, cultural trends, and brand strategy into relevant packaging, format, and design concepts.
  • Develop innovative packaging solutions considering materials, structural design, printing and finishing technologies, as well as sustainability and manufacturing requirements.
• Own innovation end-to-end through commercialization
  • Take full end-to-end ownership of innovation projects, from opportunity identification, ideation, and concept development through validation, business case creation, and successful international market launch.
  • Collaborate closely with relevant functions to ensure technical, operational, and commercial feasibility.
  • Manage stage-gate processes, timelines, budgets, and risks to ensure successful execution across markets.
• Build business cases and drive commercial impact
  • Develop robust business cases for innovation initiatives and provide clear recommendations for investment decisions and portfolio prioritization.
  • Connect consumer insights, market potential, pricing, volume, revenue, costs, margins, and investments into solid growth models.
  • Translate innovation concepts into clear commercial recommendations and ensure innovations support both brand strategy and growth objectives.
• Lead international stakeholders and influence senior management
  • Lead complex international and cross-functional project teams, bringing together diverse stakeholders from Marketing, Insights, Design, Procurement, Products & Quality, Supply Chain, and international markets.
  • Confidently present and advocate innovation strategies, packaging and design concepts, and business cases to senior stakeholders up to C-level executives.
  • Assume budget responsibility and ensure transparent project and performance reporting.

Your Qualifications & Skills

• Successfully completed degree in Business Administration, Marketing, Innovation Management, Product Development & Design, or a comparable qualification.
• Several years of international professional experience in Innovation Management, Brand Marketing, Product Development, or Packaging/Design, ideally within FMCG, consumer goods, or lifestyle industries.
• Strong expertise in packaging innovation and design development, from consumer and brand insights through concept creation and prototyping to industrial implementation.
• Solid understanding of packaging materials, printing and finishing technologies, as well as a strong appreciation for design, brand aesthetics, and consumer experience.
• Experience in developing business cases and a sound understanding of key commercial drivers including revenue, costs, margins, investments, and growth.
• Strong strategic and analytical capabilities with the ability to translate insights and trends into concrete growth initiatives.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and influencing skills, combined with a strong executive presence when engaging with senior stakeholders and C-level management.
• High level of intercultural competence, negotiation skills, and confidence in international business environments.
• Fluent German and English language skills, both written and spoken.

What We Offer

• 30 days of annual leave, holiday and Christmas bonuses, and additional benefits such as a monthly product allowance from our entire portfolio and company pension scheme
• Flexible working time model
• Individual learning and development opportunities
• Corporate fitness program (EGYM Wellpass)
• Discover further benefits on our careers page

We Look Forward to Receiving Your Application!

Diversity is a core part of our culture and our brands. Different personalities, perspectives, and life experiences contribute to our success. We therefore warmly encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of identity, background, or personal characteristics.