Innovation and Renovation Manager

About the role

Nestlé Health & Nutrition is looking for an Innovation and Renovation Manager based in Rhodes, Sydney, on a full-time permanent basis. The role provides the structure, leadership and cross-functional coordination needed to move ideas from concept to launch, overseeing the innovation portfolio across Australia and New Zealand and managing strategic priority projects within Nestlé's policies, procedures and regulatory standards.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and review the Oceania Innovation and Renovation portfolio, keeping project information accurate and supporting quarterly business reviews.
• Lead the I2L Stage Gate process and ensure projects follow the Nutrition & Health Innovation Ways of Working and governance.
• Project-manage strategic innovation and renovation initiatives across the Australian and New Zealand markets.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams to hit milestones, resolve risks and deliver launches on time and to target cost of goods.
• Advise decision-makers on commercial proposals, cost, service, capacity, complexity and project risk.
• Build relationships with global factories, local co-manufacturers and internal teams, and partner with brand and marketing teams on innovation opportunities.
• Lead the Oceania sustainability agenda and work with stakeholders across Marketing, Procurement, Supply Chain, Regulatory Affairs, Legal, Corporate Affairs, Engineering, Quality and international teams.

Required profile

• Degree in science, project management or a related field.
• 5+ years' experience, with a broad understanding of project management and Stage Gate management in FMCG and GMP environments.
• Developed understanding of food and GMP manufacturing, and knowledge of FSANZ, TGA and Medsafe regulations.
• Experience leading cross-functional projects across the supply chain, from sourcing to distribution.
• Sensory evaluation experience and understanding of consumer and customer requirements.
• Full Australian working rights; pre-employment checks including health checks are required.
• Flexibility to travel to contract manufacturers in Victoria and Tasmania.

Required skills

• Project and business systems, ideally SAP or I2L.
• Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, planning and organisational capability.
• Communication, presentation and stakeholder-influencing skills.
• Ability to coach, train and motivate others.

What we offer

• Competitive salary and an attractive bonus program.
• Up to five KitKat Days per year.
• Personalised development and varied career opportunities.
• Wellbeing benefits such as free flu vaccinations, discounted private health insurance and gym memberships.
• Purchased Leave, Volunteering Leave, Sports Leave and Emergency Services Leave.
• Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave and novated leasing options.