Director, Product Innovation & Category Lead | FMCG

Our client is a leading FMCG company and they are seeking a dynamic and seasoned professional to lead the development and execution of category marketing and product innovation strategies for key product categories.

This role will be pivotal in driving new product innovation, enhancing brand equity, and ensuring regional market alignment across Asia-Pacific and/or other designated regions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Planning & Innovation: Lead the development of category strategies aligned with business objectives. Drive innovation pipeline planning, including ideation, concept validation, and go-to-market strategies. Collaborate with R&D, insights, and commercial teams to identify consumer needs and market gaps.
• Regional Marketing Leadership: Ensure marketing strategies are tailored to regional consumer behaviors and market dynamics. Partner with regional sales and distribution teams to optimize product launches and promotional activities. Monitor competitive landscape and adjust strategies to maintain category leadership.
• Brand & Portfolio Management: Develop strategies on brand positioning, packaging development, and marketing communication. Manage category P&L, ensuring profitability and sustainable growth. Conduct regular portfolio reviews to optimize SKU performance and rationalization.
• Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with supply chain, finance, and sales to ensure alignment on forecasts, pricing, and promotional plans. Lead cross-functional teams in executing integrated marketing campaigns and product launches.
• Consumer & Market Insights: Commission and analyze market research to inform strategic decisions. Translate data analytic insights into actionable marketing plans and innovation roadmaps.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum 15 years of experience in FMCG category marketing with hands on experience in new product development strategies.
• Demonstrated success in leading end-to-end new product development, from concept through to commercialization, including working closely with R&D and manufacturing teams to ensure product feasibility, quality, and timely delivery.
• Strong understanding of regional market dynamics across Asia-Pacific or other international markets, with experience adapting global strategies to local consumer needs.
• Proven ability to manage category P&L, drive profitable growth, and make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills, with a track record of influencing cross-functional teams and senior leadership.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities, with proficiency in using consumer insights and market data to shape marketing strategies.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate vision and strategy clearly to diverse audiences.
• Frequent traveling to key markets is required.
• Proficiency in English, Cantonese and Mandarin is a must.