Innovation Manager

JOB TITLE – Innovation Manager

LOCATION – Copenhagen

HOURS – 37 hours/week

About the Role

We’re looking for a dynamic and strategic Innovation Manager to join our Next Generation Products (NGP) team. In this global role, you’ll shape and drive the long-term innovation agenda for our flagship nicotine pouch brand — ensuring we stay ahead of market trends and consumer expectations.

You’ll combine creativity with commercial acumen, transforming consumer insights into compelling product concepts that meet the needs of adult consumers across both mature and emerging markets. Reporting directly to the Brand Director, you’ll also lead and mentor an Associate Innovation Manager.

This is a high-impact role at the intersection of strategy, product development, and commercial and operational excellence — working closely with Operations, Product Development, and Third-Party Manufacturers to bring concepts from ideation to market with speed and compliance.

What You’ll Do

Shape and drive the long-term innovation roadmap for the nicotine pouch category, balancing creativity with commercial viability.

Analyze consumer trends, market data, and competitive landscapes to identify growth opportunities across mature and emerging markets.

Translate insights into innovative, consumer-relevant product concepts that align with brand strategy and commercial objectives.

Lead the development and management of internal testing panels and consumer panels to validate concepts and guide product development.

Oversee product compliance to ensure all innovations meet regulatory requirements and quality standards.

Collaborate with Product Development to ensure feasibility, quality, and timely delivery.

Partner with Operations and Third-Party Manufacturers to bring products from concept to market readiness.

Guide the process of product-to-market execution, ensuring all operational, regulatory, and logistical requirements are met.

Provide leadership and mentorship to the Associate Innovation Manager.

Foster cross-functional collaboration to bring concepts from idea to market effectively.

Monitor project performance, adjusting strategies as needed to deliver on business objectives.

What You’ll Bring

5–10 years of experience in innovation, product management, or category development — ideally within FMCG, consumer health, or regulated industries.

A strong understanding of consumer insights, trends analysis, and market dynamics, with expertise across both mature and emerging markets.

Proven ability to translate insights into commercially viable product concepts.

Experience in setting up and managing internal testing panels and consumer panels to guide product development.

Knowledge of product compliance requirements and the ability to ensure adherence to regulatory and quality standards.

A strategic mindset with a track record of driving category growth

Experience collaborating with Operations, Product Development, and Third-Party Manufacturers to bring products to market readiness.

A creative yet commercially minded approach, with strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

Demonstrated leadership skills, with experience managing and developing team members.

Relevant degree and/or experience in a regulated industry is advantageous.

Industry experience will be viewed as a strong asset

This role supports the development of products intended for adult consumers aged 18+ (or as required by local law).

What is on offer?

At Scandinavian Tobacco Group, we offer a competitive compensation package, including a generous pension scheme, healthcare, dental, and career development opportunities. We also provide you with the chance to be part of a dynamic, results oriented & global company that values continuous growth, sustainability with consumer at the heart of everything we do.

Our Hiring Process

Before we proceed with the hiring process, your job application will be reviewed by our recruiting team. If your experience matches the role’s requirements, you will proceed through the following steps:

- Recruiter Screen

- Hiring Manager Interview

- Leadership Interview

About Scandinavian Tobacco Group

Scandinavian Tobacco Group is a global leader in cigars and tobacco products, with a rich heritage dating back 250 years. Since our formation in 1961, we've grown into a truly international company, operating in over 100 countries with a diverse workforce of more than 10,000 employees representing numerous nationalities and cultures. Our success is built on a portfolio of iconic brands including Signature, Cohiba, Macanudo, CAO, and Partagas. We specialize in crafting cigars and tobacco products that are synonymous with moments that matter - celebrations, achievements, and life's special occasions. We're proud of our dynamic growth strategy, having successfully acquired and integrated multiple companies over the past decade. This approach has not only expanded our market presence but also enriched our organizational culture with diverse perspectives and expertise. Sustainability is at the heart of our operations. We're committed to minimizing our environmental footprint and implementing responsible practices across our supply chain. This dedication to sustainability extends to our relationships with employees, partners, and the communities where we operate. At Scandinavian Tobacco Group, we foster an inclusive, international work environment where collaboration and knowledge-sharing are key. We believe that our diverse team is our greatest strength, driving innovation and helping us to continuously evolve in a changing global market. We're always looking for talented individuals who share our passion for excellence and our commitment to creating a positive impact. By joining our team, you'll have the opportunity to contribute to a company that values creativity, embraces change, and encourages you to craft a career that truly makes you more. Whether you're collaborating with colleagues across continents, contributing to our sustainability initiatives, or helping to integrate newly acquired businesses, you'll be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking organization that's shaping the future of our industry.

Please be informed that this Direct Search is conducted exclusively by Scandinavian Tobacco Group. We do not accept applications from agencies, and we will not provide compensation for unsolicited CVs.