Innovation Project Manager

Here at Lion we don’t settle for ordinary. We're passionate about crafting exceptional brands that bring people together, spark conversations, and create unforgettable moments. Our Marketing team are responsible for shaping the identity and driving the success of our brand portfolio. We’re all about passion, energy and teamwork to serve uplifting moments to our consumers and truly be at the heart of good times.

This role is for someone who wants to shape the future of beverage innovation in New Zealand by turning consumer insight into commercially successful innovation — across some of the country’s most loved brands.

We’re looking for an Innovation Project Manager to join our Innovation team at the heart of one of New Zealand’s most iconic multi beverage portfolios. Reporting to the Senior Innovation Manager, you’ll operate at the crossroads of brand strategy, consumer insight, and commercial execution — helping turn big ideas into meaningful products to drive future growth.

If you’re energised by cross-functional teamwork, complex problem-solving, and creating things people will literally hold in their hands (and drink!), this is a role with both impact and visibility. You’ll have a rare vantage point across the entire business — from idea to shelf — working with some of the country’s most talented brand, supply, category, and commercial teams.

This role will be based out of our Auckland office with hybrid working options available.

A typical day might see you:

• Lead venture teams through the end-to-end innovation lifecycle, bringing clarity, accountability, and momentum to every stage.
• Navigate projects through the Stage Gate process, ensuring high-quality governance, decision readiness, and proactive risk mitigation across regulatory, supply, quality, and commercial dimensions.
• Partner with category, brand, supply chain and RGM teams to execute agreed pipeline to plan.
• Drive continuous improvement in project management approach including the adoption of best practice methodologies across project teams.

What will make you successful!

• Experience working in a fast-paced team. FMCG experience is highly regarded.
• Significant experience in best practice project management methodologies and leading cross functional project teams.
• Experience in end-to-end product management and role of NPD and value engineering in product life cycle
• Capability in leading projects through StageGate and experience with Accolade would be highly regarded
• Strong communication skills with a demonstrated ability to facilitate stakeholder meetings and derive outcomes.
• Ability to build partnerships, influence and explore multiple pathways for solutions.

Join us in building the next chapter of a proud Lion legacy by embracing a challenger mindset - being curious, courageous, and acting with conviction.

At Lion, we offer ‘growth on tap’ and you’ll get hooked on reaching higher with each new challenge. We have endless experiences to learn and grow for those thirsty for more. We have progressive flexibility, leave and wellbeing policies, backed by leaders who support the whole you. This means you’ll thrive at every stage of your personal and professional journey. At Lion you don’t have to choose – here you can win in work and life.