Innovation Manager

ofi (olam food ingredients), part of the Olam Group, offers sustainable, natural food products and ingredients, including cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices. Operating in Vietnam since 1997, ofi has built a strong presence with its head office in Ho Chi Minh City, along with regional offices and seven major factories across various provinces. As the largest exporter of cashews, pepper, and instant coffee, and among the top exporters of green coffee, ofi Vietnam works closely with a vast network of farmers. With over 4,500 employees, the company is committed to performance, diversity, and talent development. Its 'Choices for Change' strategy targets long-term impact by 2030, focusing on prosperous farmers, thriving communities, climate action, and sustainability.
JOB SUMMARY
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Innovation Manager to lead product development initiatives within the Spices and Seasonings category. The ideal candidate brings strong technical expertise and a proven track record in spices product development, formulation, and innovation. This role will play a key part in expanding our product portfolio, improving existing products, and driving market-relevant innovation to support business growth.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Product Development & Innovation
• Lead the development of new spice and seasoning products, from concept creation to commercialization.
• Formulate spice blends, optimize recipes, and oversee prototype development.
• Apply sensory evaluation, ingredient functionality knowledge, and flavor optimization techniques to ensure high-quality outcomes.
2. Market & Consumer Insight Integration
• Analyze market trends, customer insights, and competitor offerings to identify innovation opportunities.
• Translate insights into actionable concepts aligned with business strategy and consumer needs.
3. Project & Pipeline Management
• Manage the innovation pipeline, ensuring timely execution of all development projects.
• Coordinate with cross-functional teams, including Marketing, Production, Quality, Supply Chain, and Procurement to support product launch and scale-up activities.
4. Technical Expertise & Problem-Solving
• Provide technical guidance on raw materials, spice sourcing, ingredient interactions, and processing methods.
• Troubleshot formulation or production issues and recommend practical solutions.
5. Continuous Improvement
• Review and enhance existing spice products for flavor consistency, cost optimization, and quality improvement.
• Identify opportunities to streamline processes and drive efficiency in development activities.