Principal Strategist, Innovation

# Principal Strategist, Innovation London, United KingdomAbout the Role As Mintel's authority on CPG Innovation (Beauty and/or Food & Drink), you'll be at the forefront of market influence and client impact. This role blends deep expertise in consumer and market dynamics with strategic foresight to guide brands through the innovation lifecycle-from white space identification to product launch and beyond. You'll be a trusted advisor, a thought leader, and a public-facing voice for Mintel, driving conversations that shape the industry. Key Responsibilities Client Engagement & Insight Activation (70%) Deliver high-impact presentations, workshops, and webinars Advise global CPG clients on future-facing innovation strategies Lead trend forecasting and custom analysis engagements Industry Influence & Organizational Impact (20%) Represent Mintel at conferences and in media commentary Collaborate with PR and Marketing to amplify brand visibility Mentor strategists and content creators Content Development & Strategic Foresight (10%) Create proprietary, forward-looking innovation content Identify strategic white space opportunities across categories Enhance syndicated content with deep analytical foresight What Success Looks Like Strong client retention and growth through strategic engagements Elevated Mintel brand presence in the innovation space Personal recognition as a thought leader in CPG innovation Who You Are Experienced: 10+ years in research, strategic insights, or marketing intelligence, with a focus on CPG product innovation Innovative: Proven track record of identifying and executing white space opportunities Credible: Confident communicator with evidence-backed perspectives and objection-handling finesse Visionary: Skilled in forecasting market trends and crafting compelling narratives Collaborative: A team player who thrives across Commercial, Consulting, Insights, and Marketing functions Proactive: You build your brand alongside Mintel's, driving growth through client success Networker - at ease networking across both the market research and CPG innovation industries. Location: Hybrid (2 days/week in London office) with frequent travel based on client needs Apply for this job