Sustainability Innovation Manager

About the role

The Sustainability Innovation Manager will identify, assess and accelerate innovative solutions that support Tesco’s sustainability ambitions across our Planet Plan, including climate, nature, agriculture and sustainable diets. The role will translate emerging trends, technologies, ingredients and business models into practical opportunities that create environmental, social and commercial value.

The role will build and manage a pipeline of innovation opportunities, develop partnerships with external organisations and support the testing and scaling of solutions that help Tesco deliver its sustainability commitments.

What is in it for you

• We’re all about the little helps. That’s why we make sure our Tesco colleague benefits package takes care of you – both in and out of work. Click Here to find out more!
• Annual bonus scheme of up to 20% of base salary.
• Holiday starting at 25 days plus a personal day (plus Bank holidays).
• Private medical insurance.
• 26 weeks maternity and adoption leave (12 months service required at the qualifying date) at full pay, followed by 13 weeks of Statutory Maternity Pay or Statutory Adoption Pay, we also offer 6 weeks fully paid paternity leave.
• Free 24/7 virtual GP service, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for you and your family, free access to a range of experts to support your mental wellbeing.
• The above information is a shortened summary, refer to our policies for full details

You will be responsible for

• Identifying emerging sustainability trends, technologies and business models relevant to Tesco’s sustainability priorities.
• Developing and maintaining a sustainability innovation pipeline across short, medium and long-term horizons.
• Scoping and evaluating innovation opportunities against sustainability impact, customer relevance, commercial value and scalability.
• Leading or supporting innovation projects, pilots and proof-of-concepts from concept through to recommendation/launch.
• Building partnerships with external organisations including suppliers, start-ups, universities and industry bodies.
• Identifying opportunities to accelerate healthier and more sustainable diets through novel ingredients, alternative proteins, reformulation and other food system innovations.
• Developing compelling business cases and recommendations for investment and scaling of successful innovations and measuring and communicating the impact of initiatives.

You will need

• Experience in sustainability, innovation, strategy, product development, or related disciplines within retail, food, FMCG, agriculture, or consumer goods.
• Proven ability to identify emerging trends and translate insights into commercial opportunities and strategic recommendations.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, partnership, and relationship management skills across diverse audiences.
• Experience developing business cases, strategic proposals, and recommendations to support decision-making.
• Ability to balance sustainability objectives with commercial priorities and business outcomes.
• Experience across food systems, sustainable agriculture, climate, nature, packaging, or related sustainability agendas.
• Knowledge of sustainable diets, nutrition, ingredient innovation, and future food technologies.
• Experience working with start-ups, innovation ecosystems, academic partners, or external collaborators.
• Understanding of environmental and social sustainability frameworks, metrics, and impact assessment.
• Expertise in horizon scanning, trend analysis, and insight generation.
• Experience managing innovation pipelines, portfolios, projects, and programmes.
• Strong strategic thinking, problem-solving, and prioritisation skills.
• Workshop facilitation and ideation experience to drive innovation and collaboration.
• Data analysis skills with the ability to generate actionable insights.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.

About us

You might know us as a supermarket, technology company or even for our award-winning mobile network. Truth is, we’re all of those things, and much more. Our colleagues work with one goal in mind, helping to make every day a little better for our customers, colleagues and communities all over the world. No two customers are the same, neither are our colleagues.

At Tesco, we champion a balance that lets you thrive both in and out of work. Spend 60% of your week collaborating with colleagues at our office locations or local sites and the rest remotely. Whether you're just kicking off your career, juggling passions, or navigating big life events, we're here to support you. We always welcome a conversation about flexible working, so talk to us throughout your application about how we can support.

We're proud to be an accredited Disability Confident Leader, where everyone’s welcome. That’s why we commit to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you need support with your application, click here  for more information. And if you're interested in joining our team but don't tick every box, don't let that hold you back from applying.

When you join us in this role, you'll be employed by Tesco Stores Limited, the Tesco legal entity responsible for your employment.