Innovation Manager

Job ID: EB-1340667325
Category: Sales and Marketing
Location: Chicago, IL

Currently seeking an Innovation Manager. This role will contribute to the business by building a robust pipeline of products through a mix of PPA (Price, Pack, Architecture), partner customer adaptations and global identified concepts. You will be responsible for overall portfolio management, working with brand, insights, supply chain, finance, and sales to assure that every SKU contributes to the overall health of the brand.

KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:

• Manage development of multi-year pipeline across butter and cheese categories, focused on renovation and modification of existing portfolio.
• Work with Consumer Insights to assure all ideas are grounded in consumer needs and motivations.
• Manage all pre-stage gate work to identify and evaluate what will be brought to the idea stage, including analysis of strategic fit, category size, competitive set, target market, commercial risks, sales, volume, and profitability as well as timeline and resources needed including budgets
• Oversee management of local portfolio, leading SKU rationalization and all Renovation projects working with the Insights, Sales, and Supply chain teams.
• Work closely with global NPD team to adapt concepts to U.S. market following the stage gate process for all local adaptations.

KEY REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a marketing or business-related discipline
• A minimum of 3-5 years relevant experience in the CPG area, demonstrating innovation and new product development success.
• Key understanding of research and technical requirements involved in product and package development
• Outstanding analytical, interpersonal and relationship building skills
• Willingness to travel, both domestically and internationally (up to 25%)
• Excellent project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple assignments while meeting deadlines and quality standards
• Passionate about good, high-quality food

Values & Competencies:

• Forward Looking – Helps others to accept change, implements change, and looks ahead to anticipate change that benefits others.
• Ownership – Clarifies accountabilities, overlaps, and gaps, facilitates empowerment, helps others remain motivated through difficult times.
• Communicative – Communicates with impact, adapting style for different situations and people, to ensure all are heard and valued and feel psychologically safe.
• Working Together – Encourages co-operation in own team and ensures cross-functional working.

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