Innovation Manager
About the role
The Manager, Innovation will be a strategic business partner in the development of the innovation pipeline and will work closely with Marketing, Project Management, R&D, Sales, and all levels of Leadership.
Responsibilities
- Develop and commercialize new products from idea to launch that meet the needs of consumers and customers, align with portfolio strategy, and achieve long-term brand and financial objectives.
- Contribute to the development and execution of new products ideas and bundles by uncovering consumer insights, launching on-time with excellence, category landscape analyses, competitive assessments, and through collaborating and cultivating strong working relationships with cross-functional partners (R&D, Project Management, Insights, Sales Strategy, Regulatory, Brand).
- Manage the design and execution of research projects to uncover consumer needs.
- Lead concept, formulation, and packaging development, vetting against company benchmarks.
- Create business cases, briefs, and presentations, performing post-mortem/hindsight reviews.
- Present new business ideas in a clear, concise manner with supporting rationale.
- Create presentation decks using compelling storytelling techniques that drive cross-functional and Leadership buy-in.
- Be an active thinking partner for Innovation and Brand teams.
- Learn and practice basic Front End innovation skills and techniques in facilitation, brainstorming, concept creation, problem solving and seek ways to apply internally.
- Attend thought leadership conferences and webinars to level-up innovation and insights expertise and help to create an innovation culture.
- Manage the Innovation budget.
- Other tasks as assigned.
Requirements
Education: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience (7 years) in Marketing or related field required. MBA preferred.
Experience: 3+ years of marketing experience in consumer package goods or related field. Experience in a food category a plus.
Demonstrated experience commercializing new products or product improvements.
Demonstrated experience with a purpose-driven brand, a plus.
Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to communicate to all levels of the organization, including the ability to present business information in a group setting.
- Proficiency with Circana tools.
- Able to operate in a matrixed team environment.
- High comfort level with collaboration and securing input from others.
- Able to communicate and influence senior leaders.
- Demonstrate confidence, thought leadership, and comfort with taking risk in ambiguous situations.
- Demonstrate intellectual curiosity, analytical proficiency, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and team collaboration.
- Ability to shift from 'big picture' thinking to practical implementation with ease and build a bridge from short term to long term.
- Demonstrate ability to apply insights.
- Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints.
- Ability to adapt quickly in a fluid work environment.
Skills
- Communication skills
- Project management
- Research and analysis
- Product development
- Collaboration and teamwork
- Leadership and influence
- Strategic thinking
- Financial management
- Insight generation
Benefits
Comprehensive Total Rewards Program with a variety of affordable benefits and coverage options. Insurance costs are significantly supported, retirement plans are generously contributed to, and Paid Time Off is available from day one.
Pay
TBD
Schedule
TBD
Company Information
Lactalis is an equal employment opportunity employer. We will not discriminate against applicants with regard to any legally-recognized basis including, but not limited to: veteran status, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, and physical or mental disabilities. Further, any division of the Company that is an Affirmative Action Employer will comply with all related legal obligations.