Associate Innovation Manager

Job Title: Associate Manager, Innovation

Location: Evanston, Chicago IL (Hybrid)

Department: Innovation, Marketing

Reports To:  Head of Innovation

Company Background:

The most important element of our company background is our purpose.  We are a dairy cooperative of cooperatives.  That means that we exist to create value for our cooperatives and the 14,000 Irish family dairy farms they support.  This is central to how we operate, critically important for our employees and what fuels our ambition to win.

With that, Ornua is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy, exporting to over 110 countries with annualised sales of €3.4 billion.

We are multi-national, operating from 19 subsidiaries worldwide and employing over 2,300 staff. Ornua has teams working in-market across all four corners of the globe from Algiers to Beijing, to Lagos and LA.

The business is structured across two core divisions: Ornua Foods and Ornua Ingredients.

Ornua Foods owns the iconic Kerrygold brand, as well as the Pilgrims Choice, Dubliner, Forto and BEO Milk Powder brands.

Ornua Ingredients supplies superior quality dairy ingredients to leading global food manufacturers from some of the world’s most technically advanced manufacturing and prepacking facilities located in Africa, China, Ireland, Germany, Saudi Arabia, Spain, the UK and the US.

Ornua Foods North America is headquartered in Evanston, IL with additional teams located throughout the US.  The consumer foods product portfolio is spread across butter, cheese and powders.

The North America division is a powerhouse within Ornua, with an iconic and beloved brand and a highly-engaged, highly inclusive, and high-performing team that, together, have delivered double-digit, profitable growth on the business for the last twenty years.

Role Summary:

This is a one-in-a-lifetime opportunity to join a purpose-led organization, own transformational projects to drive growth for an iconic brand, and make a difference.

Position Overview:

We are looking for a strategic and commercially minded Associate Manager, Innovation to support the development and execution of a robust innovation pipeline through portfolio management, global platform development and key customer support. This role is critical in delivering the global strategic growth plan for the next 5 years. The chosen candidate will partner closely with the Innovation Manager and the Head of Innovation to deliver strategic plans, uncover growth opportunities, and manage project development in a fast-paced, consumer-centric food business.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Insights: Utilize syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, Circana, SPINS) and other databases/data sources (e.g. Kantar, MMM) along with internal performance metrics to uncover actionable insights that inform brand, category, and channel strategies.
• Forecasting & Scenario Planning: Help develop data-driven forecasts for new product innovation and disruptive platform launches leveraging consumer insights, competitive dynamics and in-market data.
• Project Management: Execute on time delivery of priority innovation platforms and projects, laddering up to strategic growth plan initiatives and targets.
• Research: Partner with Consumer Insights to support creation of research plans, and action standards, that deliver effective outcomes in response to targeted business questions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Support cross functional teams across Marketing, Sales, Innovation, R&D and Finance to deliver disruptive innovation products to market.
• Storytelling and Communication: Assist with translation of complex data into compelling narratives and strategic recommendations.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in a marketing or business-related discipline, MBA preferred.

• A minimum of 2-4 years relevant experience in the CPG area, demonstrating innovation and new product development success.
• Strong business acumen and ability to connect data (e.g., Nielsen, IRI, Spins) to commercial outcomes.
• Clear communication, stakeholder management, and project management skills
• Excellent analytical, problem solving and decision-making.
• Experience in consumer products sold through to retail outlets, preferably in food and beverage.
• Willingness to travel, both domestically and internationally (up to 25%).
• Self-motivated and positive attitude with great energy. Passionate about good, high-quality food.

What You’ll Gain:

• The opportunity to shape the future of a dairy brand in double digit growth in the US
• A collaborative, purpose-driven culture that values innovation and insight
• Competitive compensation, benefits, and career development opportunities
• Dynamic Working policy in place which facilitates flexible hours and hybrid working, with 3 days/week in office, plus a 2 week per year ‘Work From Anywhere’ option.

Total Rewards at Ornua Foods North America will include a competitive salary and annual bonus scheme. The following are a list of other benefits you can avail of: low employee contribution for Medical, Vision and Dental benefits cover; 401k; Paid Time Off; Maternity Leave (20 weeks); Parental Leave; Flexible working; Fitness Reimbursement; Charity Donation; Complimentary Kerrygold products; Free car parking and secure bicycle storage; Free healthy snacks and drinks in the office; Reward & Recognition program; Volunteering opportunities; Long Service Awards. The salary range for this role is $97,000 to $118,800 and the candidate will be offered a salary commensurate with their level of experience.

Ornua Foods North America Inc is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.