Innovation Manager

Job Posting

[ OFNA – INDIRECT ]

Job Title: Innovation Manager

Function: Ornua Foods North America, Marketing

Reports to: Head of Innovation

Location: Evanston, Illinois

Career Level: P3

Position Type: Full-Time

Schedule: Standard business hours

Ornua (meaning “new gold”) is Ireland’s largest exporter of Irish dairy products, proudly bringing the unique taste of Irish dairy to the world since 1961.

Are you a strategic and commercially minded innovation professional ready to help shape a consumer-led growth agenda in the U.S. food industry?

Ornua is actively seeking an Innovation Manager to join the Ornua Family as we continue our growth trajectory.

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE

Reporting to the Head of Innovation, the Innovation Manager will lead the development and execution of a robust innovation pipeline through portfolio management, global platform development, and key customer support. This role is critical to delivering the strategic growth plan over the next five years. The Innovation Manager will partner closely with the Head of Innovation to shape strategic plans, uncover growth opportunities, and own project development in a fast-paced, consumer-centric food business.

WHAT YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Strategic Insights: Utilize syndicated data, including Nielsen, Circana, and SPINS, other data sources such as Kantar and marketing mix modeling, and internal performance metrics to uncover actionable insights that inform brand, category, and channel strategies.
• Forecasting and Scenario Planning: Develop data-driven forecasts for new product innovation and disruptive platform launches using consumer insights, competitive dynamics, and in-market data.
• Project Management: Own the on-time delivery of priority innovation platforms and projects aligned with strategic growth plan initiatives and targets.
• Research: Partner with Consumer Insights to create research plans and action standards that deliver effective outcomes in response to targeted business questions.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Act as a strategic partner and lead cross-functional teams across Marketing, Sales, Innovation, R&D, and Finance to bring disruptive innovation products to market.
• Storytelling and Communication: Translate complex data into compelling narratives and strategic recommendations.
• Trend Identification: Lead relevant U.S. macro food trend tracking to help create and shape product ideation and development.
• Budget Management: Own the marketing innovation budget and ensure delivery of a robust product development pipeline within the planned budget.
• People Management: Manage rotating graduate program marketing team members.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

• Strong business acumen and the ability to connect syndicated and market data to commercial outcomes.
• Clear communication, stakeholder-management, and project-management skills.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, and negotiation skills.
• The ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations and compelling stories.
• A collaborative approach to leading cross-functional teams and delivering results in a fast-paced environment.
• A self-motivated, positive attitude with strong energy and a passion for high-quality food.

EXPERIENCE AND REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in marketing, business, or a related discipline.
• Four to six years of relevant CPG experience, including demonstrated success in innovation and new product development.
• Experience with consumer products sold through retail outlets.
• Experience using syndicated data sources such as Nielsen, Circana, IRI, or SPINS to support commercial decisions.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally up to 25%.
• Authorization to work for any employer in the United States.

Desired Qualifications

• MBA or other relevant advanced degree.
• Food and beverage industry experience.
• Experience supporting disruptive platform launches and adapting global innovation ideas for the U.S. market.

ORNUA VALUES AND COMPETENCIES

At Ornua, our Values guide how we work together and care for one another to achieve great things. Our five values encourage us to Seek and Embrace New Ideas, Make It Happen, Be Our True Selves, Show You Care, and Achieve Great Things Together.

• Curiosity: Creates an environment for innovative thinking and recognizes creative ideas and continuous improvement.
• Ownership: Empowers performance, ensures quality and delivery, and makes decisions that support sustainable growth.
• Communicative: Applies advanced communication skills to create an honest, constructive impact and achieve desired outcomes.
• Collaborative: Works effectively across functions, cultures, personalities, and levels to build strong relationships and deliver performance.

DYNAMIC WORKING

Ornua’s Dynamic Working policy supports flexible hours and hybrid working, with three days per week in the office and a two-week-per-year Work From Anywhere option.

COMPENSATION AND TOTAL REWARDS

PAY RANGE: $104,500–$127,500

The approved recruiting salary range for this P3 role is $104,500–$127,500. The final offer will be based on relevant experience, skills, and internal equity.

Total Rewards at Ornua Foods North America includes a competitive salary and annual bonus opportunity, medical, vision, and dental coverage, a 401(k), paid time off, maternity and parental leave, flexible working, fitness reimbursement, charitable donation support, complimentary Kerrygold products, free parking and secure bicycle storage, office snacks and drinks, reward and recognition programs, volunteering opportunities, and long-service awards.

ABOUT ORNUA

Ornua is a dairy co-operative that sells dairy products on behalf of its Members—Ireland’s dairy processors and, in turn, Irish dairy farmers. Headquartered in Dublin, Ornua exports to markets around the world through its Ornua Foods and Ornua Ingredients divisions. Ornua Foods is responsible for the marketing and sales of consumer brands, including Kerrygold, while Ornua Ingredients serves food manufacturing and foodservice customers globally.

Would you like to make an impact? Apply today!

Ornua Foods North America Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.