Innovation Manager

Job Title: Innovation Manager – Marketing (Food Industry)

Location: Evanston, Chicago IL (Hybrid)

Department: Marketing

Reports To: VP of Marketing

WHY THIS ROLE IS VALUABLE 

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 Innovation Manager to lead 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 Head of Innovation to shape strategic plans, uncover growth opportunities, and own 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: Develop data-driven forecasts for new product innovation and disruptive platform launches leveraging consumer insights, competitive dynamics and in-market data.
• Project Management: Own on time delivery of priority innovation platforms and projects, laddering up to 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 deliver disruptive innovation products to market.
• Storytelling and Communication: Translate complex data into compelling narratives and strategic recommendations.
• Identify Trends: Lead relevant macro food trend tracking in the US to help create and shape product ideation and development. 
• Budget Management: Own the marketing innovation budget, ensuring delivery of a robust product development pipeline within the planned budget.
• People Management: Manage rotating graduate program marketing team members

Qualifications:

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

• A minimum of 4-6 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, decision-making and negotiation skills.
• 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 $104,000 to $127,000 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.