Brand Manager, Innovation

POMPEIAN INC•Baltimore, MD

3d•$130 - $145•Hybrid

About The Position

The Brand Manager of Innovation will support the development of breakthrough product concepts from idea to launch. This role is pivotal in shaping the future of our brand and product portfolio, identifying white space opportunities, and translating emerging consumer trends into tangible, differentiated innovations in the food space. Brand Manager of Innovation will collaborate cross-functionally to bring compelling new products to market that drive growth, delight consumers, and reinforce our brand leadership. The position reports directly to the Director of Innovation in Baltimore, MD. at 4201 Pulaski Highway and is a hybrid role.

Requirements

Four (4) year BA/BS degree in Design, Graphic Design, Marketing or related field
4 - 7 years of experience in innovation, brand management, or product development within food, beverage, or broader CPG
Proven track record of leading successful product launches, preferably from white space to shelf
Deep knowledge of the stage-gate innovation process and comfort navigating ambiguity
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to turn insights into actionable concepts
Excellent cross-functional leadership and project management skills
Passion for food, consumers, and market trends; entrepreneurial mindset a must

Nice To Haves

MBA or related graduate degree preferred

Responsibilities

Manage front-end innovation initiatives, including trend scouting, whitespace opportunity identification, and idea generation across categories and channels for Pompeian brand
Support management of the end-to-end innovation pipeline, from early-stage concepts through commercialization, in partnership with Marketing, R&D, Consumer Insights, Operations, and Sales
Support Director of Innovation with Innovation Committee meetings and on-going updates to leadership + cross-functional teams to ensure organizational alignment
Build and champion business cases for new products, including positioning, competitive landscape, financial modeling, and go-to-market strategies
Use a consumer-centric approach to innovation—leveraging insights, data, and testing to validate ideas and optimize product-market fit
Monitor the external landscape - CPG trends, emerging food technologies, startups, retailers - to identify threats and opportunities
Partner with Sales on Club Channel strategy to identify specific needs and opportunities for Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJs.
Support Sales sell-in with customer meetings
Present new product concepts and business cases to internal stakeholders and external buyers, with an understanding of club-specific KPIs
Manage innovation initiatives across private label brand portfolios, leading packaging design transitions, product upgrades, and commercialization of new formats
Manage product timelines, briefs, packaging, and positioning from concept development through commercialization
Partner closely with the Quality, R&D, and Commercialization teams to ensure innovations meet brand standards for quality, taste, performance, and regulatory compliance
Build a network of external agency partners across key business functions to support on-going Innovation Pipeline, consumer research, go-to market strategy
Develop and maintain relationships with external partners including co-manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, startups, and innovation networks
Influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders to align behind bold, forward-thinking ideas

Benefits

Starting range is 130-145K with opportunities for advancement
401K
401K matching
Health, Vision, Dental Insurance, 100% monthly premium funded by Pompeian for a single or family
Health Reimbursement Account
Paid vacation, 40 hours paid sick leave, 9 paid holidays, 2 paid floating holidays
Annual safety shoe allowance
Paid time off for Jury Duty, Bereavement Leave, and Volunteer Events
Employee Referral Bonus Program
Free Employee Assistance Program for employees and household members
Employee led programs for wellness, diversity, and planned community events
Educational Assistance Program
Family Scholarship Program
Opportunity to work with a 2025 USA Today Top Workplace, Top 2026 Workplace in manufacturing, compensation & benefits and one of Maryland healthiest business