Innovation Manager

Ornua Co-operative Limited•Evanston, IL

3d•$104,500 - $127,500•Hybrid

About The Position

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

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
Develop data-driven forecasts for new product innovation and disruptive platform launches using consumer insights, competitive dynamics, and in-market data.
Own the on-time delivery of priority innovation platforms and projects aligned with strategic growth plan initiatives and targets.
Partner with Consumer Insights to create research plans and action standards that deliver effective outcomes in response to targeted business questions.
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.
Translate complex data into compelling narratives and strategic recommendations.
Lead relevant U.S. macro food trend tracking to help create and shape product ideation and development.
Own the marketing innovation budget and ensure delivery of a robust product development pipeline within the planned budget.
Manage rotating graduate program marketing team members.