Innovation Manager

Ornua•Evanston, IL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Ornua is seeking an Innovation Manager to join their team and lead the development and execution of a robust innovation pipeline. This role is crucial for delivering the company's strategic growth plan over the next five years. The Innovation Manager will partner with the Head of Innovation to shape strategic plans, uncover growth opportunities, and manage 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.
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.

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 (Nielsen, Circana, SPINS), other data sources (Kantar, marketing mix modeling), and internal metrics to uncover actionable insights for brand, category, and channel strategies.
Develop data-driven forecasts for new product innovation and disruptive platform launches.
Own the on-time delivery of priority innovation platforms and projects aligned with strategic growth plan initiatives.
Partner with Consumer Insights to create research plans and action standards.
Act as a strategic partner and lead cross-functional teams (Marketing, Sales, Innovation, R&D, Finance) to bring innovation products to market.
Translate complex data into compelling narratives and strategic recommendations.
Lead U.S. macro food trend tracking to shape product ideation and development.
Own the marketing innovation budget and ensure product development pipeline delivery within budget.
Manage rotating graduate program marketing team members.