Manager BU Innovation

Tyson Foods, Inc.•Springdale, AR

About The Position

The Manager BU Innovation has responsibility for innovation projects, cost savings initiatives, and product changes that drive business growth and operational efficiencies. Additionally, this role develops long and short-term strategies, new product and package ideas, and go-to-market approaches that will achieve corporate growth through innovation and deliver on profit, volume, and share objectives. The role also directs the activities of innovation and consulting agencies as appropriate. The role requires strong leadership to guide cross-functional teams through challenges, resolve issues, and ensure timely delivery of complex projects. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to influence across business units, coordinate internal and external resources, and serve as a mentor and example of best-in-class project management practices. Creatively identify opportunity areas for growth by effectively using syndicated research and trend data, primary market research and competitive intelligence. Work collaboratively with Insights, R&D, Channel Marketing and the BU to identify new ideas, build research and development plans, screen ideas and optimize innovation offerings to meet consumer/operator needs and have a clear POD vs. competitors. Develop and implement the innovation pipeline and innovation strategies feeding the long range and annual plans for assigned categories, reflecting overall corporate and business unit goals. Develop meaningful consumer positioning for all innovation product lines that creates added value versus competition and effectively communicates product advantages to consumers. Define project missions, goals, tasks, and resource requirements Lead development and execution of product and packaging innovation projects including concept development, feasibility validation, product and packaging R&D, business proposal and approval, project execution, customer sell in and tracking of in-market performance. Develop and maintain detailed project plans and charters using MS Project or similar tools. Monitor progress, resolve conflicts, and implement corrective actions as needed. Report project status and issues regularly to stakeholders and PMO. Act as liaison with all other corporate functions to ensure business initiatives receive necessary focus. Manage project budgets, resource allocation, and vendor deliverables. Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, recaps, and follow-ups. Apply risk management techniques, including risk assessments and contingency planning.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree required
Minimum 3 years direct Product Innovation or Marketing experience, with proven experience delivering complex, cross-functional projects through conception to completion.
Strong communication and presentation skills
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of marketing and P&Ls
Demonstrated strength in strategic thinking with a consumer lens is required
Demonstrated strong analytical skills are required
Strong collaborator with a demonstrated ability to lead cross functional teams.
Proven ability to effectively manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment is required.
Demonstrated success in managing timelines, budgets, and resources effectively.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred
Experience managing direct reports preferred, but not required

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the innovation pipeline and innovation strategies feeding the long range and annual plans for assigned categories, reflecting overall corporate and business unit goals.
Develop meaningful consumer positioning for all innovation product lines that creates added value versus competition and effectively communicates product advantages to consumers.
Define project missions, goals, tasks, and resource requirements
Lead development and execution of product and packaging innovation projects including concept development, feasibility validation, product and packaging R&D, business proposal and approval, project execution, customer sell in and tracking of in-market performance.
Develop and maintain detailed project plans and charters using MS Project or similar tools.
Monitor progress, resolve conflicts, and implement corrective actions as needed.
Report project status and issues regularly to stakeholders and PMO.
Act as liaison with all other corporate functions to ensure business initiatives receive necessary focus.
Manage project budgets, resource allocation, and vendor deliverables.
Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, recaps, and follow-ups.
Apply risk management techniques, including risk assessments and contingency planning.