Manager, Innovation

Lactalis LUSY•Bedford, NH

About The Position

The Manager, Innovation will be a strategic business partner in the development of the innovation pipeline and will work closely with Marketing, Project Management, R&D, Sales, and all levels of Leadership. This role will develop and commercialize new products from idea to launch that meet the needs of consumers and customers, align with portfolio strategy, and achieve long-term brand and financial objectives. The role will contribute to the development and execution of new products ideas and bundles by uncovering consumer insights, launching on-time with excellence, category landscape analyses, competitive assessments, and through collaborating and cultivating strong working relationships with cross-functional partners (R&D, Project Management, Insights, Sales Strategy, Regulatory, Brand). The Manager, Innovation will report to the Head of Innovation and Insights.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience (7 years) in Marketing or related field required.
3+ years of marketing experience in consumer package goods or related field.
Demonstrated experience commercializing new products or product improvements.
Demonstrated ability to communicate to all levels of the organization, including the ability to present business information in a group setting.
Proficiency with Circana tools.
Ability to operate in a matrixed team environment.
High comfort level with collaboration and securing input from others.
Able to communicate and influence senior leaders.
Demonstrate confidence, thought leadership, and comfort with taking risk in ambiguous situations.
Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, analytical proficiency, critical thinking skills, problem solving skills, and team collaboration.
Ability to shift from ‘big picture’ thinking to practical implementation with ease and build a bridge from short term to long term.
Demonstrated ability to apply insights.
Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines within specified time constraints.
Ability to adapt quickly in a fluid work environment.

Nice To Haves

MBA preferred
Experience in a food category a plus.
Experience with a purpose-driven brand, a plus.

Responsibilities

Develop and commercialize the innovation pipeline for designated brands, on time and within budget.
Manage the design and execution of research projects to uncover consumer needs.
Lead concept, formulation, and packaging development, vetting against company benchmarks.
Create business cases, briefs, and presentations, performing post-mortem/hindsight reviews.
Present new business ideas in a clear, concise manner with supporting rationale.
Create presentation decks using compelling storytelling techniques that drive cross-functional and Leadership buy-in.
Be an active thinking partner for Innovation and Brand teams.
Learn and practice basic Front End innovation skills and techniques in facilitation, brainstorming, concept creation, problem solving and seek ways to apply internally.
Attend thought leadership conferences and webinars to level-up innovation and insights expertise and help to create an innovation culture.
Manage the Innovation budget.
Other tasks as assigned.