Senior Brand and Innovation Manager

E.A. Sween•Eden Prairie, MN

10h•$125,000 - $140,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a highly strategic and results-driven Senior Brand and Innovation Manager . This role is responsible for driving brand growth through the development and execution of marketing strategies, overseeing brand equity management, and leading innovation initiatives that strengthen our portfolio and bring breakthrough products to market. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader with strong commercial acumen, consumer insight expertise, and a proven track record in successfully managing established brands while launching new products in dynamic, competitive markets.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business Administration, or related field; MBA preferred.
7–10 years of progressive experience in brand management, innovation, or marketing within the CPG industry.
Proven track record of managing established brands and successfully launching new products.
Strong analytical skills with experience using syndicated data (e.g., Nielsen, IRI) and consumer insights tools.
Exceptional project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Strong leadership, communication, and influencing skills, with the ability to collaborate across functions and inspire teams.
Cross-cultural competence; must have effective and respectful interactions with people from any culture or place of origin
Entrepreneurial mindset with creativity, agility, and passion for driving growth in fast-paced environments.
Experience in managing direct reports to mentor, guide and elevate professional development.

Responsibilities

Own brand strategy, positioning and narrative
Lead the development and execution of annual brand plans, ensuring alignment with company growth objectives.
Manage brand positioning, messaging, and communication strategies across all consumer touchpoints.
Own brand performance metrics (market share, equity scores, penetration, awareness, and consumer loyalty) and adjust strategies as needed.
Translate strategy into execution across channels, in concert with sales and category management teams
Act as the brand guardian to ensure consistency and integrity across packaging, communication, and experiences.
Identify growth opportunities through consumer insights, category trends, and competitive intelligence.
Lead end-to-end innovation processes, from idea generation and concept development to commercialization and launch.
Collaborate with R&D, operations, and supply chain to bring new product concepts to life.
Build and manage a pipeline of short- and long-term innovation initiatives that align with consumer needs and business priorities.
Lead cross-functional innovation teams and stage-gate processes to deliver new products on time and on budget.
Translate consumer, shopper, and market insights into actionable strategies for brand growth and product development.
Conduct and oversee qualitative and quantitative research to identify unmet needs and validate innovation concepts.
Continuously track industry trends, competitive activity, and emerging categories to inform brand and innovation roadmaps.
Own brand P&L, helping to influence revenue, volume, and profitability targets.
Manage budgets for marketing and innovation projects, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
Partner with finance to forecast brand performance, assess ROI, and optimize pricing and promotional strategies.
Provide thought leadership, coaching and guidance to one direct report (Assistant Marketing Manager) and cross-functional team members.
Foster strong partnerships with creative, media, and research agencies to deliver best-in-class campaigns and product launches.
Act as a key representative of the brand team within the broader organization, influencing senior leadership and driving strategic alignment.