Sr. Finance Manager - Innovation - Chicago, IL

Well Enterprises•Chicago, IL

20h

About The Position

The Senior Manager, Innovation Finance serves as the financial lead for the innovation portfolio, guiding commercial investment decisions from concept through commercialization. The role combines financial analysis, governance, cross-functional partnership, and long-range planning to support profitable growth while balancing risk, resource constraints, and long-term value creation. The position leads financial evaluation of the innovation pipeline, develops innovation P&Ls and business cases, and provides investment recommendations. It partners with cross-functional teams to incorporate financial considerations early in product development, supports stage-gate reviews and executive decisions, and recommends portfolio trade-offs and resource allocation. The role also provides developmental leadership to direct reports, influences business partners, and champions change management behaviors.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or a related field.
10+ years of progressive experience in Finance, ideally in CPG or brand-focused roles.
Strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of P&L management.
Proven ability to influence cross-functional teams and senior stakeholders.
Advanced Excel and financial modeling skills.
Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Nice To Haves

MBA or CPA preferred.
Experience with Oracle EPM, Hyperion, or similar systems is a plus.

Responsibilities

Lead financial evaluation of the innovation pipeline from concept through commercialization, presenting analysis and recommendations to senior management and internal stakeholders.
Develop and maintain innovation P&Ls, business cases, and investment recommendations.
Assess profitability, margin structure, volume assumptions, and return on investment for new products.
Partner with Marketing, Innovation, Operations, R&D, Supply Chain, RGM, and Commercial teams to incorporate financial considerations early in the development process.
Establish financial criteria and decision frameworks for innovation prioritization.
Facilitate financial alignment across stakeholders and ensure transparency of key assumptions.
Support stage-gate reviews and executive decision-making processes.
Identify risks, sensitivities, and key assumptions affecting innovation outcomes.
Provide recommendations on portfolio trade-offs and resource allocation.
Provide guidance, direction, and developmental leadership to direct reports.
Demonstrate curiosity and critical thinking by asking probing questions, challenging assumptions, and exploring alternative perspectives.
Make thoughtful, timely recommendations using available information while recognizing risks, uncertainties, and the need for further analysis.
Champion change management behaviors and influence business partners.