Sr. Manager, Innovation Portfolio Manager

Ferrara • Chicago, IL

103d • $112,500 - $157,000

About The Position

The Innovation Portfolio Sr. Manager will have the opportunity to substantially influence Ferrara’s innovation portfolio through active performance tracking and management. Ferrara is on a tremendous growth trajectory and this is a critical time of transformation. This role offers the opportunity to drive a high-growth portfolio by guiding the organization towards innovation pipeline sufficiency. This includes leading innovation portfolio management to drive strategic growth, driving a culture of collaboration in the cross-functional innovation team and creating visibility into innovation decisions including resource allocation and tradeoffs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or related area; MBA preferred.
• Has experience in either R&D or innovation at a CPG company.
• Minimum of 8+ years of experience in food, confections or related sectors.
• Experience in innovation management.

Nice To Haves

• Well versed in variety of innovation and development approaches.
• Demonstrated proactive and collaborative leadership.
• Effectively builds relationships and influences across the organization.
• Self-starter, and energized by creation of a path-forward and bringing definition to ambiguous challenges.

Responsibilities

• Manages innovation project pipeline, including innovation metrics, to ensure sufficiency.
• Leads the Functional Monthly reviews with direct exposure and influence to the CEO, CMO, and CIO as well as other senior leadership team on progress of Innovation and prioritization.
• Leads the connection of Innovation and is the Key Point of Contact into key business processes such as 3Y Strategic Planning process, Integrated Business Processes, and Commercialization processes.
• Supports the creation of Global Innovation Platforms with the Transformational Innovation Leads, and building the creation of metrics and integration of innovation metrics from Global Markets.
• Identifies opportunities to strengthen Innovation delivery from Idea through Delivery.
• Supports the CIO in managing the function through managing staff meetings and agendas, optimized department routines and rituals.
• Drives the process of creating the strategic innovation pipeline - leading to both sufficiency and delivery.
• Drive culture of collaboration for innovation team with multiple stakeholders including brand marketing, operations, finance, and sales.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits that enhance health and financial wellness.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Eligible employees may receive an annual bonus based on company performance.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree