V.I.E. Associate Brand Manager of Innovation - TLC

Bel Brands • Chicago, IL

11d • Onsite

About The Position

You know our brands, The Laughing Cow, Babybel, Boursin, Kaukauna, Merkts, Price's and GoGo squeez, which elicit smiles across America. They are daring, responsible and deliver dairy goodness. As you imagine, this mindset is contagious! Bel Brands USA is part of an international family company, which has led an ambitious growth strategy for 150 years and is today the world's third largest branded cheese company. If like our 11,000 employees globally and 900 people in the US, you want to have an impact in an entrepreneurial and demanding company, and share smiles around the world, dare to live the Bel experience! Bel Brands USA is headquartered in Chicago and operates two manufacturing plants in Little Chute, WI and Brookings, SD. Background and organization The Innovation Brand Management organization is responsible for identifying, developing, and launching new products and concepts that drive brand growth and relevance. This team translates consumer insights, trends, and market opportunities into innovative solutions, working cross-functionally to bring ideas from concept to market. Their role is essential in building a pipeline of breakthrough innovations that support the overall brand strategy and long-term business objectives. You will report to the Senior Brand Manager supporting the Laughing Cow brand across several areas, including but not limited to product commercialization, consumer insights and category analysis, meeting preparations, forecasting, cross functional team alignment meetings, leadership presentations, product tastings, graphics development, and agency briefings.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent with 1-2 years of innovation marketing experience, preferably with a CPG
• Must be an independent and proactive contributor that can demonstrate strong leadership, teamwork and strategic thinking skills
• Must be comfortable in fluid and ambiguous situations and working with various cross functionals across local and global teams.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in utilizing and analyzing Circana data is preferred

Responsibilities

• Support Innovation Pipeline: Assist in identifying, developing, and launching new products and concepts that align with the brand’s growth strategy and consumer trends.
• Market & Consumer Insight Analysis: Gather and analyze consumer insights, market data, and competitive intelligence to inform new product development and positioning.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with R&D, Marketing, Sales, Finance, Supply Chain and Global teams to ensure effective execution of innovation projects from ideation to commercialization.
• Project Management: Lead the cross-functional team through stage gate process ensuring timelines, budgets, and key milestones are met.
• Business Case Development: Prepare business cases for new innovations, including volume forecasts, financial analysis, and resource needs.
• Go-to-Market Strategy: Contribute to the development of strategic launch plans, including marketing mix, packaging, communication, and distribution strategies across channels.
• Performance Tracking: Monitor and analyze the performance of new launches, recommend adjustments, and identify future opportunities for growth.
• Trend Monitoring: Stay up to date on industry trends, emerging technologies, and consumer behaviors relevant to the category.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees